How times change...

While perusing early copies of aviation periodicals I am regularly amazed at how aviation and, more particularly certain associated attitudes, have altered over the years between then and now.

For instance, and there's loads more where this comes from, here's a comment from the Editorial of The Aeroplane, 2nd April, 1943 which deals with the vital issue of aircraft fire in the air and on the ground as a result of an accident:

"​​...a friend of ours assisted in the extinguishing of four outbreaks of fire (whilst in the air)....each was extinguished with glasses of water..... IT IS DIFFICULT TO SEE WHAT THE MAKERS OF AIRCRAFT COULD DO BECAUSE EACH FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A PASSENGER'S CIGARETTE. (My emphases)"

The article goes on; "..we feel that the question of smoking in aircraft is well worth a little thought (really?)"​ and explains that permitting smoking in special areas would be beneficial as it would 'localise any fire', 'limit the smell of smoke to a compartment frequented only by smokers' (whilst pointing out that non-smokers should have 'no grounds for complaining of the exhalations of others' as modern air-conditioning is so good) and, lastly, provide a reason for a change of location where smokers could experience conversation with fellow smokers.

Here's something a bit lighter, from The Aeroplane of 26th December 1952, a contribution from the much-missed cartoonist Wren:​