in the past the death rate of airmail pilots was 1/4 because they flew when the post office told them.... ice, IMC [w/o gyros], thunderstorms etc....was no excuse
the way they had to deal with ice was wait until the plane got to heavy. they would then crash land clean off the plane and takeoff--repeat as often as necessary
IMC: the procedure was to 'lock the controls as best you can", if you made it on top through as shallow overcast--fine!....if you went out of control--a spiral-- simply pull back on stick and kick rudder to get into a spin; recover upon visual contact
if you crashed or had a disabled plane, no problem! simply pick up the mail sacks and carry them to the railroad for delivery
the only difference is that they were paid well
