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Eight THE AIR LINE PILOT September, 1947 Pilot Delegates at Technical Crash Hearing [[Image]] Pictured above at their reserved tables is the ALPA pilot designation at the technical hearings into the EAL Bainbridge, Md., crash, held in the Hotel Lexington, New York City, on July 17, 18, and 19. Left to right: J. G. LaVake, of Local Council No. 51, EAL-New York; T. G. Linnert and C. F. Eck, of the Engineering and Air Safety Department; L. R. Matthews, of Local Council No. 51, EAL-New York; James Grier, of Local Council No. 72, EAL-Boston; and W. T. Babbitt, of Local Council No.18, EAL - Miami. Although definite cause of the accident has not yet been determined, several factors have been brought to light resulting in two ALPA recommendations to the CAB: (1) That independent rigging be used for each elevator tab, permitting control of the plane even though one tab is malfunctioning; and (2) That in addition to CAB design requirements, consideration be given to service life and general maintenance work on all pertinent fittings. Up In the Clouds By DAVE BRACK Council No.7, EAL Atlanta, Ga. Most important of the good news to the Eastern Air Lines family is the announcement by Captain Eddie Rickenbacker of a company retirement plan about which even the pilots can't find reason to complain. The younger captains are now floating on clouds expecting some of the greybeards to retire very shortly; however, Captain Walt Shaffer, number three on our seniority list, advises said remarks are strictly rumor. All kidding aside though, the plan is tops and not only a wonderful break for the pilots but all members of Eastern Air Lines. We of Atlanta wish to take this opportunity to thank Captain Eddie for the time and work necessary to give us such a swell retirement plan. Now I can buy that new shotgun I have had my eye on. Even though Captain Walt does not retire, the junior captains will be glad to know that four additional captains will be based in Chicago and they will probably be furnished from Atlanta. Family man Jim Bishop will be glad to hear of this. All captains in Atlanta have now finished the prescribed ILS training. Miami furnished us with a plane and some instructors and it didn't take long to get the know-how. The instructors from Miami, along with our own check pilots, did a good job. I wonder how a fellow gets a job like that. I bought a cigarette holder, but so far haven't heard a word. Two new DC-4 runs go on schedule soon. One to Boston will be flown by Captains Hamilton, Cole, Seaman and Dothard and the other to Chicago will be handled by Captains Prince, Du Bose, Patrick and Crawford. Captain Patrick recently returned to Atlanta from New Orleans. Pat says he likes the South but New Orleans is just a "leetle" too far south. We are all glad to welcome Pat back with us. In the preacher-and-ring departments, we have Pilot Shannon getting hitched to a Delta Air Lines' lass. Pilot Alexander Blair also is making the jump and Pilot Art Nelson is running off with one of our stewardesses, namely, Beth Lainheart. So to all, congratulations and the very best of luck! The birth department goes along with the above department. But from what I hear, the Stork is going to be so busy that space will limit the coming events; however, if the proud fathers will contact me, I will be glad to call for my cigars. Captain "Day-Time-Run" Bob Neal found a dead rat in his water well. While I realize this is no place to discuss dead rats, the darn rodent did ruin nine feet of good ole well water. As a warning to Bob's many friends he has purchased a set of drums which with he accompanies various radio bands in the belief that his musical ability greatly aids the ordinary run of the mill name bands. Boy, what a sense of humor his wife must have! We now have a new ALPA chairman here in Crackertown by the name of Perry Hudson and the guy is made to order for the job. He is sincere and honest and we are all behind Perry a hundred per cent. He is doing a fine job as ALPA chairman. The last remark was made in the hope that he will loan me his new gasoline lawn mower. So long for now and will be back again next month. A RETURN TO COMMON SENSE THERE ARE DEFINITE INDICATIONS THAT AIR LINES ARE BECOMING CONSIDERABLY MORE CAREFUL ABOUT THE TYPE OF AIRCRAFT SELECTED AND RETURNING TO SOME SEMBLANCE OF COMMON SENSE IN PRE-PURCHASE STUDY OF EQUIPMENT. AIR LINE EXECUTIVES, ACCORDING TO REPORTS, ARE NOW SCRUTINIZING THE ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS OF THE DOUGLAS DC-9, WHICH IS STILL IN THE SPECIFICATIONS STAGE AND DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES NO