The front cockpit of a BE2e is a cramped place if you are over 6ft like me (right). Getting into it is a delicate operation and once in you are only half in as your chest and head sit above the coaming getting the full benefits of the 55 mph airstream directly. To add a bit of spice, the two rows of valves (left) are lubricated by oil spat out of the upstream breather tubes and you are next in line. If it rains you get the rain drops mixed with the oil.
It was simply mesmerising to watch the valves moving up and down as the engine turned the four bladed propeller at 1400 rpm. However, what a privilege to be flown in the front seat of a BE2e in company with another A2767 both provided by The Vintage Aviator Ltd to the WW1 Aviation Heritage Trust for at least the first year of the World War 1 commemorations. It was also fantastic to be at Stow Maries, our destination for Armed Forces Day last weekend, and see moist-eyed Volunteers when A2767 returned there for the first time in 97 years. It was also great to be flown to Stow Maries by one of the world’s most pre-eminent pilot of WW1 aircraft, Gene DeMarco, and flown back by Stu Goldspink who runs him a close second. If the BE2 is not flown in balance the observer gets warm exhaust flow for the period the ball is out – needless to say I was cold throughout.
Gene is responsible for the idea of getting WW1 aircraft from NZ elsewhere to England year on year to advance education in the evolution of military aviation during the Great War – WAHT was formed this year to make this happen. All things being equal if funding is found this should start happening at Stow Maries once the temporary hangar is built in August. Watch this space and watch out for the Quadcopter video being posted shortly.