Genuine Autograph of B.C. Hucks - British Pioneer Aviator. 1912 (Chris Balm Early Aviation & Motoring Items)

Genuine Autograph of B.C. Hucks - British Pioneer Aviator. 1912

To view larger images click on pictures below.

Genuine signed photographic postcard of the famous British pioneer aviator, Bentfield Charles Hucks (Benny Hucks). Hucks was most popularly known for being the first Englishman to 'Loop the Loop'. Dating from 1912.

This original photographic postcard was signed by B.C. Hucks while he was taking part in the Daily Mail Aerial Tour of 1912. During this event, Hucks flew a Bleriot Mk.XI named "The Firefly". The card bears an image of him sat in the cockpit of The Firefly and is accompanied by the caption, "Daily Mail Aeroplane Circuit 1912 - Mr B. C. Hucks Seated in his 70 H.P. Bleriot". His autograph is signed in black ink. The reverse of the postcard has been left blank. Dimensions : 86mm x 138mm. Very good condition.

Bentfield C Hucks was born in Essex, in 1884. He entered the motoring business and became a skilled driver, but after receiving a three year ban for speeding, he decided to take up aviation as a profession. In 1910 Hucks taught himself to fly and became an experienced pilot flying at Hendon (although he remained unlicensed). He was closely involved with Claude Grahame-White, working as his mechanic and also accompanying him on his famous visit to the United States. Hucks qualified for his aviator’s certificate on 30th May 1911 (Cert. No. 91) at the Filey Sands, Yorkshire flying a Blackburn monoplane (the only pilot to obtain his Aero Club Certificate at Filey). He continued working at Filey as the chief flying instructor at the The Blackburn School of Flying until September 1911. From this period on he made his living from exhibition flying. B. C. Hucks is recognised as one of the first British exhibition pilots and also became the first Englishman to 'loop the loop' and fly upside down, which he did in November 1913. The famous ‘Upside Down Dinner’ was held in both his and Gustav Hamel’s honour. It was was organised by the Royal Aero Club and took place at the RAC club in January 1914.

At the outbreak of W.W.I. he immediately volunteered for active service, and served with the Royal Flying Corps in France until suffering from pleurisy in 1915, when he was declared unfit for the strenuous conditions of aerial combat. Once recovered he served as a test pilot, being attached by the R.F.C. to the Aircraft Manufacturing Company Ltd (AIRCO). He remained in this position for the remainder of the war, but spent some time in 1917 on secondment to Westland, testing the AIRCO DH4, DH9 & DH9A aircraft (built by Westland).

As well as flying, Hucks is also known for inventing the Huck's Starter. This was a mechanism designed to start aeroplanes and was incorporated into a modified Model T Ford motor car.

Hucks died on 7th November 1918, aged 35, after suffering from pneumonia caused by influenza.

For more information on B.C. Hucks, please click on the link below :

Bentfield Charles Hucks

For more information on Hucks flight s a Filey, please click on the link below :

Flying From Filey Sands

Inventory No. A-399

Price: GBP(£) 85.00 + Shipping

USD($) Checks & Money Orders Also Accepted

Payment by PayPal's secure online payment service, personal cheque, cashier's cheque or money order.
U.S. dollar checks & money orders also accepted.

Status : AVAILABLE

[ Web Site Home | Aviation Home | Motoring Home | Other Home ]