TOPICS OF THE DAY

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21047, 26 February 1940, Page 6

TOPICS OF THE DAY

The Air Pilot “To make a pilot takes a long time, and once fully qualified he can ill be spared,” writes Mr Peter Lawless in the Daily Telegraph, London. “The worth of the medical officer is in preventative treatment rather than curative. He is for ever on the alert to forestall illness, staleness and break-down. Pilots are followed throughout their careers; the rise and drop of individuals and units are unceasingly studied in conjunction with environment and circumstances. The number of hours a man can stand without reaching exhaustion point, the question of relaxation and leave periods are all taken into consideration by the M.O. in his constant endeavour to keep flying personnel in perfect mental health. The M.O. today puts a priority value on brain and mind. The stress of flying is met with the brain and not 4 he body. Scientifically built up, the stable aviation sense will remain, despite stress, strain and exhaustion. It will be understood, of course, that the bomber and the fighter have completely different jobs. The lighters’ flight is of short duration and often packed with thrills. The bomber may be flying for anything up to seven hours. Flying today has developed complexities which were never dreamed of 25 years ago. It presents mental problems with which only the experts can deal.”