TESTING AVIATORS' NERVES.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 203, 25 August 1916, Page 2 (Supplement)

TESTING AVIATORS' NERVES.

Many of us have been thrilled by the daring exploits of our airmen, and those of us who have seen the bloodcurdling evolution known as " looking the loop," have wondered what sort ot nerves a man must have to turn ups.de down in mid-air. Aviators go through a most careful training, nnd only those are p : cked for the work who are physically and mentally strong, and constitutionally ui what is known as the "pink of rind-ion." In France avi'ilofo are put i l-rov*. li a most exhausting te«t by an ingenious machine. The wouldbe pilot has to commence by exerting with boti Tinds a rhythmic and continued effort which is inscribed by the tambour of an apparatus, and automatically added up in kilos by a meter. He is then placed in front of a needle moved by clockwork on e complete turn in a second. Immediately the subject is aware of any deflection of the needle he must arrest it by pressing on a lever. Finally a tambour is to his pulse in order to gauge bs respiratory and circulatory rhythm. He is then submitted to a violent and unexpected sensation—a magnesium flash, a detonation, or a douche of ice cold water. The tambour mercilessly registers the tremor of his hand, the acceleration ot his respiration, and the heating of his heart. After go'ng through all this, the accomplished aviator is surely worthy of tne unstinted admiration we all feel for him.