DEFINITE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON THE DOUGLAS DC-9 UNTIL THEY HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ANALYZE THE REACTION OF AIR LINES TO THE AIRPLANE. THE DC-9 IS DESIGNED FOR 28 PASSENGERS FOR ROUTES REQUIRING FREQUENT TAKE-OFFS AND LANDINGS AND REGARDED AS A POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT FOR THE DC-3 BUT IS NOT IN A COMPETITIVE CLASS WITH THE MARTIN 202 AND 303 OR THE CONVAIR 240. The Human Side (Continued from Page 4, Col 5) serious. But I am 71 and I was traveling alone. I could not help feeling the pain might recur. "I asked the stewardess if she thought I could engage a porter to guide me to the desk to show my ticket, to find me a comfortable seat, and to look in on me occasionally until the five hours passed and I could board the plane for Richmond. "The stewardess said she would see. She returned and said the pilot of the plane invited me to his apartment where I could rest. He drove me there where his wife and little boys made me welcome. I tried my best to induce them to dine with me at the La Guardia restaurant, but the pilot firmly refused. Something went wrong in their kitchen and they took me to another restaurant. After that, they saw me into the plane for Richmond. "For a Cause" "I asked them their names - Miss Jean Bauman and Captain Bernard Hill. They knew nothing of me, or I of them until they found I was alone and a little afraid I might be ill. I have traveled a good deal and I have entertained considerably, but Captain and Mrs. Hill showed me the kindest and most gracious hospitality I have ever experienced. I thank Colonial Airlines for having such unusual employees." Captain Imeson's story was a little different, but every bit as commendable. After flying a special TWA mercy to the Gage, Oklahoma, tornado a while back, he signed his flight card as follows: "This card is for record purposed only. If TWA can supply an airplane for this good cause, I can supply a night's sleep and a day's time ... so, no pay." The stories of Captains Hill and Imeson are being repeated every day with different versions on the nation's air lines - a constant tribute to the men who are helping put American commercial aviation out in front. Streptomycin By Herbert F. Fenwick, M.D. ALPA Aero-Medical Dept. This article is being written and published in the interests of all airline pilots and other flying personnel. I feel that pilots should thoroughly understand the possible reactions of this new form of medical treatment. While a pilot or any other patient does not possess the necessary basic medical training to decide what form of treatment he should receive for his particular ailment, it is felt that a pilot should make certain his doctors knows he earns his livelihood by flying before receiving streptomycin therapy. Streptomycin comes under the classification of anti-biotic medication. Penicillin is another anti-biotic preparation. While there are very few unfavorable side-reactions from the latter preparation, the side-reactions or toxicity of streptomycin are more serious. Allergic symptoms such as hives and skin rashes may follow the administration of any anti-biotic preparation. These are usually not serious and subside upon withdrawal of the medication or under proper anti-allergic treatment. Streptomycin administration in many cases has produced a disturbance of the mechanism of equilibrium which is manifested by severe vertigo or dizziness. Recently in a large institution a special study has been made of the side-effects following the administration of streptomycin. In this group the anti-biotic drug was administered as treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis for about four months. It was found that of 528 cases treated for the period of four months, there were 498 cases that developed either subjective or objective symptoms of vestibular disturbances.The latter term is used because most of our sense of equilibrium is located in the semicircular canals and vestibule located in the labyrinth within the inner ear. These vestibular disturbances are manifested by vertigo, nystagmus, nausea, and disturbances of equilibrium. Vertigo or dizziness is the subjective sensation of disturbed relationship of the body to surrounding objects or to gravity. Nystagmus is the involuntary jerking of the eyeball that occurs when equilibrium is disturbed. The objective symptoms of any disturbance in equilibrium is loss of [[box]] Are you wearing a new ALPA emblem? The new pin, which is superior to the old one in every way, is available at Headquarters for $1.20 each. It has a bronze base and is gold plated with the letters, ALPA, cut clear and distinct, "EMBLEMIZE" now. [[/box]] power of