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Aviation History
1972
1972 - 2764.PDF
526 Private Flying Five Rallyes for 1973 Now fully established, Aero spatiale's new general-aviation division is planning pro duction next year of five of the Socata Rallye range of single-engined aircraft, plus the JT15D-powered Corvette. Work is to be centred at St Nazaire and Tarbes, and the first production Corvette should be rolled out tomorrow, October 20. The 1973 range will include the Rallye 100, 125, 150GT, 180GT and 220GT; the Diplomat has been suspended. The Rallye 125, powered by the Lycoming 0-235-F2A, was introduced in May 1972 to fill the gap between the Rallye 100 and 150. The GT models have the new control wheel and cockpit layout illustrated below. Aileron design has been improved and the electrically operated flaps can be lowered to any angle down to 30° with pre-set positions at 8° and 30°. Although the Rallye increased its share of the French light-aircraft market from 41 per cent in 1971 to 53 per cent in 1972, Socata has not been trading profitably. The light-aircraft range has been rationalised and the manage ment structure changed in an attempt to improve pro ductivity. Aerospatiale also plans to inject new capital into Socata and streamline the labour force in the near future. At present only the 220GT Minerva is marketed in the United States through Socata's agent, BFA Aviation. Changes to the cockpits of the GT range reflect the com panies' plans to increase sales in North America, and BFA should receive 120 Minervas during 1973. Oxygen and altitude A recent issue of FAA Aviation News draws attention to medical problems associated with high-altitude flight using portable oxygen in unpres- surised aircraft. Four different primary effects of decom pression sickness, or dysbarism, can be experienced even at altitudes below 20,000ft. These are largely the result of the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream. For 1973 the Rallye I50GT, I80GT and 220GT feature new dual control wheels in place of control columns and a central console that groups together the engine, trim and air-conditioning controls. The new panel can accept full instrumentation, and IFR certification of the 220GT is expected within the next few months. Improvements to cabin design allow a greater range of fore-and-aft front-seat adjustment FUGHT International, 19 October 1972 The best-known is the "bends" which produces diffuse pain that can increase to an incapacitating degree. Another effect is a painful tightening of the chest accompanied by a dry cough and difficulty in breathing. Alternatively, skin prickling, sometimes producing a rash, has been known to occur. Disorders of the central nervous system are another severe effect, and produce visual disturbances such as blurred vision, blind spots and lack of orientation. This type of dysbarism has occasionally led to brief loss of consciousness, accompanied by slow heartbeat and hyper tension. Tests of these symptoms revealed a number of factors which could lower the threshold. Physical exercise was found to be the most severe, producing symptoms at altitudes as low as 17,000ft, although the average relaxed flying posture produced symptoms only above 20,000ft. Length of exposure and rapidity of pressure change are thought to contribute, to a point where sudden decom pression can generate symptoms as low as 15,000ft. Overweight conditions and age were also found to be contributing factors; it was found that 27-year-olds are three times a susceptible as 18-year-olds. In the tests it was also found that the risk was greater on flights made between 0900hr and 1200hr, although no reason was found. It was also noted that occurrence was highest in summer, but this is thought to be the result of the large number of underwater swimmers who fly on the same day as having dived. The time required for the nitrogen balance to be re-established is not predictable and divers are advised to wait overnight before flying. The report also comments on abdominal pains experi enced at lower levels, even shortly after take-off. The discomfort is attributed to expansion of abdominal gas produced by carbohydrates and fizzy drinks, and to air swallowed when eating or smoking. For all cases of dysbarism, however, the report recommends immediate descent and advises intelligent selection of food before flight. General-aviation award The 1972 John Player Award for achievement in general aviation will be presented at the BLAC Christmas reception to be held at the Royal Air Force Club on December 11. This is the second year of the award, which was presented last year to Mr Richard Stratton. A selection panel, under the chairmanship of Gp Capt Douglas Bader and including Rex Smith and James Baring of the BLAC and Geoffrey Kent and Colin Knowles of John Player & Son, will obtain nominations from any competent organisation or individual associated with general aviation in the United Kingdom. The award is for outstanding contribution to general aviation, either by virtue of a single achievement of exceptional merit or by a history of consistent and valuable contributions. The closing date for nominations is November 17. The Tees-side Flying Display, which was presented this year by the British Light Aviation Centre, included the Red Arrows, Falcons and Macaws teams in their last displays of the 1972 season. Michael Jones won the Vaux Formula One Trophy, flying his Rollason Beta "Blue Chip" at a speed of 197-6 m.p.h., from Bill Walker in his Cassutt and Ian McCowen in the Cosmic Wind. The ICI Air Racing Challenge Trophy was won by Ian McCowen in the Cosmic Wind at a speed of 195-4 m.p.h. from Michael Jones and Fred Marsh, who both flew Betas. Racing symposium set An air racing symposium is to be held at the Excelsior Hotel, London Airport, on February 10, 1973, the third such symposium and the first for two years. The United Service and Royal Aero Club competitions manager, John Blake, says that the sym posium is planned to look into the changes in air racing in recent years and the question of handicapping in relation to the current type of racing. It is also proposed to alter the system of qualification for the King's Cup. The US & RAeC competitions department is meanwhile inviting advance submission of questions concerning air racing.
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