Vulcan XH 558 Threads (merged)
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SPECIAL HANGAR OPENING SAT 15 th & SUN16th SEPT.10.00 A.M TILL 4.00 PM.
11 September 2007 - TVOC
Unique chance to see engineering work on Vulcan bomber
This weekend, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust will be opening the doors of the Vulcan hangar to give the public the unique chance to see engineers at work on the aircraft. Those interested in seeing the Vulcan under its final examinations from the resident team of engineers are invited to come to the Bruntingthorpe airfield off M1 junction 20 in Leicestershire between 10am and 4pm on either Saturday or Sunday, 15th and 16th September.
After an extensive two year operation focused on bringing the Vulcan back to full flight capability, including a total rewiring of all cabling, the re-installation of fourteen fuel tanks and four Rolls Royce Engines, it is now only the finishing engineering touches which remain to be completed. Soon after, XH558 will be preparing for fast taxiing and ultimately the long awaited return to the sky. Chief Engineer, Andrew Edmondson explains:
“With the Vulcan almost ready to take-off again, these open days are a great opportunity for the public to see the aircraft receiving last minute tweaks. At the moment XH558 is still on the ground, so we wanted to open up our doors to let people see the final hours of our work in progress. Engineering has been a long process, and has largely been carried out behind closed doors, so this weekend will let the public see what goes on at the Vulcan to the Sky Project, how the hangar looks and works and hopefully it will give people fresh inspiration if they have been one of our regular supporters.”
Visitors are asked to give a donation on entrance to the project, which will go towards supporting future work and maintenance on the Vulcan. Over the years, the aircraft has gained a large amount of funding from its public support base, but with first flight expected imminently, continued funds are still urgently needed to keep the Vulcan airborne. The Vulcan to the Sky project is based at Bruntingthorpe Airfield, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 5QS and information about the project can be found at www.vulcantothesky.com
11 September 2007 - TVOC
Unique chance to see engineering work on Vulcan bomber
This weekend, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust will be opening the doors of the Vulcan hangar to give the public the unique chance to see engineers at work on the aircraft. Those interested in seeing the Vulcan under its final examinations from the resident team of engineers are invited to come to the Bruntingthorpe airfield off M1 junction 20 in Leicestershire between 10am and 4pm on either Saturday or Sunday, 15th and 16th September.
After an extensive two year operation focused on bringing the Vulcan back to full flight capability, including a total rewiring of all cabling, the re-installation of fourteen fuel tanks and four Rolls Royce Engines, it is now only the finishing engineering touches which remain to be completed. Soon after, XH558 will be preparing for fast taxiing and ultimately the long awaited return to the sky. Chief Engineer, Andrew Edmondson explains:
“With the Vulcan almost ready to take-off again, these open days are a great opportunity for the public to see the aircraft receiving last minute tweaks. At the moment XH558 is still on the ground, so we wanted to open up our doors to let people see the final hours of our work in progress. Engineering has been a long process, and has largely been carried out behind closed doors, so this weekend will let the public see what goes on at the Vulcan to the Sky Project, how the hangar looks and works and hopefully it will give people fresh inspiration if they have been one of our regular supporters.”
Visitors are asked to give a donation on entrance to the project, which will go towards supporting future work and maintenance on the Vulcan. Over the years, the aircraft has gained a large amount of funding from its public support base, but with first flight expected imminently, continued funds are still urgently needed to keep the Vulcan airborne. The Vulcan to the Sky project is based at Bruntingthorpe Airfield, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, LE17 5QS and information about the project can be found at www.vulcantothesky.com
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ahem...
hey, is it just me or has anyone else noticed the absence of tombstone lately? do you reckon that he's just popped out to the florists?
sm
(is Boots en route d'ya think, or will that be a separate trip?)
sm
(is Boots en route d'ya think, or will that be a separate trip?)
Awesome but Affordable
My boss at the CAA General Aviation Department was an old Vulcan hand, the late Wing Commander Harry McMaster, an Ulsterman and proud of it. We often discussed the awesome displays flown by the Vulcan in its final years with the RAF VDF. He loved his time flying the aircraft as the one time CO of the Vulcan conversion unit at Finningley.
I am glad the project has almost come to fruition and hope Harry will be able to look down as XH558 lifts off from that Bruntingthorpe runway which I have used occasionally. Watch out for an angel tucked in tight with feathered wings alongside the huge delta. They care not for legal RA(T)'s......!!!!
