Good Morning All,
I'm planning to go to Farnborough next sat. Does anyone know what the chances are of 558 displaying? Or is that a silly question? We went to Waddy last week, but the least said about that the better!
Best regards
Bob
Chubby little Dermot was there to do a business report, not a commentary on distant historic aircraft. Doubtles there will be a report on the flying display that will mention it, if that's what you need.
According to websites concerning the Eastbourne Air Show, there was a possibility of XH558 displaying next month (Aug. 14th - 17th). Does anyone know what happened to this laudable ambition? (I'm going to the show, and would have loved to have seen her!)
Farnborough is more to do with modern aircraft and selling them than it is identifying old pieces of history. It isn't held every two years to celebrate any victories in wars of yesteryear, it is an International commercial exhibition.
If you want remembrance, go to a BoB Air Display or similar!!
Re the "Bee B" report at Farnborough Monday - to be fair to Dermot (It was Declan on the outside broadcast)it did get a mention - I think the one prior to 08:00, if memory serves me right.
Albeit a few lines to the guy he was interviewing as to why the Vulcan (which could be seen in the background) had a cover over the cockpit. The reply I thought was cute - something on the lines that it was shy having not been out for a while
Well done Decurs The more publicity the better.......The "old girl" needs money and lots of it
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Lincolnshire
Age: 66
Posts: 5,335
Just a note on the 'rain hat'. It is not of course a new toy. The Vulcan came with the full range of ground protective covers and these were all on the aircraft inventory.
Intake blanks, tail pipe covers, all the usual covers for pitot/static, wheel covers and even a sleeve (possibly home made) for the AAR probe. However the size of the aircraft meant that all these extras were also on the large side.
By 1964 it was usual for aircraft to sit on the line without their engine covers and no canopy cover. After all, if it could sit on QRA for a month why did it need a cover. The canopy, unlike fighter aircraft, was not opened on a daily basis and the inflated canopy seals usually kept the cockpit dry. Occasionally a seal would fail and there would be water on the side consoles.
We flew overseas with blanks to places like El Adem but even that stopped. I don't know if there had been a study that showed they were unnecessary given the height of the intakes or the sheer inconvenience was the determining factor.
I know that when we delivered aircraft back to the factory they got might p1ssed off as we didn't bring all the covers.
Now however, as one of a kind, I guess they do wrap her in blankets.
To those who live nearby or are lucky enough to be at the show, 558 is flying at Farnborough today - great to see her on the pan yesterday & many thanks to the lads for allowing me & Mrs. R2 into the cockpit - now she can understand the unique smell that I keep telling her about & wish I could bottle.
By 1964 it was usual for aircraft to sit on the line without their engine covers and no canopy cover. After all, if it could sit on QRA for a month why did it need a cover.
We did put the bungs and blanks in for an A/F servicing, but take them off during a B/F. Thus if we did the usual A/F-B/F service plus snags - which was nearly every flight - the bungs and blanks stayed off. At the end of the week's flying early on Saturday morning, the Back Shift would bung and blank them all for the weekend as each aircraft had its A/F. The next week's Swing Shift came on again at 2359 on Sunday to B/F the morning programme, taking the blanks off those aircraft. The rest would be opened up during their first B/F of the week. Even on QRA the pitot-static blanks were always fitted.
I only ever remember the cockpit cover being used when there was a U/S canopy seal - but it was a hell of a fiddle getting it up there on your own.
Wow......... sorry if my comments offended all you 558 fans.
I also used to enjoy the Vulcan displays when it was in RAF service, and saw it at many airshows. Fact is it will not display like that ever again as the CAA are unlikely to allow it to loop or roll in civvy hands.
I guess I was 'surly' because poor old Dermot of the Beeb was belittled for not mentioning the Vulcan. Well he wasn't there to act as PR man for 558 so why should he? Vulcan supporters tend to be blind to anything other than their lovely aeroplane, and it seems they are very prickly if someone is slightly critical of them.
I came on this thread because there are some fantastic photos of 558, and I very much enjoy looking at them, they evoke some excellent memories.
I suspect you have realised that people on this forum are as fond of 558 as you are. That said, it is unwise to offer opinions outside those which most consider acceptable.
I am sure you will agree this is a rare treat and a rare event. Long may it continue.
This forum is for enjoyment only.
PPP
__________________ Cool Mod - Here, and was there.
- I think the one prior to 08:00, if memory serves me right. 
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