-Charles A. Lindbergh, Time, May 26, 1967-

Dear Academicians:

It was with great pride and honor I received the heavy Presidential Academy Chain of Office at the farewell banquet during the International Congress of Aviation and Space Medicine in Geneva. The now immediate past President of the Academy, Dr. Claude Thibeault, is to be congratulated for a very successful two-year term. He and his committees have worked actively and productively with many new improvements to the Academy. During his time as President the strengthening of the Scientific Committee and its responsibilities was further developed, the Scholarship Committee was again successful in selecting new hardworking scholars and the economical independence of the Academy was fortified. The Academy is now more viable and vigorous than ever before and its activities and responsibilities have increased. Also, the already fruitful ties with Aerospace Medical Association have the potential to be even closer and more efficient in the future with Dr. Thibeault as President Elect of AsMA.

The recent congress in Geneva was a great success, in spite of the cancellations from our academicians and other planned participants from USA due to the terrorist attacks in USA. The number of papers and the number of participants were well above average. The Scientific Coordinating Committee of the French and Swiss organizers in cooperation with the Academy’s Scientific Committee did a very good selection and organizing of the papers. The overall arrangements of the congress both scientifically and socially were excellent. Congratulations to the French and Swiss organizers.

The Academy is involved in the promotion and encouragement of research in the maintenance of the pilots’ health, safety and performance in flight. Unfortunately, such preventive aviation medicine activities are not capable of preventing terrorist attacks like those which recently occurred in United States. If the pilot of the Egyptian airliner, which some years ago crashed, killing all on board, was committing suicide (which apparently some experts signify), our psychiatric aviation medicine colleagues might have had a slight chance of hindering this to happen, if they have had the possibility to diagnose and intervene. However, a suicide in combination with a fanatic belief, which seemed to be the case in the US terrorist attacks, as well as in the kamikaze pilots during WWII, is apparently nearly impossible to detect and even more impossible to prevent. Unfortunately, preventive actions involving flight safety in these cases are totally outside the capabilities of aviation medicine experts.

The after-effects of the terrorist actions in USA have had serious worldwide economical problems for the airline industry and secondarily, the aircraft industry. This means layoffs for pilots and other aircrew and diminished airline aeromedical departments. If this trend is not broken, it will probably mean serious consequences for the aviation medical community worldwide. People now seem to be more afraid of flying and are more unwilling to fly than before. Therefore, it appears important for the aviation medical community to actively try to find suitable means of minimizing the fear of flying occurrences.

Military flying, on the other hand, may increase during this war against terrorists. Long duration flights and repeated combat missions during short periods of time may create new challenges for the aviation medical research community. It will be important for research to keep the military pilots and flight crew flying.

Another problem that has recently popped up is the bio-terrorist threat. This might very well also involve bio-threats during commercial flying, with risks both for pilots and passengers. Also, the risks for worldwide spreading of hazardous biological agents by both aircraft and passengers might be a problem. This threat may be another challenge for the aviation medical community.

The International Space Station is now in an active build-up phase. The risk of decompression sickness during extra vehicular space activity with current space-suit pressure may be decreased by newly introduced pre-oxygenation procedures. NASA, however, is struggling with economical problems, which could threaten further space activity, including future manned exploration of Mars. On the other hand, if manned exploration of Mars will take place, many human related problems have to be addressed and solved with space medical research. And further development of tele-medicine and development of remote-controlled medical procedures to be used in space may be necessary.

The Concord is back flying again. A firm decision to continue the development of faster flying or supersonic airliners has not been made, nor has the development of very large aircraft. If such developments will continue, several aerospace medical problems have to be addressed.

Dr. Eric Donaldson, Australia, our 1^st Vice President, has forwarded a suggestion to the Academy of cooperation between Griffith University, Australia, and the Academy regarding flexible distant learning courses in aerospace medicine. A Letter of Intent has been sent to Griffith University. The Academy’s Scientific Committee (in cooperation with Dr. Donaldson) will lead these efforts from the Academy’s side. This seems to be a very challenging task, but will hopefully be very rewarding and fruitful for the Academy in the future.

