Vulcan to the Skies.

[scudpilot]

Hi All,
I never am sure which forum to post to, so feel free to move me if you wish!
Anyone know when the Vulcan is due for a test flight, the website indicates that all will be on schedule for the Falklands Memorial Flypastk, so I would assume that it would have to be in the next couple of months...

[BOAC]

Hi Scud - difficult to know, as you say, which forum this belongs in, but since it will be very much a 'spotters' event we'll leave it here for the time being. There are threads in Aviation History here (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=222368) and here (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=238118) and the Mil forum (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=255049) you can watch for news.

[oldlag53]

Is this realistic?? I thought I heard a few years ago that there was no way at all that the CAA would ever permit a Vulcan to fly again, especially in private hands...

[scudpilot]

Would be amazed if the CAA did NOT allow it. How could they allow all this fundraising (including millions of pounds of lottery cash) to be wasted on something that would not fly again.
From what I have read, the aircraft will be in many parts virtually brand new under the skin, and besides, do I not see a WW2 Bomber flying on regular occasions?

[oldlag53]

Since when has the CAA been in existence to worry about fundraising?? Call me stoopid :} but I thought one of its main purposes in life was to ensure the safety of aircrew, passengers and all those lovely people on the ground. I would say a Vulcan was a bloody dangerous aircraft to fly when it was in service, let alone after many years mouldering on the ground. There's no way you can compare a Lancaster with four lovely Merlins to a Cold War monster with thumping great jet engines (Olympi??)

IMHO, I would be pretty surprised if the CAA allowed it to fly at all, especially from a British airfield where you are inevitably flying over the general public whichever direction you take. Way way too risky, and that's definitely not in the CAA's job description.

Dream on, guys...

[GOLF-INDIA BRAVO]

I thought the CAA were working with the Vulcan guys

G-I-B

[doubleu-anker]

Even if the CAA were to "ware it" the insurance issue would be a greater obstacle.

[mfaff]

Take a look here at the web site

As they might know a bit more about the issues than most of us and may be able to get a Vulcan flying again....

[whiskylima]

Just a thought. It is common knowledge that the Woodford Vulcan is to be scrapped. Would it be practical to arrange a final photo shoot charging an entrance fee with the money going towards the Bruntingthorpe Vulcan?

[oldlag53]

Good point re the insurance: just what would be the Public Liability quote???

I still maintain that this is Fantasy Island - I knew an ex-Vulcan pilot some years ago, and you had to have top-of-the-line military flying skills to handle the beast. And with the best will in the world, you've got civilians 'responsible' for what was a Serious Military Machine. And no Vulcan has flown anywhere for, what, nearly 25 years???

I just hope that all the people giving money and fundraising are aware that there is a very high chance (IMHO) that the Vulcan will NOT fly. Has anyone asked the CAA what they think??

[Lucy Lastic]

[quote=oldlag53;3079385]Good point re the insurance: just what would be the Public Liability quote???

I still maintain that this is Fantasy Island - I knew an ex-Vulcan pilot some years ago, and you had to have top-of-the-line military flying skills to handle the beast. And with the best will in the world, you've got civilians 'responsible' for what was a Serious Military Machine. And no Vulcan has flown anywhere for, what, nearly 25 years???

[quote]

...and how many 4-engined tailwheel pilots are being trained for the Lancaster/B17

There will be enough pilots able and willing to teach their successors, just as there are for the Hunters.

[tribekey]

oldlag53
the vulcan flew in the 90's, not sure exactly when but certainly a lot less than 25 years ago, there are plenty of older aircraft than that flying around too, all certified by the caa.
also, surely its inconceivable that all the fundraising and restoration would be done without knowledge of whether the caa would approve the aircraft for flight?

[mfaff]

The website is quite comprehensive and a few few minutes reeading thro the various topics would help answer in detail many of the concerns being raised.

The entire engineering effort is being done to a set of requirements established in conjunction with the CAA and using properly accredited engineering resources....in order to gain CAA approval once complete. It is not being done on a whim and a hope....

The proposed flight crew is comprised of ex-Vulcan Display Flight crew, who were the last to fly a Vulcan as well as other ex-Vulcan crew members. In order to refresh their memories and practice cockpit drills they have a separate Vulcan cockpit section to use as a proceedures trainer whilst 558's is u/s.

