Friday, July 27, 2007

Flying REALLY High

New York Times: By MARIA NEWMAN and JOHN SCHWARTZ


NASA administrators promised fast action today in response to an internal investigation that said astronauts had flown after drinking heavily on at least two occasions.

The investigation, which relied on anonymous interviews, found “heavy use of alcohol” by the two astronauts within 12 hours of flying. The astronauts involved in the incidents were cleared for flying even after flight surgeons and fellow astronauts raised concerns with NASA officials that safety might be jeopardized, according to findings of the investigation, which were released today.

The investigation also found that flight surgeons felt their warnings about medical or behavioral problems among astronauts were routinely ignored....

The report recommended that NASA “ensure that specific policies, procedures, educational efforts, and disciplinary actions are in place to foster a culture that holds individuals and supervisors accountable for safe and responsible use of alcohol.”

No word on diaper use during drinking bouts prior to takeoff.

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