Cheers,
Reaper 69
I am glad the project has almost come to fruition and hope Harry will be able to look down as XH558 lifts off from that Bruntingthorpe runway which I have used occasionally. Watch out for an angel tucked in tight with feathered wings alongside the huge delta. They care not for legal RA(T)'s......!!!!
Cheers,
Reaper 69
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Latest News....
This posted on the official website homepage earlier....
The Vulcan Operating Company core team of engineers last Friday at the end of rectification. Picture names left to right: Colin, Alan, Taff, Patrick, NickI am delighted to let you know that in ground tests on 28th September, all of XH558's systems worked to specification, proving that the last snags have now been fixed and that the aircraft is technically ready for flight. Please join me in congratulating the skilled and dedicated team of Vulcan Operating Company engineers and Marshall Aerospace staff in reaching this significant milestone.
What follows now is largely a paperwork exercise to verify the auditability of XH558's transformation back to an airworthy state, culminating in the Flight Test Readiness Review. First test flight will then occur when we are able to bring the test flight crew, airfield facilities and good weather together all at the same time.
Returning XH558 to flight has always been always the first goal of Vulcan to the Sky. Because we remain adamant that no corners be cut, getting to this point where we are now ready for take-off has taken us much longer than originally planned. The delay obviously has had financial repercussions, and our resources are now stretching to breaking point.
Despite the challenges we now face, we are more determined than ever to keep XH558 flying, not only because of what we have promised to you all, but also because we are confident that the achievement of first flight will unlock the commercial sponsorship that will be the foundation for funding the future of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust.
I know all of you reading this message have dug deep into your pockets to get us this far. But if the 40,000 unique visitors to this web site in the last month each e-donated just Ł5, we would have a cash cushion which should see us through to signing up sponsorship.
Five pounds towards that bunch of roses folks!!!!
The Vulcan Operating Company core team of engineers last Friday at the end of rectification. Picture names left to right: Colin, Alan, Taff, Patrick, NickI am delighted to let you know that in ground tests on 28th September, all of XH558's systems worked to specification, proving that the last snags have now been fixed and that the aircraft is technically ready for flight. Please join me in congratulating the skilled and dedicated team of Vulcan Operating Company engineers and Marshall Aerospace staff in reaching this significant milestone.
What follows now is largely a paperwork exercise to verify the auditability of XH558's transformation back to an airworthy state, culminating in the Flight Test Readiness Review. First test flight will then occur when we are able to bring the test flight crew, airfield facilities and good weather together all at the same time.
Returning XH558 to flight has always been always the first goal of Vulcan to the Sky. Because we remain adamant that no corners be cut, getting to this point where we are now ready for take-off has taken us much longer than originally planned. The delay obviously has had financial repercussions, and our resources are now stretching to breaking point.
Despite the challenges we now face, we are more determined than ever to keep XH558 flying, not only because of what we have promised to you all, but also because we are confident that the achievement of first flight will unlock the commercial sponsorship that will be the foundation for funding the future of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust.
I know all of you reading this message have dug deep into your pockets to get us this far. But if the 40,000 unique visitors to this web site in the last month each e-donated just Ł5, we would have a cash cushion which should see us through to signing up sponsorship.
Five pounds towards that bunch of roses folks!!!!
Awesome but Affordable
I got the news from a friend by email. This was my response -
Bill,
Thanks for the news on what has been, and still is, a magnificent obsession for so very many enthusiasts.
Everyone is to be congratulated however, as an airshow pilot and operator of a small aerobatic aircraft on the UK display circuit I dread to think of the future problems I, and so many like me, will have in getting airshow bookings. At least for the next couple of years. Organisers will dig deep to have the awesome Vulcan at their show but the budget for display items is finite and they will cut their costs for the remaining display acts to the absolute bone. This for, at most, a 15 minute piece of their programme and a display that cannot ever, in my own opinion, approach the standard seen when the VDF was an active RAF unit.
The almost obscene amount of money that has gone into this project has been amazing. My contribution has been small in cash terms and through the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Those who have given large sums or devoted huge amounts of their time and talents have my admiration for their generosity.
I sincerely look forward to seeing the mighty Vulcan in its natural element again. One or two of my former colleagues at the CAA will certainly be morally bound to eat their bowler hats and that would be a sight to see. However its effect on the UK airshow scene might not be so wonderful in the longer term.
Well there it is. I do have my concerns. Hopefully they will not come to pass.
Cheers,
Reaper 69
Bill,
Thanks for the news on what has been, and still is, a magnificent obsession for so very many enthusiasts.