Thus, the Academy has several new challenges ahead. I am eagerly looking forward to serving you during two challenging years as your new President of the Academy.

I wish you all a flourishing and happy year 2002 and hope to see you in Montreal.

Ulf Balldin, MD
President

When one of the Great Northern Geese gets sick, wounded or shot down,
two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it.
They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies .They then launch out
on their own to join another formation, or catch up with their own flock.

-Great Northern Geese, Lesson 1V-

 

Dear Academicians:

It is a new year, and much has happened since our last Newsletter. As of September 11, 2001, North Americans have now joined the rest of the world who have experienced terrorism. Those never-before imagined images have been seared into our memories forever. Terrorism has become a reality in North America as well as around the world.

And yet, in spite of the unspeakable tragedy, America is slowly recovering emotionally, spiritually and economically. New Yorkers have amazingly embraced each other, Americans have stood up together strong and united, with the majority of the world behind them. Those affected directly will take generations to heal, but they will have the emotional support of many others. The recently concluded Olympic Games of Salt Lake City brought home the importance of the five continents meeting to compete, to share experiences and bridge international borders.

Those of us who are involved in aerospace medicine are very fortunate to be in a sphere where our colleagues, friends and associates are from all cultures and all corners of the world. During times of crisis and tragedy, there is nothing more comforting than to have this international web of colleagues and friends supporting each other. Our Academy is a great example of international colleagues working as a collective team around the world. When I was having difficulty getting to Geneva due to the cancellation of many international flights here in North America, it was my American colleagues who urged me to continue my efforts to get to the Congress and let the Congress carry on in spite of the terrorists. When I finally arrived at the Geneva Congress on Monday September 16^th, I was very pleased to see that the Organizers had done an excellent job and the Congress was taking place as planned. 629 were registered, with 82 accompanying persons, representing 66 countries. At the General Assembly on Tuesday, September 17^th, there were 74 Academicians registered. It was an excellent example of international cooperation, with the French and Swiss Aerospace Medicine Societies working together, supported by the various committee members of the Academy.

Many years ago I read that a man named George MacDonald once noted that one draft horse can move two tons of weight. However, two draft horses in harness working together can move twenty-three tons of weight. The French and the Swiss Societies who co-hosted the Geneva Congress, under such never-before-experienced circumstances, proved that George MacDonald’s theory was correct. The Geneva Congress, although many of our American colleagues were missed, proved to be a great success, in spite of the terrorists. Much thanks and congratulations to Dr. Jean-Jacques Papy, Dr. Hans Hafner, and all members of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Jean-Pierre Crance and members of his Scientific Coordinating Committee, and Dr. Geoff Caine and members of his Scientific Committee, who all worked so hard before and during the Congress, to make the Geneva Congress a great success.

Let us now, like the Great Northern Geese, fly together towards another successful Congress in beautiful Sydney.

I hope to see many of you in Montreal.

George Y. Takahashi, MD
Secretary-General

Dr. Ulf Balldin, (on right) and Past-President, Dr. Claude Thibeault (on left).

On Monday, September 17^th, 2001, an impressive Opening Ceremony was held at the Plenary Hall. On one hand, the over-all excitement of the beginning of the Congress was sensed, with a record attendance of participants and countries represented, and on the other hand the sadness originated by the tragic events of the preceding week was also present in everybody’s mind.

With typical Swiss and French precision and efficiency, at the printed starting time, the multinational audience was entertained by Flag throwers and Alp horn players who demonstrated their abilities. They were followed by a Military brass band playing several musical scores which were followed by the National anthems of Switzerland and France. In addition, as a tribute to the United States of America, whose inhabitants suffered such major tragedy only 6 days before, the U.S. National anthem was also played.

