Day: 14 March 2018

First Day of Flying Training at Yatesbury

Greg’s first flight was an air experience trip in a BE2e.

Date: 14.3.18
Hour: 3.10
Instructor: Thomas
Machine Type and No: BE8646
Passenger: CE Gregory
Time: 20 min
Height: 1500
Course: Aerodrome
Remarks: Air experience.

BE2e

The BE2e shown in the photograph below, A1358, was also at Yatesbury, and Greg was to fly this particular machine later in his training.

The BE2  (Blériot Experimental 2) series of biplanes began life to a design by Geoffrey de Havilland at the Royal Balloon Factory, which by early 1918 was known as the Royal Aircraft Factory.  Following the formation of the Royal Air Force in April, the Royal Aircraft Factory was renamed again as the Royal Aircraft Establishment so as to avoid a confusion of initials. The last major iteration of the BE2 series was the BE2e, which had been hoped to improve upon the BE2c, but did not fulfil its promise: even that version had been withdrawn from active service on the Western Front by 1918. Although BE2cs/BE2es were very stable in the air, the price of this stability was a lack of manoeuvrability and a consequent vulnerability, which was the subject of much criticism.

The BE2e was unflatteringly known as the ‘Quirk’.