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ALPA

Air Line Pilots Association
55th Street & Cicero Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60638
Portsmouth 7-1400

Affiliated with A.F.L.-C.I.O.

INT'L

February 1, 1968

Dr. Charles E. Billings, M.D.
Director, Aviation Medical Research Lab
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio 43210

Dear Dr. Billings:

The Air Line Pilots Association is interested in developing an in-depth and definitive study of the operational consequences of the in-flight incapacitation in air line pilots. Our objective, in the broadest sense, is to ensure that we understand this problem and that we face it realistically and objectively.

A logical first step might be the development of a protocol and perhaps a feasibility study. We should very much appreciate your comments, including the possibility of participation by you and your colleagues as well as an estimate of the time and money which might be involved. 

The following list of questions will give you an idea of the problem as we see it, although we are well aware that it may not be limited to these specific questions.

1. What types of medical problems are involved?

2. What sort of behavior occurs with these medical problems, including - to the extent possible - the probability of specific types of behavior?

3. How much and what type of warning is available with specific medical problems including range and probabilities?

4. What are the relevant psychological areas, if any?

5. What are the characteristics of the critical operational consequences of the in-flight incapacitation?

6. What are the critical operational parameters including the time parameters?

"SCHEDULE WITH SAFETY"