pedigree

Many years ago, on leaving secondary education, I started an apprenticeship as a motorcycle mechanic but I soon decided that this was more a hobby than a career - so I joined the RAF and trained as an Aircraft Engineering Technician in the Airframe and Propulsion disciplines.

My initial training taught me all about the theory of flight, complex hydraulic and conditioning systems to name but a few, the basics of propulsion theory and the workings of the jet engine, and all the control systems and intricate hydromechanical devices utilised in the days prior to modern electronics. I also studied aero piston engine technology, and again all of the intricate control systems required for aviation use.

Later in my career I undertook specialist training in Aero Engine Vibration Monitoring, Corrosion Control Removal and Protection, Composite Structures (City & Guilds accredited), Aero Engine Testing Facilities, Cryogenic Servicing Units, and various courses relating to specific aircraft types.

All this time, I couldn’t resist the urge to “tinker” with engines, soon achieving a reputation amongst friends as someone who could fine tune, rebuild or basic gas flow an engine pretty well. This led to me working part time in a local garage, where I learnt all about LPG conversions. I also became seriously involved in motorsport at around the same time, and am now 1/3rd of “Disaster Management Racing”, a motorsport preparation and support team.

With my air force career over, I decided that I wanted to be my own boss but doing what? I then came to the conclusion that I’d be as well to do what I’ve been doing as a hobby for a considerable number of years, but as a business. So that was that, B.H.Engineering was formed - my aim being to make a living, obviously, but not at the expense of either engineering standards or by overcharging people. Have you seen what a main dealer charges these days? It’s diabolical. I believe in charging a fair rate for a fair ammount of work, because I wouldn’t want to be charged any more than that myself.

My 22 years in the air force have stood me in good stead, having taught me self discipline in the workplace and having been trained that there is no standard for a task other than perfection. There can be no other standard when other people’s lives depend upon your workmanship, there ain’t no AA or RAC man at 30,000 feet up!

Our engines are now winning races (1st and 2nd in class G, Scottish Hillrally) so we must be building them well, as one is now into it’s 6th year of competitive motorsport without a hitch.

I pride myself on my reputation that no engine I have ever built has suffered a failure of any kind due to its build either within it’s warranty period, or otherwise. One engine broke a valve spring, I no longer source springs from that manufacturer. That is how seriously I view reliability and customer satisfaction issues.

Regards