THE STRAIN OF FLYING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3354, 21 October 1911, Page 2

THE STRAIN OF FLYING.

PHYSICAL TROUBLES OF AVIATORS. The increasing number of aviators and the development of aeroplane flying have given opportunities for making some interesting observations ‘ on the physiological conditions incidental to this new method of progression. Several factors have to be taken into consideration. Rising to a great height in the air produces effects similar to those of mountain sickness—namely, giddiness, nausea and 'headache; but owing to the rapid transition from a low.-.-level to a high one, or conversely, the blood pressure if it is altered is not .allowed', sufficient time to become steady as it can do in mountain climbing; the conditions, in fact, have some resemblance to those -of a balloon ascent or of an abrupt descent, and even more resemblance to what is seen in the case of sub-aqueous workers who are quickly brought to the surface from a diving bell, although in aviation the pressures are very much less. There are also great variations with different individuals, for attacks of mountain sickness and other discomforts due to change of pressure are experienced by some at a height of 1500 metres, while others are not affected until they reach 2000 metres. AH the observations that have been made show that the blood pressure is increased, but only to a slight extent, because it is counterbalanced by the free access of air which, according to the researches of Langlois, tends to reduce the blood pressure. Other factors to lie considered are the duration of flight and the encountering of difficulties. Nervous fatigue lowers the blood pressure and quickens the pulse. The nervous tension brought about by the necessity for being continually on the alert in presence of dangers has a special influence which varies according to the temperament of the individual. The aviator Beaumont when lie came down from his machine after having won the prize for the European circuit was remarkably calm and liis pulse rate scarcely reached 85, but he told me that his great natural composure and his long practice in making assents did not prevent him from having sensations of emotion and cardiac palpitation in moments of danger. As a general result it may be said that aeroplane flying does not cause any special form of illness.