The nature of the Vulcan made it essential that the CAA and insurance world were amongst the first to be approached in the project. Either couldhave made it clear that not matter what was done there would be a shopstopping issue with them. That this has not occured measn that there is a real hope (cash flow allowing) that 558 will fly again.

[scudpilot]

Hi,

Not sure if this is the right place to post, just wondered if there was any news on the first flight.. I know that this has been discussed time and time again, but there is no news on the TVOC site, and if they are gonna be on that flypast, they are really gonna have to get their backside's into gear!
Any PPruner's work @ TVOC per chance?

[Evanelpus]

My money would be on the 'not' option and you are dead right, it's all gone remarkably quiet on the Vulcan front.

Anyone have any news.............

[panda-k-bear]

This is on the Vulcan to the Sky website as of a day or so ago:

XH558 Appearances 2007
Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - TVOC

As you can imagine many people are keen (understatement!) to have
XH558 attend their airshow this year.

We are at the moment making no commitments, but we are collecting requests, for decisions later in the year.

With a first test flight currently planned for approximately the beginning of the 2nd quarter, we won't be committing to any air display attendance until after that.

I'm sorry for the uncertainty but, as you can imagine, our main focus at the moment is a safe and successful return to flight.

Dr Robert Pleming
CEO VTST

3rd April 2007

[spekesoftly]

Sounds like good news, first flight test due any day now?

[Double Zero]

With reference to the previous post, may I point you to my post on the 'Miltary aircrew' thread - currently page 2 - ' Sea Harrier at Falklands Anniversary'.

Would love to see the Vulcan there too, but I can't help thinking it unlikely - that's a personal view & I have no inside knowledge of that project.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to throw money - a very great deal less than the Vulcan - in the way of the team or offer moral support ( I am not a team member just have been in contact through interest, as I used to be a tech' photographer on the Harrier Test Team - see also www.harrier.org.uk/history (http://www.harrier.org.uk/history) , scroll down to 'Harrier Testing'.

The main snag facing the SHAR is a recent rule about single engined aircraft over London, though they allow griffon engined Spitfires & the Red Arrows !

In the '80's they flew heaps of Merlin Spits' & Hurricanes over for the Battle of Britain Anniversary...

Good luck to the Vulcan and the Seajet !

Andy

[Navy_Adversary]

Ex PM Maggie Thatcher visited Bruntingthorpe a couple of weeks ago to see the Vulcan.
My 10p worth, I think the Vulcan would look awesome in it's Cold War white paint scheme, maybe Dulux would sponsor it.:)

[scudpilot]

Not sure if this has been mentioned, and I know it is followed by all the "subject to" discliamers, BUT the Vulcan is penciled in for 5th May @ Duxford!:O

[Evanelpus]

Not sure if this has been mentioned, and I know it is followed by all the "subject to" discliamers, BUT the Vulcan is penciled in for 5th May @ Duxford!

How realistic is this? Would love to see the Vulcan fly again and it's just down the road from me.

[TSR22]

Hi Guys!
I was at some of the last Vulcan shows back in '93 - awsome:ok:
Since then, I've followed progress and occasionally - like many PPRuners, added a bit of cash to the kitty.
Latest news is that the undercarriage units are ready to be fitted, control surfaces and PFCUs are pretty much ready, and the wiring in the cockpit and other areas is almost there.
I think there were some minor issues with corrosion but that these have largely been resolved.
The flight crew, comprising of ex vulcan crew members (including ex display captain Dave Thomas (a PPRuner by any chance???)) know more about flying vulcans than anyone else and will, no doubt, put on a superb performance:D .
Most of the parts have been restored by the "OEMs" - Original equipment manufacturers - often for free, and these are flooding back to the hangar:ok:
It seems that the aeroplane will be much lighter due to removal of lots of redundant cabling (eg stuff that was labelled "mine laying"!!) and some fuel tanks - this will probably make the display a different prospect as it will not be as noisy as in the past.
Its all looking very promising for the next few months and the CAA, from what I can gather, have been very supportive of the project over the last couple of years.
Can't wait to see her fly again - not long now...:E

[Wader2]

I suspect May is unrealistic. On the website he is talking of our determined efforts to meet the 17 June deadline for our magnificent aircraft to lead that flypast over London to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the South Atlantic campaign

However the following From 7th May for 7 days we are offering 15% off all VTS Merchandise bought in the shop!

