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).
Letter from F.H. justifying why they flew in aeroplanes against instructions to troubleshoot engine issues.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 182\M16\ img054 | |
| Date | 25th October 1916 | |
| To J.{Mr Johnson W.M.} from F.H. F.R. RE GOING UP IN AEROPLANES. Several months ago I received instructions from you that I was not to go up in an aeroplane. Since receiving those instructions I have, on two occasions, been in the air in 'planes fitted with our engines. On the two occasions that I went up, it was because I could not obtain the necessary information from the observer. One instance was when the "Falcon" engine was first being tested at Farnborough. During the first two or three tests the pilot complained that the engine "popped" when it was in the air. We could not make it do this on the ground, and he asked me to go up so that I should be convinced of what was occurring and also might be able to find the cause. I consider it was beneficial to the job my going up in the machine because I was able to see what was occurring and rectify it. On the other occasion I went up with the "Eagle" engine fitted with the first carburettor control. I considered that it was beneficial to the job for me to appreciate the effect of this at high altitudes. I admit that I enjoyed the experience of flying with our own engines, which I have worked on for so long. I promise I shall not go up with any other engines, but I certainly do not like the idea of telling the pilot that we, who make the engine, consider it too dangerous to go up with it. | ||