Claude Thibeault, as President of the Academy, made reference in his opening address to the terror activities in the US, a sentiment that was echoed by the several speakers delivering messages during the ceremony. Both Dr. Hans Hafner and Dr. Jean-Jacques Papy, as Swiss and French Co-Presidents of the Congress delivered speeches giving a warm welcome, deploring the events in the U.S. and regretting the many cancellations received at the last minute for multiple reasons, most of them directly or indirectly related to the 11^th September events.

Prof. Jean-Pierre Crance, in his capacity as President of the Scientific Coordinating Committee, introduced Mr. Jean Pierson, former President of Airbus Industry who delivered the André Allard Memorial Lecture on the subject of "Airbus, the European Challenge" elaborating on the evolution of the company from its early beginnings to the present state. The Academy Medal was presented by Dr. Thibeault.

Prior to the closing of the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Carlo Lamprecht, President of the Republic and Canton of Geneva briefly addressed the audience, since he could not personally be present to open the meeting due to other pressing commitments. As such, the Congress was opened on his behalf by another Swiss high level official.

On a lighter vein, Dr. Hans Hafner, during his Opening address, provided the audience with a demonstration of his musical talent, by playing the Alp horn at the end of his speech to fulfil a promise he made at the last ICASM in Río de Janeiro to do it if the Finkelsteins would be present at the Geneva Congress.

Kindly submitted by Dr. Silvio Finkelstein

This Congress was the inauguration of the cooperative process in preparing the Scientific Program between the local Scientific Coordinating Committee, chaired by Dr. Jean-Pierre Crance, and the Academy’s Scientific Committee, chaired by Dr. Geoff Caine. Much hard work was required, but with excellent cooperation via e-mail, all Abstracts were reviewed by both committees, which resulted in an excellent scientific program. The concept of Scientific Panels on a current topic of interest, with papers presented by invited international experts, was a great success and very well received by the attendees. The "John Ernsting Panel"(introduced for the first time), discussed the timely topic of

"Deep Vein Thrombosis Associated with Travel". Unfortunately the International Space Station Panel had to be cancelled because of the participants’ difficulties in travel due to the Sept. 11 events. The Panels that took place were very well received, and it appeared that this concept of scientific panels devoted to timely issues should be continued.

The presentations were of high quality, and in spite of a few cancellations due to North American travel restrictions, the program was excellent. A very well deserved congratulations to Dr. Jean-Pierre Crance, Dr. Geoff Caine and all members of both Committees.

The cooperative combination of the French and the Swiss talents resulted in an excellent program of exquisite culinary treats, wines pleasing to the palate, and gracious dining and hospitality. Unfortunately I was not able to attend the Sunday evening welcome, but if it was of the calibre of the remainder of the week, it was a great success as well.

The Monday evening Welcome Reception welcomed all participants with a generous buffet of delicious food, accompanied by ample wine and beer. There was an offering of local Swiss musical entertainment to provide a wonderful welcome to a very eventful week. The Academy Dinner was held on Tuesday evening at the beautiful Château de Coppet, complete with historic ambiance and charm. Dr. Hafner explained that since the Château was

still owned by a French family, but on Swiss soil, it was an ideal location for the Academy Dinner, jointly hosted by the French and Swiss Societies. The evening began with a welcome champagne drink followed by a delicious gourmet dinner, accompanied by excellent choices of wine. During the evening, Academy Medals and Certificates were presented to newly elected Members present, shown in the following photograph.

The Farewell Dinner was held at the Noga Hilton Geneva, again with an excellent delicious dinner and an excellent choice of wines. During the dinner, Dr. Maurice Strumza, age 96, a Member of the Academy since 1961, who was in attendance at the Conference, was honoured and recognized. After dinner, the traditional transfer of the Trumpet took place. From the co-presidents, the Trumpet was passed to Dr. Eric Donaldson, the President of the Organizing Committee for the Sydney Conference in September 2002. At the end of an excellent gala evening complete with a talented musical singing group, all attendees agreed that the Farewell Dinner was a great ending to a very successful Congress.