[oldlag53]

Oh yes, I can see that realism pervades every aspect of this project. Next month? No, that's not realistic. The month after?? Oh yes, we plan to be ready to fly a Vulcan over one of the most heavily-populated areas of the UK.

For goodness sake, give us a break...

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

<<BUT the Vulcan is penciled in for 5th May @ Duxford!>>

I cannot find reference to any event at Duxford on 5th May.......???

[Hugh Spencer]

Everybody is apparently keeping their fingers crossed to hear of the Vulcan's first flight. My local authority have provisionally booked the Vulcan to fly at Airbourne at Eastbourne sometime between the 16th and 19th August this year.

[oldlag53]

OK, at the risk of getting flamed, I'm going to be Devil's Advocate yet again. What annoys me more than anything else is that many fans are spending hard-earned cash on a project that doesn't seem to be remotely realistic. A quick visit to the XH558 site will show that the aircraft is still in many many pieces all over the hangar floor, and yet supposedly there are going to be airshow appearances all over the UK this year!!

Just someone please please give a sensible answer to the following questions:

1. How much is it going to cost to fly for EACH airshow appearance??

2. The following aircraft have not been given a Permit to Fly in the UK:
EE Lightning
Buccaneer
Shackleton

In what way does the Vulcan qualify when these aircraft don't??

3. Area 51 Aviation is an ex-military jet maintenance operation based at North Weald, so presumably they know a thing or two. Their website states the following:
'The CAA only permit aircraft in the simple and intermediate category of complexity'

In what way is the Vulcan exempted from this policy??

I'd like to see a Vulcan flying again as much as the next man, but what is the actual realistic percentage chance of this happening??

[Racing Snake]

It will never fly.Far too complex and with the CAA as they are it hasn't got a hope .Even Concorde got too complex to maintain in flying status and that supposedly made money .
Just hope no one is on the make :eek: down there in Brunters ,not good for all those enthusiasts doing their bit :D

[forget]

XH558 Appearances 2007
Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - TVOC

As you can imagine many people are keen (understatement!) to have
XH558 attend their airshow this year.

We are at the moment making no commitments, but we are collecting requests, for decisions later in the year.

With a first test flight currently planned for approximately the end of May, we won't be committing to any air display attendance until after that.

I'm sorry for the uncertainty but, as you can imagine, our main focus at the moment is a safe and successful return to flight.

Dr Robert Pleming
CEO VTST

3rd April 2007
...................................................

[oldlag53]

Forget, I'm not sure of your purpose in posting the statement from Dr Fleming, but if it's to show the 'true situation', then for goodness' sake, get real. Look at the webcams on the official site - does the plane look to you like it's going to be ready for a test flight 'by the end of May' ???

Since when does any aircraft - let alone one that hasn't flown in 14 years, is ex-military, and is 50-year-old technology, take part in airshows within weeks of a test flight????

Like Racing Snake, I am now wondering exactly what is in the heads of the people at Bruntingthorpe. Just how much money has been donated so far???

[forget]

Forget, I'm not sure of your purpose in posting the statement from Dr Fleming, but if it's to show the 'true situation', then for goodness' sake, get real. :eek:

Well - if you're not sure of something, as you admit, it's always wise to wind ones neck in. There was no 'purpose' other than to post a recent statement. Up to you what you make of it.

[AuthorityStinks]

Concorde had to stop flting because EADS withdrew their support. EADS had taken over the design authority. Under present EASA legislation if any aircraft type loses it's factory support it will become an annex 2 aircraft.

The latest under that legislation is a proposal to make evrything build before I believe 1970 annex 2.

That in turn means that the aircraft can be operated on a permit.

The Vulcan to sky project is a most sincere project and includes some of the most reputable maintenance companies in the UK, Marshall's of Cambridge is one of them. Components have now started to arrive back from overhaul and it'll take the guys a couple of weeks to put it back together.

To give you some comparison, A Boeing 747 d-check takes usually around 5- 6 weeks. When the aircraft arrives it takes less than 5 days to take it apart, even stripping the paint. Bits and bobs will be all over the hangar floor, but hey presto a couple weeks later that same aircarft take you and family away on holidays or poses for the picture you take from your stepladder.

Problem for the Vulcan group is that it takes a small army to accomplish the above with the 747, they lack in manpower and therefore it'll take a bit longer. This project started the day 558 was bought at auction.