maintaining the body in an upright position and staggering. If the delicate nerve centers in the brain that regulate equilibrium are destroyed, it is very difficult for the individual to get around in the dark. Her will stagger and often fall and injure himself. There is evidence to the effect that the longer the period of treatment with streptomycin, the more serious will be the disturbances in equilibrium. In some cases the damage is apparently permanent and is due to permanent damage to the nerve centers in the brain controlling the balance sense. In a few patients there has been an impairment of hearing accompanied by ringing and roaring sounds in the ear which are caused by irritation of the nerve of hearing. It is easily understood why this type of treatment with its serious side-effects and possible permanent impairment of equilibrium and hearing are most important to flying personnel. We have long known that pilots must possess a normal sense of equilibrium to efficiently handle aircraft in flight. In ordinary occupations on the ground, minor degrees of disturbances in equilibrium are relatively unimportant, as an individual can compensate by vision and the other senses. This same compensation cannot be accomplished by the individual in flight. Streptomycin is a valuable aid to therapy in certain infections, however, it must be used with caution in pilots. If the type of infection present is serious and will not respond to other medication, streptomycin may be indicated, however the length of the period of use should be as short as possible, preferably under ten days, since it has been found if the period of treatment is less than two weeks, the danger of permanent damage to the vestibular apparatus is not as great. When it has been found necessary to use streptomycin treatment in flying personnel, the patient should have complete and exhaustive studies made on his equilibrium and hearing, prior to being returned to flying status. These tests include (1) Positional and Head Movement Tests, (2) Caloric Douching of the Ears, (3) Barany Chair Tests, (4) Galvanic Tests, (5) Self-balancing Tests, and (6) Rhomberg and certain other neurological tests. These tests together with the subjective symptoms noted by the patient, will reveal the degree of functional impairment of equilibrium. Hearing loss is determined by the audiometer, tuning forks and the voice tests. It is important that flying personnel other than pilots have a normal sense of equilibrium. This is especially true in the case of stewardesses, who are subjected to all the varied motions of aircraft in flight while on their feet. Disturbances in their sense of balance might cause them to fall and suffer serious injury. For this reason all stewardesses should be familiar with the possible side-reactions of streptomycin. For Greatest Good (Continued from page 6, Col. 4) for. Although the study has not as yet reached completion, it is of interest to note that the largest single item of expenditure by far has been for flight pay loss incurred by pilots in employment agreement negotiations, grievance hearings, accident and safety investigations, and local and executive council meetings. The past year will undoubtedly prove to be the most expensive in ALPA history due to the extraordinary volume of work accomplished, including the Ninth Convention, TWA arbitration, First Executive Board meeting, the carrying on of negotiations with all air lines, and an unprecedented number of grievance cases such as the AA Ardmore grievances. Another full and active month has added another notch to ALPA's ladder of accomplishment. Predictions that ALPA would utilize 1947 to consolidate and advance the gains of 1946 are beginning to bear fruit in evidence fact and accomplishment. Past investments in time, patience, perseverance, and long-range policies, formulated for the greatest good of all are now paying dividends in the form of the advancement of ALPA's membership both individually and collectively. [[image]] -International News Photo MARCH OF PROGRESS The ideas of man primeval and the man modern meet in an unusual setting in La Cumlida, Nicaragua, as one of man's oldest and one of his most modern methods of transportation are put to use to haul foodstuffs and equipment destined for the La Luz gold mines in the Nicaraguan interior. Man's modern era of transportation was long in coming to Nicaragua, and the Indian natives, shown unloading a TACA Airways DC-3 from an ancient ox-drawn cart, have never seen an automobile or train.
Transcription Notes:
Text transcription incomplete - Article "For Greatest Good", ALPA emblem box in lower left, and MARCH OF PROGRESS image caption still need transcription
