Vulcan XH 558 Threads (merged)
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I left at 5:30 and up till then it only managed a couple of runs up the runway. Disappointed but glad to see it back at Leuchars as the last time I saw one displayed was at Leuchars MANY years ago...
Well done to the folks associated with this project and I sincerely hope that more funding is forthcoming. I still cannot believe the Lottery comission will not see themselves clear to channelling funds in this direction. Having seem some projects which HAVE benefited from Lottery cash this is FAR more worthy.
Spamcan
Well done to the folks associated with this project and I sincerely hope that more funding is forthcoming. I still cannot believe the Lottery comission will not see themselves clear to channelling funds in this direction. Having seem some projects which HAVE benefited from Lottery cash this is FAR more worthy.
Spamcan
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The trouble is, Spamcan, that whilst WE like old military aircraft, there is a very large number of people that DON'T. It was a huge struggle to get the Lottery Funding in the first place, and, as far as I know, it is the only military project to have received it. It is worth remembering that this money in the Hertitage Lottery fund is not THEIRS, it is OURS [the whole country that is], and therefore it has to be seen to be spent very wisely.
An awful lot of people would rather see it spent on sports facilities, better amenities for young people etc. than one aged lump of smoky metal that is occasionally seen by some people who might recognize it for what it is.
As I have frquently said, there are possible 50.000 enthusiasts in this counntry who would like to see the Vulcan continue flying.
All these 50,000 people have to do, is contribute £20 per annum, and that will ensure that this will happen. That is less than 50p per week. Despite evrery enthusiast waxing lyrical about the aircraft at every opportune moment, they lack the enthusiasm to put their hands in their pockets in order to finance it. So, if you want to see it, PAY UP, or the last you will see of it is the Duxford show in October, in my opinion. Apathy will probably ground it. Big sponsors, despite optimism, have failed to come on board [not sure why they were expected to, frankly] yet we enthusiasts could finance it ourselves, but it simply won't happen.
An awful lot of people would rather see it spent on sports facilities, better amenities for young people etc. than one aged lump of smoky metal that is occasionally seen by some people who might recognize it for what it is.
As I have frquently said, there are possible 50.000 enthusiasts in this counntry who would like to see the Vulcan continue flying.
All these 50,000 people have to do, is contribute £20 per annum, and that will ensure that this will happen. That is less than 50p per week. Despite evrery enthusiast waxing lyrical about the aircraft at every opportune moment, they lack the enthusiasm to put their hands in their pockets in order to finance it. So, if you want to see it, PAY UP, or the last you will see of it is the Duxford show in October, in my opinion. Apathy will probably ground it. Big sponsors, despite optimism, have failed to come on board [not sure why they were expected to, frankly] yet we enthusiasts could finance it ourselves, but it simply won't happen.
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or the last you will see of it is the Duxford show in October
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Due to an incredible stroke of luck I managed to see the Vulcan today leaving Leuchars on its way back down south.
I'm sooooo glad I saw it after the disapointment yesterday.
Spamcan
I'm sooooo glad I saw it after the disapointment yesterday.
Spamcan
The Leuchars wx was intensely frustrating all round. Few aircraft managed to display, and almost no one achieved a full display. The Reds had to give up half way through a sub-ratty-flatty show.
David Thomas (Vulcan captain) was, I think, up for an attempt at a couple of circuits, but was asked not to by the show director. Vulcan Permit to Fly does, of course, make it a 'VFR only' aircraft at the moment.
So he did a couple of fast runs down the runway, getting the nosewheels off - and on the second run, actually getting momentarily airborne. ("We felt the rumbling stop, and we thought - oops!"). The only snag with that was that it wasted a precious GAG cycle (ground-air-ground).
But the Leuchars audience were absolutely fantastic - very understanding, and so generous in every way.
Of course, Friday had been a lovely day, as was today Sunday.
Nacluv, you are
Well, given that if she were to land at Duxford, she couldn't take off again, perhaps you should watch to see if she does actually land there. Somehow, I think it very unlikely.
airsound
David Thomas (Vulcan captain) was, I think, up for an attempt at a couple of circuits, but was asked not to by the show director. Vulcan Permit to Fly does, of course, make it a 'VFR only' aircraft at the moment.
So he did a couple of fast runs down the runway, getting the nosewheels off - and on the second run, actually getting momentarily airborne. ("We felt the rumbling stop, and we thought - oops!"). The only snag with that was that it wasted a precious GAG cycle (ground-air-ground).
But the Leuchars audience were absolutely fantastic - very understanding, and so generous in every way.
Of course, Friday had been a lovely day, as was today Sunday.
Nacluv, you are
a tad worried. Given that her planned final destination has always been Duxford, if some good news is not forthcoming will they bother to fly her out afterwards? I hope it won't be a case of simply parking her up in a corner and concreting her in once the display is over.