What's going to be a big problem here is the insurance for displaying 558 as insurance is now mandatory and at almost a 100 tons gross weight that's not going to be cheap. The CAA is on board for the project.
As a matter of fact the group as already put in an apllication for permit/CofA.

[Bruntingthorpe Rat]

Hi all
A few simple questions for you all,
1) Why do so many people on this forum want so desperately for this project to fail?
2) How well qualified are those of you who describe so graphically this giant jigsaw that will never go back together again, to comment on such things?
3) have any of you have ever seen an airliner in the hangar just a couple of days before it takes you half way around the world on holiday?
I am one of those guys you see at Bruntingthorpe in overalls climbing all over the aircraft (but not the Vulcan), I do however meet the guys and gals who do work on, and support her on a very regular basis. I also happen to be an A Licensed Aircraft Engineer, so I am well placed to comment on the progress I see.
I can tell you that they are all working very hard and very professionally to meet there target dates, they are doing there best, and it is already a fantastic achievement. The dedication of the volunteers who man the stalls at airshows, and who turn up at Bruntingthorpe regularly, and for no pay, is to be applauded. It is so easy to sit at home on your PC, and throw virtual eggs at these people over the internet, but at least let the project fail before you criticise the hard work and dedication that has driven this project from day one.
These people have given over large chunks of there lives to this project, lets show them all a little respect, when she does take to the air again (and it will be very soon) will all of you doubters stand and watch in awe like the rest of us, or will you go and find a new project to knock?

[forget]

2) How well qualified are those of you who describe so graphically this giant jigsaw that will never go back together again, to comment on such things?

Supremely, and don't you ever doubt it. According to one of oldlag53's earlier posts he "once knew a Vulcan pilot." :hmm:

[Racing Snake]

1) I don't think any of us want it to fail .We are just being realistic
2) 20 years in aviation professionally.Seen a lot pie in the sky ventures
3) Yes i have .I'm the one sitting up front flying it half way around the world

[oldlag53]

Like Racing Snake, I too do not want to see the project fail. However, what worries me is that 1000s of enthusiasts have donated cash on the basis that the aircraft will fly and take part in airshows. I (and others) have reasonable doubts about the viability of flight and airshow participation because there is no current evidence to back it up.

I notice that not a single one of my valid questions has been answered. Why is that???

I am tired of hearing that the 'CAA is on board with the project'. Well, of course they are - it's a government agency that's not going to go around pouring cold water on anything. BUT, they will want solid evidence that the aircraft is safe to stooge around above people's heads at airshows. The project team is presumably having to pass one hurdle after another as they approach the Permit to Fly. BUT, if they fall at just one - it's back to the drawing board.

[forget]

I notice that not a single one of my valid questions has been answered. Why is that???

Such as - does the plane (sic) look to you like it's going to be ready for a test flight 'by the end of May' ???

One guy, second from the left back row, who’s seen many Vulcans in a thousand bits (sometimes deliberate, sometimes otherwise), says ‘No obvious reason why not.’

Patience my son, patience.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/cumpas/jkigg.jpg

[Dr Jekyll]

I'm sure all the enthusiasts that have put money towards the project know there is a strong chance it won't fly. Personally I'm pleasantly surprised it's got as far as it has. Where we differ from Oldlag53 and Racing snake is that we don't regard the facts that success is not assured and that costs are difficult to predict as a reason for not trying.

It was obvious right from the start that problems such as corrosion would be found, and yet the identification of every issue seems to be regarded as a sign of incompetence or worse, rather than of progress being achieved.

Incidentally the main issue with flying 'complex' aircraft on a permit to fly is support from the design authority. This is what stopped the Lightning, Buccaneer and I believe Shackleton from flying. There is no blanket ban whatever Area51 might say.

[Cypherus]

Has the Vulcan thread gone quiet, sincerely the answer would have to be no on all fronts as anyone following the project via the TVOC website would testify, not going to restate the progress so far, go to the website and take a look, better still join up and toss a few coins in the bucket.
Will 558 fly down the Mall, possibly, but does it really matter after all, considering the life span of this project both to date and envisaged if it flew this year at all is not the issue, that it will fly again is.

As to Area 51’s website announcements on types considered for Permits to fly, they have their view based on experience however it should be noted that given the approach that the Vulcan Operating Company has taken on this, the CAA approval for the project is not Tacit in nature but confirmed and given that all the required criteria are met a permit to fly will be issued when required.

