Bentfield C. Hucks
(1884-1918)

pioneer aviator

Died aged 34

Bentfield Charles Hucks (25 October 1884 – 7 November 1918) was an aviation innovator in the early 20th century. As well as test flying numerous aircraft types, he was the first Briton to perform a loop in an aircraft, which he performed in his Blériot at Hendon airfield in September 1913. He is also credited with the Hucks starter and many feats of test flying during the First World War, while working at Hendon for Airco.

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Commemorated on 1 plaque

Chris Hall on Geograph
Filey, United Kingdom

This sculpture is a 1/6 scale model of the Blackburn Mercury Mk 1/2. Designed by Robert Blackburn piloted, by Bentfield C. Hucks. It flew from Filey beach on 17th May 1911, to Scarborough and back in 19 minutes, at a speed of 50 MPH and altitude of 1200 feet. It had a length of 33 feet and a wingspan of 38 feet 4 inches. Powered by a 50 horsepower, 7 cylinder, Isaacson Radial engine. This model was made by local craftsmen Chris Robinson & Neil Jenkinson from copies of original drawings.

Royal Parade (north end), Filey, United Kingdom where they flew (1911)