Dr. Jean-Jacques PAPY(left) and Dr. Hans HAFNER(right) pass Trumpet to Dr. Eric DONALDSON

The Academy is pleased to welcome the following new members who were elected by the Selectors Committee in Geneva, September 16, 2001. A very brief biographical sketch is offered, but Members are encouraged to greet each new Member at the earliest opportunity to learn more about each of these very highly qualified individuals.

The Editor apologizes for the briefness of the biographical sketches, and extends apologies for any major omissions.

As Academicians of the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine, please review the names of the new Applicants, currently in the evaluation process, listed below.

Any Academician member of the Academy knowing of any reason why a certain applicant should not be granted membership into the Academy is encouraged to forward such information to the Chancellor, the Chair of the Selectors Committee. The information must be in written format by e-mail or letter format. The letter must be signed. Although the information will be maintained on a confidential basis, it will be provided to the members of the Selectors Committee for consideration.

Any information regarding the following applicants listed below must be received by the Chancellor, no later than May 2, 2002.

1. Scientific Committee

The Scientific Committee is still seeking volunteers with expertise in a particular field to write "Position Papers" on behalf of the Academy when topical or critical issues appear on the aeromedical horizon.

Members who are interested in participating should forward their names and areas of expertise to the Chair of the Scientific Committee, Dr. Yehezkel Geoff Caine, <caine@cc.huji.ac.il>

2. Sydney Congress

The dates for the Sydney Congress are September 15 - 19, 2002. It will be the 50^th Congress, and our Australian hosts have told us that this year in Australia has been designated the Year of the Outback. The Australian hospitality will be at its best, and for our French speaking colleagues, simultaneous French translation will be provided. You may visit the Website <www.icasm2002.org> for further information.

The Proxy Authorization Form is included in this Newsletter as Appendix A. If any Member will not be attending the Academy Meetings in Geneva, please fill out and sign the Proxy Authorization Form, and ensure that it reaches the Secretary-General’s office by May 1^st, 2002.. Please remember that your Proxy is counted to establish a quorum, and you may also instruct your Representative on how you wish to vote on an issue. It is surprising how many Proxies are received in the Secretary-General’s office after the meetings are over. Unfortunately these late Proxies cannot be placed in the official count. Many Members have also named as their representative someone who is not attending the meetings. Therefore, please confirm with your chosen representative that they are planning to attend the meeting.

4. European Life Sciences Symposium 2002, "Life in Space for Life on Earth"

Sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the International Society for Gravitational Physiology(ISGP). Stockholm, Sweden, June 2^nd - 7^th, 2002.

For further information, contact: Benny Elmann-Larsen (ESA), <

5.Report from Dr. Silvio Finkelstein, Academy’s Representative to 33^rd Session of ICAO

Dr. Silvio Finkelstein, representing IAASM at the 33^rd Session, ICAO

The 33^rd Period of Sessions of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s General Assembly was held at ICAO’s Headquarters in Montreal during the 25^th September 5^th October 2001 period.

A record attendance of 1130 participants representing 169 Contracting States (countries in ICAO’s parlance) and 32 Observer Delegations attended. The Academy, having being recognized by the Council of ICAO in 1970 (thanks to the efforts of the then Chief of ICAO’s Aviation Medicine Section, Academician Dr. Lloyd Buley, Australia, deceased) received the standing invitation and was represented throughout. Deliberations were held with simultaneous interpretation in the six working languages in almost all of the Plenary, the Executive Committee and the Technical Commission meetings which I attended.

On account of the tragic events of September 11^th , in addition to the already approved Agenda and Work Program, emphasis was placed on issues dealing with terrorism, security and the misuse of civil aviation for terrorist acts.

This report summarizes deliberations and actions taken on matters of general interest to Academicians as well as specific subjects in which health and safety matters were included.

The Assembly elected the 33 Contracting States which will be represented in Council (the Governing Body of the Organization) for the next three-year period. The election process was divided into three parts, with the following States elected:

Part I, (States of chief importance to air transport)-Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States.

Part II (States which make the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation)-Argentina, China, Egypt, India, Ireland, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Venezuela.