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BBC says "Low morale at Vulcan support team"
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Sad, but I'm afraid this was as predictable as night following day. A year ago I expressed doubts as to the possibility of 'large sponsors coming forward when it has flown', because I couldn't see why they would want towhen they would not get any visible exposure from it. Dreams are all very well, but large aircraft take a great deal of money to keep, wether or not in flying trim. So, 3.8million have seen it. This does not mean that 3.8 million wish to spend money to see it again-and again-and again. It probably DID bring more people through the gates at Airshows this year, but Joe Public is not going to keep putting his hand in his pocket in order to see something that he has already seen recently.
I'm sorry to say it, but I suspect that the October Duxford Show, where it is scheduled to appear, may well be it's last. Be there if you want to see it flying, you may not get the chance again.ever.
I'm sorry to say it, but I suspect that the October Duxford Show, where it is scheduled to appear, may well be it's last. Be there if you want to see it flying, you may not get the chance again.ever.
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Like it or not, however it was done, those involved still have a flying Vulcan. When the insurance to fly the aircraft expires, we can ? say we gave it our best shot, and our best shot was XH558.
However you look at it, it's still a good deal.
135,000 supporters at £1 each a month
100 companies or people at £16k each a year
Keeps the aircraft flying?
However you look at it, it's still a good deal.
135,000 supporters at £1 each a month
100 companies or people at £16k each a year
Keeps the aircraft flying?
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If there are 50.000 SERIOUS Aircraft Enthusiasts in the country, and I suspect that there are, then a mere 50p per week each would do it. I don't expect for a moment that this will happen. I suspect that apathy will rule, and everyone will complain when it has gone, but they will only have themselves to blame for losing it, won't they.
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Vulcan makes a long awaited return to Goodwood – but her future remains shrouded in uncertainty
When Vulcan XH558 carries out a spectacular display during the Goodwood Revival event on Sunday 21st September it will be the first time that a Vulcan has appeared over this famous location for some 30 years. The rest of the UK has already been feeling the full force of the 'Vulcan Effect' this summer, with the British public flocking to witness the return of one of its greatest heroes. Since she was awarded her Permit to Fly, the newly restored Avro Vulcan bomber has made flying appearances at a number of major airshows, with each one subsequently boasting a record number of attendees as the result. With a combined viewing audience now up to over one million people, it is very clear that the Vulcan is breathing new life into the air show circuit – already the second largest spectator event in the UK after football.
“It has been absolutely terrific to see the reaction of the crowds watching the Vulcan flying at airshows”, says Vulcan to the Sky Chief Executive Dr Robert Pleming. “The sheer numbers of people who have turned up to see this much-loved and admired aircraft just shows how much XH558 is valued and remembered as a true icon of British aviation. The public seems to be taking the Vulcan to their hearts in the same way as Concorde was. Without the generosity of the public, and support from sponsors and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Vulcan would have remained in early retirement. “
However, the dream of the Vulcan to the Sky team of continuing to showcase XH558 for the next decade is in real danger. Dr Pleming explains:
“I just hope that now we will be able to continue to bring the aircraft to many more shows and enable the younger generation to see not only a superb example of British engineering but a living part of our history. XH558 is the only Vulcan in the world that can fly. But there is a big barrier that may prevent us from achieving our objective: without commercial sponsorship, this display may be one of her last, and millions of people will be denied the experience of seeing this awesome aircraft in the air again!”
“After all of the hard work, dedication, commitment and effort that has been put in by all of the team, this would be devastating. By returning XH558 to flight after years of painstaking restoration, negotiation and fundraising, we have already achieved what was widely considered to be impossible and we have proved that we can fly and operate XH558 successfully. For this amazing project to falter due to a lack of funding would be agonising for all the team and our supporters”
The Vulcan is also at the centre of an educational programme, explaining not only the history of the last half of the 20th Century and its relevance to today, but also the amazing design and engineering achievements that this 1950s-era aircraft represents. However, the only way to keep the Vulcan flying in public in future years will be to attract commercial sponsorship, in addition to continuing public donations.
However the future of the Vulcan, beyond her final appearance of the Airshow season at Duxford on 5th October, is very much in doubt. Although the Vulcan has helped to revitalise the Airshow circuit and has been the key attraction for many people eager to see her back in flight, following her successful £7m overhaul spanning the last three years; it now appears that lack of funding may be the factor that causes her to be grounded.
When Vulcan XH558 carries out a spectacular display during the Goodwood Revival event on Sunday 21st September it will be the first time that a Vulcan has appeared over this famous location for some 30 years. The rest of the UK has already been feeling the full force of the 'Vulcan Effect' this summer, with the British public flocking to witness the return of one of its greatest heroes. Since she was awarded her Permit to Fly, the newly restored Avro Vulcan bomber has made flying appearances at a number of major airshows, with each one subsequently boasting a record number of attendees as the result. With a combined viewing audience now up to over one million people, it is very clear that the Vulcan is breathing new life into the air show circuit – already the second largest spectator event in the UK after football.
