AIRMEN'S NERVES.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 888, 6 August 1910, Page 5

AIRMEN'S NERVES.

GERMANY FORBIDS AEROPLANE v . DISPLAYS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Berlin, August 5. The Government is enacting regulations to prevent aeroplanes giving spectacular displays. Flying over towns is also forbidden. EFFECTS OF THE STRAIN OF FLYING. .. Several well-known airmen,, after-mak-ing recently a largo number of public flights, have betrayed distinct traces of severe nervous strain. The question is now being discussed whether tfiO i great a tai is put upon a man by manipulating constantly tho imperfect aircraft which axe the best" that can at present be obtained. .. • ... The "Lancet" in June raised the point whether the human organisation would stand the entirely'new stresses imposed upon it by the conditions of flight, it has been noticed recently that'pilots making freauent ascents before large crowds show what is not a fear of flying, but a growing realisation of tlie risks run while in the air.. The airmen examine every detail of their machines ..before rising with, an ever-increasing care, and they study the wind conditions with, an almost painful minuteness, which shows that (hey have become fully aware that the slightest miscalculation would havo disastrous results. " . . Protests are in this connection being made against the action of people who at firing exhibitions demand that the airman should fly, however unsuitable the conditions.. A clamouring, impatient crowd imposes a terrible strain upon the man who is eager to fly, granted proper, weather. Plying ¥> only possible at present in fair winds J it is s-ieer hrutnlity to call for a man to ascend in : gusty air-currents, and so risk his life. -Some people appear to think that the payment of a shilling gives them a right to see a flight, ,no matter what the weather is like.