Exploring bird aerodynamics using radio-controlled models.

A series of radio-controlled glider models was constructed by duplicating the aerodynamic shape of soaring birds (raven, turkey vulture, seagull and pelican). Controlled tests were conducted to determine the level of longitudinal and lateral-directional static stability, and to identify the characteristics that allowed flight without a vertical tail. The use of tail-tilt for controlling small bank-angle changes, as observed in soaring birds, was verified.

Acute otitic barotrauma during hypobaric chamber training: prevalence and prevention.

Introduction: Barotitis media is known to be an adverse effect of altitude changes, but few studies have investigated this condition with respect to hypobaric chamber training and the resulting estimations of prevalence vary.

Methods: In order to assess the prevalence of hypobaric chamber-related barotitis and evaluate a method of prevention, 335 healthy military pilots undergoing high altitude training were subject to clinical examination and tympanometry before entering the chamber. In order to minimize the risk of barotrauma, only subjects with normal preflight findings were cleared for altitude exposure.

An objective measure of seat comfort.

Uncomfortable aircrew seating is more than just a nuisance, it has the potential to produce a cumulative trauma which can significantly affect attention, information processing, and task performance to the extent of interfering with mission completion or contributing to mishaps. Yet, for decades uncomfortable seating has endured as an aircrew complaint with little progress made toward resolving it. Aircraft design techniques have steadily progressed, but the method for ascertaining seating pressure issues has remained, unfortunately, the same: simply ask aircrew where it hurts and hope some cushion changes work.

Incorporating the USAF Flight Center's TQM plan in a hospital.

A total quality management (TQM) plan has been instituted by the United States Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base. To determine the feasibility of implementing the same basic TQM plan in a district hospital, a joint industry-government team was established. Five areas of concentration were selected for review: infrastructure, methodology, training, strategic plan, and a "Quality Bill of Rights.