That 558 is considered a complex airframe is nothing to do with the issue, and this would also apply to types like the Buccaneer, Shackleton or even the lightning all of which could be returned to flight status given the right organisational and financial support.

558 will fly because it is supported by what is essentially the infrastructure for a one plane airline and for no other reason, if that was not present it is doubtful any of those involved would have got any where near the chance to fly her again.

So for the knockers and doubters it has been suggested that you watch progress over the next six weeks or so, if all goes according to plan and no further problems arise we should all be able to make a guess as to when 558 is released to operations again.

[oldlag53]

As to Area 51’s website announcements on types considered for Permits to fly, they have their view based on experience I have nothing to do with Area 51, but surely the fact that their statement is based on experience makes it more relevant??

the CAA approval for the project is not Tacit in nature but confirmed and given that all the required criteria are met a permit to fly will be issued when required.What utter rubbish - you clearly have never had any dealings with the CAA - their approval is neither tacit nor confirmed. There will be strict written criteria set down, which the project will have to pass to the letter, and then, only then, will any approval be forthcoming.

types like the Buccaneer, Shackleton or even the lightning all of which could be returned to flight status given the right organisational and financial support.Missed my point entirely - the Buccaneer and Lightning HAVE been returned to flight status, but are NOT approved to fly in the UK. I believe both examples fly in South Africa.

[Dr Jekyll]

Oldlag53, I am becoming increasingly curious as to what your problem actually is.

You argue that Area 51 know more about the CAA position with regard to complex aircraft than the Vulcan to the sky people because Area 51 have experience. Not with Vulcans they don't. The only ones with experience dealing with CAA regarding Vulcans are the same people whose views you dismiss.

You describe as utter rubbish the statement that 'given that all the required criteria are met a permit to fly will be issued when required.' and argue that the REAL situation is that 'There will be strict written criteria set down, which the project will have to pass to the letter, and then, only then, will any approval be forthcoming.' What exactly is the difference?

Incidentally the reason the Lighting and Buccanneer only fly in South Africa does not alter that fact that organisational support (of the type achieved for the Vulcan) would be required for them to fly in the UK.

[Wee Jock McPlop]

Just a thought. Given the excellent work VTTS and their allies are doing to bring the Vulcan to flight status and let's assume that they will succeed in getting her a permit to fly and onto the airshow circuit. Why don't they (VTTS) and the other UK ex mil-jet operators get together and form some sort of co-operative venture to get more complex types a permit to fly. They could follow the same proven procedures used by VTTS and, in doing so, could gain the confidence of the CAA and give them the necessary evidence that the proper procedures etc, etc are being followed.

Now I know that oldlag53 and the like will shoot me down in flames saying it is far more complex an issue than my naive response covers - I know that there is far more to this, so please don't jump down my throat. It is the principle that i'm getting at - not the detail of the thing. Indeed, for all I know the operators on the UK circuit may be already co-operating for all I know. As I said, just a thought...

WJMcP

[Kitoro Kid]

From my understanding , the only reason that this Vulcan was given the criteria to get it airworthy, is because since it was grounded , it has still been serviced as per its original service schedule BAE/AVRO
All other aircraft that were retired , sat around for a long period of
time and had a lapse in the maint. And on that basis they will not be given a permit to fly , because this Vulcan has always had some sort of approved maint , the CAA cannot automaticly refuse. But of course they will add in alot of extra criteria to cover themselves before they will allow it to get in the air again. From what I have read about it and spoken to people involved , this aircraft should be flying again , as long as they get the money together to get it airworthy

Can anybody find out if this maint on the Vulcan since being grounded, is the reason why CAA will entertain the idea of it flying again?

[Dysonsphere]

Lot of comments about the Buccaneer so you will be intrested to know the last airworthy Buccaneer in the UK have been given a permit and is undergoing maintance now for return to flight status and the bit about approved maintence is rubbish as if it was true half the Spitfires flying whould have never been issused permits

[Blacksheep]

...the CAA cannot automaticly refuse. But of course they will add in alot of extra criteria to cover themselves before they will allow it to get in the air again. . .
. . .Can anybody find out if this maint on the Vulcan since being grounded, is the reason why CAA will entertain the idea of it flying again?I just stumbled into Spotters Corner when my mouse slipped off the History & Nostalgia link and I found this topic.