“It has been absolutely terrific to see the reaction of the crowds watching the Vulcan flying at airshows”, says Vulcan to the Sky Chief Executive Dr Robert Pleming. “The sheer numbers of people who have turned up to see this much-loved and admired aircraft just shows how much XH558 is valued and remembered as a true icon of British aviation. The public seems to be taking the Vulcan to their hearts in the same way as Concorde was. Without the generosity of the public, and support from sponsors and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Vulcan would have remained in early retirement. “
However, the dream of the Vulcan to the Sky team of continuing to showcase XH558 for the next decade is in real danger. Dr Pleming explains:
“I just hope that now we will be able to continue to bring the aircraft to many more shows and enable the younger generation to see not only a superb example of British engineering but a living part of our history. XH558 is the only Vulcan in the world that can fly. But there is a big barrier that may prevent us from achieving our objective: without commercial sponsorship, this display may be one of her last, and millions of people will be denied the experience of seeing this awesome aircraft in the air again!”
“After all of the hard work, dedication, commitment and effort that has been put in by all of the team, this would be devastating. By returning XH558 to flight after years of painstaking restoration, negotiation and fundraising, we have already achieved what was widely considered to be impossible and we have proved that we can fly and operate XH558 successfully. For this amazing project to falter due to a lack of funding would be agonising for all the team and our supporters”
The Vulcan is also at the centre of an educational programme, explaining not only the history of the last half of the 20th Century and its relevance to today, but also the amazing design and engineering achievements that this 1950s-era aircraft represents. However, the only way to keep the Vulcan flying in public in future years will be to attract commercial sponsorship, in addition to continuing public donations.
However the future of the Vulcan, beyond her final appearance of the Airshow season at Duxford on 5th October, is very much in doubt. Although the Vulcan has helped to revitalise the Airshow circuit and has been the key attraction for many people eager to see her back in flight, following her successful £7m overhaul spanning the last three years; it now appears that lack of funding may be the factor that causes her to be grounded.
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Without churning up old arguments etc all over again, its a fact that saying "if x people paid £y per month things will be ok" isn't working.
Sadly there still appears to be no reasonable prospect of the one or two key corporate sponsors coming forwards with enough money and I suspect there is still an ongoing degree of reluctance by the masses to sign up for something which is flagged by the operators on numerous occassions as "possibly the last display".
I was wrong about it never flying and am delighted about that as I loved seeing it at Waddo for the first DA flights the night before and think the guys and girls on the ground have done an awesome job.
I don't know what they can do to guarantee the future of the frame but less negative scaremongering and some encouragement might be a flying start if you excuse the pun. The PR for TVOC is P*ss poor and they have to start showing some innovative thinking if the future is going to involve a continually flying 558.
I hope they pull it off, alas, it seems that they still have a way to go to get there.
Sadly there still appears to be no reasonable prospect of the one or two key corporate sponsors coming forwards with enough money and I suspect there is still an ongoing degree of reluctance by the masses to sign up for something which is flagged by the operators on numerous occassions as "possibly the last display".
I was wrong about it never flying and am delighted about that as I loved seeing it at Waddo for the first DA flights the night before and think the guys and girls on the ground have done an awesome job.
I don't know what they can do to guarantee the future of the frame but less negative scaremongering and some encouragement might be a flying start if you excuse the pun. The PR for TVOC is P*ss poor and they have to start showing some innovative thinking if the future is going to involve a continually flying 558.
I hope they pull it off, alas, it seems that they still have a way to go to get there.
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Got home tonight and heard from my young son that XH558 was doing circuits over Oakham into Cottesmore this afternoon Thursday around 15:40
Anyone know where she is now?
Cottesmore or Waddo? assume its at one for Silverstone Sat and Goodwood Sunday at the weekend
Anyone know where she is now?
Cottesmore or Waddo? assume its at one for Silverstone Sat and Goodwood Sunday at the weekend
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well well lets not get our hopes up yet for the weekend I HAVE IT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH SO TO SPEAK SHE'S TECH AT BRIZE CEASED BRAKE MAXARET HOPE THEY HAVE SPARES.
No doubt the MA guys will be making the 3rd trip of the week down to try to get her ready but who knows it may depend on spares,funding and availability of key people needed to to release her.
No doubt the MA guys will be making the 3rd trip of the week down to try to get her ready but who knows it may depend on spares,funding and availability of key people needed to to release her.
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Saw her myself at Sywell today at long last - magnificent 
Two separate appearances as well!
Apparently delayed by replacing a brake part this morning - was that the bit that seized on her return?
Two separate appearances as well!Apparently delayed by replacing a brake part this morning - was that the bit that seized on her return?
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So it managed Sywell with The Blades and as few people as possible watching yesterday and did much the same on Thursday, all for no crowds, then it sadly goes tech again and will miss the opportunity to be shown off to thousands at 2 very high profile events with massive opportunity to impress wealthy potential donors and sponsors!
Maybe some strategic thinking is needed by TVOC for the former strategic bomber?
From the TVOC website - Vulcan to the Sky Trust - Avro Vulcan Bomber XH558 - Vulcan Operating Company
It is with great sadness that VTST have to announce that due to technical problems XH558 will not be appearing at Siverstone or Goodwood this weekend . Fuller details will be posted later today