From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The necessity of in-flight engine testing, with a handwritten reprimand for the author flying without authorization.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 182\M16\ img055 | |
| Date | 25th October 1916 | |
| EH/G251016 Contd. -2- It is the recognised practice that the engine man shall go up in the 'plane when there is any trouble which cannot be explained by the observer. Though I was only in the air a comparatively short time, I was in that time able to appreciate under what conditions the engines have to work. There is no doubt, to obtain this information, one must fly. I consider that it can only be a matter of time before we have aeroplanes at our disposal for making our own tests in the air. The Sunbeam people are now making the complete machines, and they will have a big advantage over us, being able to get first-hand information as regards how their engines behave in the air. [Handwritten note] E.A. Nothing excuses you for disobeying my orders. All this should have been explained to me before you disobeyed. I warned you before + I tell you now that we consider you too valuable to go aloft. Your business is to train observers to be able to do the work. F.H. E/A | ||