The historical background to aerospace pathology.

The Joint Committee on Aviation Pathology was born on 14 Nov., 1955. Its formation coincided with the advent of jet-powered commercial air transport, a step recognised by aviators and governments as being of tremendous significance in that it implied a considerable technological advance. Since then, supersonic air transport has become possible and man has walked upon the moon. Although aerospace pathology-which led the way to accident/injury research- has contributed greatly to the very much improved safety record of aviation, it is obvious that additional work is required. A closer relationship between research and development of future aircraft and pathologists is necessary if further inroads are to be made.