For those interested in what the UK CAA can and cannot do, visit the UK CAA Airworthiness Regulation Group's web pages and download CAP 632 (http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP632.PDF)- which sets out the rules pertaining to operating former military aircraft with a MTWA greater than 2730 Kg or piston engine with more than 800 hp or a turbine or turbo jet engine. Its only 196 kb (50 Pages) so it won't take long and its written in clear language that even pilots can understand.

The CAA can and will withold a Permit to Fly from any aircraft that cannot be demonstrated to meet all of the criteria set out in CAP 632.

[oldlag53]

It was our hope that restoration work would have been concluded in time to enable XH558 to participate in the Falklands commemorative events, but we have had a delay in the return of one set of critical-to-flight components from overhaul.

Unfortunately, it is therefore doubtful that XH558 will be flying in time for the Falklands commemoration on 17th June. However all other aspects of the work are proceeding to plan. For example, this week will see the Vulcan's landing gear being reinstalled and the aircraft returned to her wheels.

When we know more about the length and impact of the delay, which will hopefully be short, we will provide a further update.

Dr Robert Pleming
CEO, VTSTWhat a load of old cobblers. Now I'm really mad. For the last couple of months or so, there never was ANY CHANCE of the Vulcan being fit AND approved to fly down the Mall on June 17th. VTST must have known this for several weeks if not months. The damn thing is STILL in pieces in the hangar. How on earth anyone thinks in terms of 'a few weeks' to get the airplane finished, rolled out, ground tested, flight tested, approved and then at public flying displays is way beyond my understanding. But hey, maybe I lack imagination, or am just plain stoopid.

VTST, stop making naive announcements and start being realistic. Your attitude at the moment is a insult to all the people who have raised funds for the project. And to have the barefaced cheek to blame one poor outside supplier for not making it to the flypast is staggering.

" Oh yes, people, honest, we would have been there only Bloggs and Co were late with the left falangie..." Yea, right, that's all it was.

All the above, of course, is just In My Humble Opinion...

[forget]

.......... a delay in the return of one set of critical-to-flight components from overhaul.

Hmmm. A little charity oldlag. This has, sort of, crept-up on them out of the blue, hasn't it. You couldn't make it up - but Dr P has :(

[Wee Jock McPlop]

Oldlag,

I think you need to chill a bit old fellow;) It was always going to be a push to get the beast ready for the flypast up The Mall. Yes, there is a great deal of emotion associated with the Falklands commemorations and with the Vulcan project as a whole. The a/c will fly - of that I am sure. But if they miss a couple of flypasts and airshows in the process, then so be it. However, the most important thing is to get it right and to do so will take as much time as is needed. It will fly when it's ready to fly - end of story. If that takes a few more weeks or months, then so be it.

VTTS, keep up the good work - nearly there!

WJMcP

[Cypherus]

Just a quick update for those interested, 558 was as of last night back on her feet again and undergoing fuel and electrical system checks, the process watched by many supporters on the net and kept informed by the staff as time allows.

Sad to say the doubt about the flypast down the Mall has been confirmed due too an OEM overrun, but on the whole the project is moving ahead very quickly indeed with a lot of late nights being put in by the staff.

The only unhappy complaint from the members currently is the position of the webcams though I am certain at least one here will have a tirade of biblical proportions to interest us with.

[doubleu-anker]

Anyone care to post the website so I can look at the webcam. I shall do an assessment myself, thank you very much.

[forget]

Try the web site

...... and while you are there take a look at Dr Pleming's latest, three days ago

But, because of cost escalation (now hopefully contained) we continue to need cash – still some £200 thousand of it; and we need it now! It would be of immense value to this great heritage project if those of you who have yet to support it were to do so today.

[Bagso]

Vulcan XH558 will be rolled out of her hangar THU 21st for the first time since August.

All fuel tanks have now been refitted and will be filled and checked on the pan - weather permitting of course.

[Rocket2]

So good to see her outside getting a breath of fresh air again - well done to all concerned :ok:

[ATSA1]

Just checked the live webcam feed at 2.20pm, and there she is, outside....OK, so probably just being fueled up, but its a start!

Lets hope that the last few flight critical items can be delivered soon, and once more, the skies will rumble as 558 gets some daylight under the wheels again, back where she belongs...

