One of the Frankfurt-based DC-4s of Pan American World Airways is to be temporarily equipped with a Decca Navigator unit with Flight Log presentation, of the type adopted by B.E.A. as the standard short range navigation aid. A PanAm statement says that the installation is being permitted "in pursuance of its policy not to include full and unbiased evaluation of any aid which might improve the safe, reliable and economic methods of its operation." Presumably to avoid misinterpretation of this decision, the airline adds that "at the I.C.A.O. European-Mediterranean Regional Air Navigation meeting a year ago, it was recommended that full experience should be obtained in the use of Decca for airways and general flying."It was agreed, however, that this evaluation should in no way prejudice the implementation of the standard I.C.A.O. V.O.R. system. Pan American has had its whole fleet equipped with V.O.R. for many months and will continue to press for the early installation of V.O.R. ground facilities for short-range navigation both in Europe and other parts of the world."
....On the following day, three de Havilland representatives - Messrs John Cunningham (chief test pilot), Peter Mourits (of the D.H. Engine Co.) and Peter Detmold (of the servicing organization) - left for Karachi by a B.O.A.C. Argonaut service in order to assist in the investigation.
Source: Flight International
