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Mr Lee Temple's Feat The day was beautifully clear, and in calm weather he ascended between 4,000 ft and 5,000 ft, before attempting the manoeuvre. Then he dived vertically, and, turning the machine beyond the vertical, flew upside down for several seconds. He plunged some 900 ft before righting the monoplane, after which he descended to the ground. Only about 20 or 30 people saw yesterday's performance, which constitutes the first flight of its kind by an Englishman in England. Mr Temple, on recovery from a motor-cycle accident early this year, went to Hendon and obtained his flying certificate on February 18. He then carried on a flying school, which he gave up in order to go in for exhibition flying. His best flight was Paris to London with three stops last month. He is the son of a retired naval officer, and he is a qualified engineer. The Bleriot machine was used yesterday practically as it had been turned out by the maker for ordinary flight, except that additional wires had been fitted to bear the extra strain on the wings when inverted and a larger elevator to make 'flattening out' easier. Mr Temple made the alterations himself with the aid of a mechanic. During the next few days, when he has fitted a different petrol tank, Mr Temple will try to 'loop the loop' in the air." (The Times, 25.11.1913) "Temple School : On Wednesday last week, at 5:45 am, under George L Temple, Douglas Ritchie, Maurice Ambler and A Vaile each had 10 minutes on Caudron. The next morning, at 5:30 am, G L Temple tested the air for 10 minutes, and sent Lt Ambler for his certificate. This pupil passed the whole of his tests that morning, flying steadily throughout, and making his second landing dead on the mark - an excellent performance. Later G L Temple made a short flight in his usual good style. On Saturday, Messers. Ritchie, Vaile and R Penny each 10 minutes on Caudron." (Flight, 19 July 1913) |
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