Part III (States ensuring geographic representation)-Algeria, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Mauritius, Pakistan, Paraguay, Republic of Korea, Senegal.

In the area of aviation security, the Assembly endorsed a resolution calling, at the earliest possible date this year, an international high-level ministerial conference, to develop measures for "preventing, combating and eradicating acts of terrorism involving civil aviation".

The applicability to domestic flights of international security standards contained in Annex 17 and the locking of cockpit doors will be given high priority by ICAO's aviation security (AVSEC) panel when it meets later this year.

The Assembly directed ICAO to consider the establishment of a Universal Security Oversight Audit Program, modeled after the highly successful Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program(USOAP), to assess the implementation of security-related Standards and Recommended Practices.

The USOAP, in the area of aviation safety, consists of regular, mandatory, systematic and harmonized safety audits carried out by ICAO in all 187 Contracting States.

Since its creation on 1 January 1999, it has proven effective in identifying and correcting safety deficiencies in the areas of personnel licensing, airworthiness and operation of aircraft. The Assembly approved the expansion of the Program to include air traffic services and aerodromes, and requested a study on a further expansion of the program to other safety-related fields, in particular to aircraft accident and incident investigation. The Assembly also requested ICAO to assist in resolving deficiencies identified by the program through such measures as: support in obtaining financial and technical assistance; technical seminars on safety oversight; development of guidance material; and the creation of a Quality Assurance Function.

To deal with the increase over the past few years in the number and gravity of reported incidents involving unruly passengers on board civil aircraft, the Assembly adopted a resolution calling on all States to enact appropriate laws and regulations, based on a proposed common list of offences and a model jurisdictional clause designed to ensure effective prosecution of perpetrators wherever an act may have been committed.

Of specific interest to Academicians, the ICAO Assembly noted a report summarizing the U.K. House of Lords report on Air Travel and Health as presented by the United Kingdom’s Delegation. A Resolution was adopted on the issue of Harmonization of drugs and alcohol testing programs directing the Council to" ......develop the necessary ICAO provisions....."and encouraging Contracting States to foster consistency with respect to their prevention and testing programs.

On account of the international aeromedical significance of the above actions, Academicians are advised to read the relevant minutes, actions and resolutions available at their Civil Aviation Administrations. In addition, if sufficient interest is indicated by Academicians and time permits, a verbal report will be given at the next IAASM General Assembly next May in Montreal.

In summary, it was worthwhile for the Academy to accept the invitation and to be represented at such an important intergovernmental global forum.

Summary report by Dr. Silvio Finkelstein, Past-President, IAASM, Chief Observer, ICAO A33.

A special thank you to all Academicians who have made generous donations to the Academy Scholarship Fund.

The names are acknowledged below. However, a special note of thanks goes to Dr. Ian Perry for starting his own campaign amongst friends and associates from outside the Academy. His personal efforts have brought in an extra $US 15,000.00 thus far.

Again the Academy owes a great bundle of gratitude to Professor Jean-Pierre CRANCE for the all the time and effort he spends translating the Newsletter and General Assembly Minutes. This effort is greatly appreciated. Also a big thank you and merci to Ms. Françoise LORRAIN, who kindly transcribes the French edition of the Newsletter.

Way down under in New Zealand our Deputy Secretary-General continues to work away quietly supporting the Academy by publishing the Monographs, tending to the Scholarship Fund and to giving the Secretary-General support and assistance whenever necessary. Thank you Len.

Deep in the heart of Texas in spite of the heat and flash floods, Dr. Michael Berry tends to the Academy Website which has provided the Academy with significant international exposure. The Newsletter is also made available through the Website.

In case you have forgotten it is: < . Please visit the Website from time to time and send any comments or suggestions to Dr. Michael Berry: <DOCMikeB@aol.com>

Thank you to the Academicians who have promptly paid their 2002 Annual Dues. To those who have yet to pay their Annual Dues, please forward your payment to the Secretary-General as soon as possible.

Many thanks.

"There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread"