On the unexpected consequences of publication by a novice author

In the early 1960s, the author became increasingly aware of spatial disorientation as a potential cause of aircraft accidents in the USAF. Using minimal resources, he was able to document this problem and in 1969 as a first-time author published a journal article under the title "Spatial disorientation as a factor in accidents in an operational command." His work was recently used by the USAF in evaluating the need for installation in fighter aircraft of automated equipment to prevent controlled flight into terrain. He received a letter of thanks from the office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense 40 yr after his paper was published. He concludes that even front-line aeromedical personnel can make a worthwhile contribution to the literature.