Keep the faith, people, she's nearly there.....:)

[scudpilot]

any more news on this? the website does not have any updates as to test flights, just wondered if any ppruners were "On the inside" so to speaK?

[Airbanda]

Having made a small donation I receive occasional snail mail updates from the team. Latest, yesterday, was invitation to participate (subject to further donation) in a raffle for viewing places at the first flight. Made clear that it will not be a "public" event for safety etc reasons, though media will be invited. No public announcement until she's been up and landed.

Raffle to be drawn at Bruntingthorpe on 10 July with winners contacted by 'phone.

So one assumes no flight before late next week, but probably soon thereafter?

[forget]

Made clear that it will not be a "public" event for safety etc reasons, though media will be invited. No public announcement until she's been up and landed.

Is that where the time's been spent? Fitting a 'Lockheed Cloaking' system.

[GBALU53]

If people are so interested on how well she is going one must not forget they aave a web site and they do try and keep it as up to date at possible. Link removed IAW Site policy

I do understand how keen but frustrated every one is getting, the hope was to be airborne months ago but one cannot rush a lady like this, she has to be 100 per cent before the big thumbs up and away she will hopefully go to show her off.
Lets hope this is the month there are a few of us that have airshows still to come, and one is ours which she is booked into with ten weeks to our show we could be in with a chance as she is running out of shows she was hopeing to be at.
All the best for the restoration team keep up the good work:ok:

[BOAC]

Spoil Sport!

With a few exceptions granted from on high, links to 'commercial' sites are not allowed on PPRune, and this extends to 'charity' topics too.

AS I said before, the topic is shadowed on AH&N and MIl.

Please restrict this thread to issues which are of interest to 'Spotters' and also we ask folk to 'Google' or whatever their taste is to find a web site.

[Acklington]

Just checked the cams, XH558 out of the hangar probably first engine tests

[GBALU53]

Good news if it is for engine runs good luck to the team it will not be long one hopes for the dunlops being bask in the wheel wells when airbourne.
Lets hope all the news we here from now till the test flight is good.:ok:

[Leezyjet]

Here is a link to a video of the engine test runs that took place on Wednesday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWpi3rQVWec

Can't be long until the first flight now.

:)

[Lancelot37]

>>Can't be long until the first flight now.<<

They should use it to scare the crap out of the Rusky Bear pilots.

[BOAC]

In case you missed it - she flies!
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=296719&page=2

[oldlag53]

As one of the 'doom-mongers' I feel it is my duty to eat some humble pie and say, well done to everyone involved. She looks and sounds absolutely immaculate...

[BOAC]

.....and full credit for that landing too:ok:

[Racing Snake]

I also admit to being a doom monger and admit it was a great sight to see it fly again.

Hope to see it at airshows next year

[perkin]

They should use it to scare the crap out of the Rusky Bear pilots

With all due respect to the restorers, the Vulcan is pushing towards 60 year old technology and is a pure bomber, I suspect Tornados and Typhoons give the Russian pilots much more to worry about... :rolleyes:

[Air Hop]

What a sight!

At last something great for British aircraft heritage. Lets hope that this is just the start.:D

[britflyer]

3 Cheers for XH558....I am very happy to say We Told You So..!!!!

So glad that all the doubting Thomas's have been proved wrong and I'm very pleased to see some apolgies from those indivuals. Sadly this type/scale of restoration(with the current green issues etc etc ), is something that will probabaly never be repeated so I hope everyone makes the most of this chance to see a historic cold war jet in the air (around 5-10 years I believe depending on funding/sponsorship..!).

I will be taking my boy (13..) to a couple shows to see 558 roar !!, as the last classic british (not including Spits/Hurrs etc ) he saw was Concordes last landing at Filton a few years ago.

So well done to all the boys and girls at Bruntingthorpe TVOC and Marshalls and to everyone who kept the coffers full over the last few years...lets just hope that Mr Branson/Mr Redbull etc etc will put their hand in their wallet to keep her in the air know she is thier.

(Getting off soap box now...)

[PAXboy]

Let me say something hideously unpopular ...

I was a doom monger about 558 getting airborne again but remain a doom monger about the sanity of restoring these precious airframes. There are too many times that 'last remaining flying example' becomes latest smashed example, all too often accompanied by the loss of the crew. We then have one less physical example for the next generation of aviators and engineers to inspect.

