1927 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 155 



The machine landed on the lake under normal weather conditions, although 

 quite late in the evening. In fifteen or twenty minutes a severe storm swept 

 across from the east and every endeavour which was made to beach the machine 

 on the Canadian side was of no avail. The machine drifted out to rougher 

 water and the pilot, realizing the difficulties he was in, hailed a freighter. In 

 the rescue or attempt to tow the flying boat to safety, the bow of the freighter 

 practically cut the machine in half, and it was necessary that the pilot and air 

 engineer climb aboard the freighter, with no time to make a rescue or salvage 

 of any of the equipment either of the boat or of their personal belongings. 



Recommendations: 



During the operations of the Provincial Air Service in the past three years, 

 it has been the practice, and deemed advisable, to retain the services as far as 

 possible of the pilot personnel throughout the winter months, though active 

 flying operations cease with the fire hazard in the fall of the year. The chief 

 reason for this is that it is necessary to ensure the services of an efficient staff 

 of pilots, both skilled in the handling of a machine and experienced in the work 

 and requirements of the Forestry Branch, for the succeeding fire hazard season. 



With the exception of a few — the station superintendent in charge of the 

 reconditioning programme, a station superintendent assisting in the Director's 

 office at Toronto, and a few pilot mechanics who work in the engine section on 

 engine overhaul — the pilots are employed as general helpers assisting where 

 necessary in the hangar throughout the reconditioning period. 



The service these pilots render cannot be considered as proportionate to 

 the salary received during this period. Furthermore, the nature of their work 

 and the consequent reversal of position in the Service as regards the mechanics, 

 is not conducive to the maintenance of the high moral standard and efficiency 

 that the Provincial Air Service demands. 



It is therefore recommended that, instead of employing the pilot staff as 

 at present, they be released during the winter months on a retaining fee. Should 

 this policy be decided upon, it would mean the release of at least twelve pilots 

 for a period of five months, and a saving of approximately 50 per cent, of their 

 salaries. 



