The City of Ottawa ' Accident We are glad to
learn, from the Air Ministry's Report, that the recent accident to the cross-Channel air liner, City of Ottawa,' was " unavoidable." The record of Imperial Airways would allow us to think nothing else. Nevertheless, the recommendations of the Comm ittc-: are very important, in particular that which provides for an increased reserve of power. The recommendation concerning instruction in the use of lifebelts seems also to have been necessary. It is unreasonable to suppose that passengers will be made more nervous by provisions for their safety, as has been suggested. The third import- ant recommendation refers to the height of the aeroplane when beginning the crossing. This is likely to be of a-3 much or as little Value as the existing regulation which provides that a height. of five thousand feet shall be reached at this point. Discretion must always be left to the pilot, and any interference with his judgment by arbitrary rules can only cause additional danger. • So long, however, as this recommendation is regarded merely as a strong suggestion it is to be welcomed.
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