Let us hope that she operates safely until a timely retirement with all her frames and crew intact.

[EGGW]

Paxboy. There are still quite a few in museums/collections merrily rotting away for you to look at. Let the rest of us be happy that one is alive and kicking :ugh::ugh:

EGGW

[TheChitterneFlyer]

Well done you Vulcan guys :D; it's a delight to see you knock the sceptics for six! They with little faith... Pprune is a site for aviation supporters... not heathens!

[bugbirdhughes]

I Pay tribute to all involved, can't wait to see this baby in the air at an airshow near by soon. You are all stars ! :D

Greg
Very close to Yeovilton///////:ok:

[trident3A]

Interview with Robert Pleming Director of Vulcan to the Sky project on Radio 4's midweek program this morning.

Here's a listen again link for the program:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/radio4_aod.shtml?radio4/midweek

[mike rondot]

I listened to the interview on R4 today. No mention of when the second and subsequent test flights might take place and no mention of airshows in 2008.

It has gone very, very quiet since October 18. Does anyone know what is going on?

[JEM60]

Hi, Michael. According to my 'Pilot' mag which has just arrived, it requires two further 3 hour test flights and a compass swing. The gist of the article is that they are currently living a hand to mouth existence,and having to raise £60.000 permonth just to remain viable. Dr. Pleming, as ever, remains thoroughly optimistic, but also says that," on the sponsorship side, given the amounts under discussion and the current economic uncertainties, decision timescales are likely to stretch well into 2008." I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. I suspect, although only my opinion, that the dream is not going to happen. Please keep up the excellent painting.

[uk02048]

Not certain, but I imagine funding is an issue. They used up a lot of contingency, apparantly, for the corrosion repairs early last year. Guess they need to communicate the funding point in an appropriate way - balance of honesty vs not putting off too many potential sponsors. I'd be surprised to see her flying much I'm sad to say based on my tea-leaves today. Check out tvoc.co.uk forums if you want to get a view of others.:sad:

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

"..and having to raise £60.000 per month just to remain viable."

I was interested in this project to start with but this is getting ridiculous. Now I keep thinking to what better use that money could be put in this country.... and it doesn't take a lot of thought.

[andybsei]

Too much speculation on this post. It disappoints me to see such esteemed people as yourselves being so pessimistic about such a fantastic project, the world is a nasty enough place as it is, let's see a bit of optimism!
For up to the minute information i'd recommend you take a look at the official website.

[BOAC]

............and, indeed that website is but a Google away. 'New Year update' promised.

Andy - the venture has to learn to take the 'rough with the smooth' here on PPrune (and I'm sure they have no issues with that). They have had a lot of beneficial exposure here and there are bound to be folk raising queries.

We wish them well.

[spekesoftly]

Hopefully the 'New Year Update' will clarify some of the figures mentioned.

£60,000 per month just to remain viable. £100,000 to complete test flights by March.
£1.6 million to participate in a season of up to 17 Air Shows.

We wish them well indeed!

[JEM60]

Yes ANDYBSEI. Optimism is all very well, but you can have all the optimism in the world, and it still wont fly. Only money will cause it to happen.

[BillyElliott]

I am looking at attending the Cosford air show this year and noticed that the Military Airshows website says that the Vulcan may make an appearance (TBC).

Does anyone know whether a decision has been made yet on it appearing?

I know it will come down to the aircraft being serviceable on the day but it would be awesome to see :D

Cheers

[Milt]

Vulcan Displays

Would be delighted to see a Vulcan display from the outside having done a few from the inside, especially if it was being flown by Tony Blackman to the limits of its flight envelope.

Still waiting for some comments from the crew of that aircraft carrier which was not authorised to be in the Lyme Bay exclusion area where I had just unloaded ,through a cloud layer, a full load of inert 500 pounders. Did a landing approach and came close to a touch down on the deck in my attempt to scare it away.

[Bagso]

Short peice on 5 live this morning, nothing to exciting although would have been nice if somebody mentioned the VTTS web site for donations which appear sorely needed .....

The BBC was as incisive as ever........

"Its like a Giant peice of Dairy Lea"

and

"..its the RAFs last remaining Vulcan"

surley "..was the RAFs last remaining Vulcan"

Bye Bye Sooty Bye Bye.... !

:ugh: