"Bomber engines to roar"
that is a headline in tonights Leicester Mercury.
It states that engine runs are to commence on Thursday, I'll ring up my mate and tell him to park his Burger van at Gilmorton playing field.
BOMBER ENGINES TO ROAR
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BY TIM HEALY
10:30 - 01 August 2007
The mighty roar of four Rolls-Royce Olympus engines will be heard in south Leicestershire tomorrow as vital tests of a restored Cold War bomber begin.
Britain's aviation history will be one step nearer being reborn as the final leg of a campaign for a Vulcan to fly once more gets under way.
If things go to plan, the mighty delta wing bomber will take to the skies over Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground Aerodrome during August.
But it is not yet known when the aircraft, which has been part of a 13-year, £5.5 million restoration campaign will make its official flight debut at an airshow.
Dr Robert Pleming, Vulcan to the Sky Trust chief executive, is making every effort to minimise the impact of the sound it will be creating.
He said: "Engine testing is an exciting stage for us, but for those people who do not share our enthusiasm for the Vulcan, I can assure them that the engines will not be turned on in the early morning, and tests will be limited to those that are essential, and of the shortest duration practicable."
He said the Vulcan to the Sky team would be using geographical features and wind direction to minimise the impact of the noise on surrounding villages
He said: "The Vulcan to the Sky project has always been proud to call Bruntingthorpe, and Leicestershire, its home and we are making every effort to be a considerate neighbour, and hope that once Vulcan XH558 is flying again, the local community will be proud of our achievements."
Project co-ordinator Rusty Drewett said: "As part of the process to certify the aircraft as fit to fly, all of the engines will be throttled up and tested, each producing eight-and-a-half tons of thrust."
She said that it was anticipated that the aircraft should take to the sky during August.
She said: "We will not be publicising the first test flights because we do not want people flocking to the area."
She said it was hoped that the aircraft should make at least one airshow flight before the end of the season.
The leader of Harborough District Council Coun Graham Hart welcomed the start of engine testing.
Mr Hart, who represents the villages around the airfield, said: "The local parishes are aware of the noise the engines will bring. But they will not mind because it is helping the revive of a piece of aviation history.
"The team behind the restoration have also been very co-operative and have held briefing sessions with local communities and have taken their views on board."
For information on the Vulcan to the Sky project, or details of test timings, call the office on 0116 247 8145.