Everyone is to be congratulated however, as an airshow pilot and operator of a small aerobatic aircraft on the UK display circuit I dread to think of the future problems I, and so many like me, will have in getting airshow bookings. At least for the next couple of years. Organisers will dig deep to have the awesome Vulcan at their show but the budget for display items is finite and they will cut their costs for the remaining display acts to the absolute bone. This for, at most, a 15 minute piece of their programme and a display that cannot ever, in my own opinion, approach the standard seen when the VDF was an active RAF unit.
The almost obscene amount of money that has gone into this project has been amazing. My contribution has been small in cash terms and through the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Those who have given large sums or devoted huge amounts of their time and talents have my admiration for their generosity.
I sincerely look forward to seeing the mighty Vulcan in its natural element again. One or two of my former colleagues at the CAA will certainly be morally bound to eat their bowler hats and that would be a sight to see. However its effect on the UK airshow scene might not be so wonderful in the longer term.
Well there it is. I do have my concerns. Hopefully they will not come to pass.
Cheers,
Reaper 69
A bit of an odd letter, Barry - I'm not sure what point were you trying to make?
The 'pull' of the Vulcan at airshows is likely to be considerable, but cannot be guaranteed. The aircraft will indeed cost a fair bit to operate, but the public support to get it flying again, despite the cost involved, has been very obvious. As have the financial sacrifices made by the very many donors.
Any airshow which cannot afford the Vulcan's participation will be at a considerable disadvantage, notwithstanding the quality of the other participants. So perhaps, if anything, they will have to do more to attract spectators and you may find your participation in greater demand than hitherto?
There is no reason to doubt the professionalism of the VOC; the aircraft is in a much better state of repair than it was with VDF, it has to be flown under an AOC and is maintained to current 'commercial' standards - even though it can only have a Permit to Fly rather than a CofA. Furthermore, the display pilots are of the highest calibre and will display the aircraft in a sympathetic manner in order to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
The Authority have been very supportive thoughout the project; the present day CAA is far removed from the 'Campaign Against Aviation' of yore.
The 'pull' of the Vulcan at airshows is likely to be considerable, but cannot be guaranteed. The aircraft will indeed cost a fair bit to operate, but the public support to get it flying again, despite the cost involved, has been very obvious. As have the financial sacrifices made by the very many donors.
Any airshow which cannot afford the Vulcan's participation will be at a considerable disadvantage, notwithstanding the quality of the other participants. So perhaps, if anything, they will have to do more to attract spectators and you may find your participation in greater demand than hitherto?
There is no reason to doubt the professionalism of the VOC; the aircraft is in a much better state of repair than it was with VDF, it has to be flown under an AOC and is maintained to current 'commercial' standards - even though it can only have a Permit to Fly rather than a CofA. Furthermore, the display pilots are of the highest calibre and will display the aircraft in a sympathetic manner in order to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
The Authority have been very supportive thoughout the project; the present day CAA is far removed from the 'Campaign Against Aviation' of yore.
Awesome but Affordable
BEagle,
I think you might be correct in which case my concerns will be unfounded but they do exist at the moment. We shall see what happens.
The Vulcan, as an ex-military aircraft that will have a permit to fly issued by the CAA, will not require VOC to hold an AOC. That is only needed for commercial air transport operations. It will be maintained by an A8-20 approved organisation and operated in accordance with CAP 632, as are all such aircraft.
Some ten years ago I retired from the CAA. Up to that time very few folk within the CAA at senior level thought the aircraft would ever fly again. Several said it would be over their dead bodies as it could never meet the level of safety required. They have been proved to be men of little faith in the determination of a huge number of people from all walks of life who have indeed worked a veritable miracle. Yes, the CAA have been supportive in recent years. It has not always been so.
As we approach that day of lift off I wish the project well and look forward to seeing that, once familiar, black triangle silhouette against an English sunlit blue sky.
Cheers,
Reaper 69
I think you might be correct in which case my concerns will be unfounded but they do exist at the moment. We shall see what happens.
The Vulcan, as an ex-military aircraft that will have a permit to fly issued by the CAA, will not require VOC to hold an AOC. That is only needed for commercial air transport operations. It will be maintained by an A8-20 approved organisation and operated in accordance with CAP 632, as are all such aircraft.
Some ten years ago I retired from the CAA. Up to that time very few folk within the CAA at senior level thought the aircraft would ever fly again. Several said it would be over their dead bodies as it could never meet the level of safety required. They have been proved to be men of little faith in the determination of a huge number of people from all walks of life who have indeed worked a veritable miracle. Yes, the CAA have been supportive in recent years. It has not always been so.
As we approach that day of lift off I wish the project well and look forward to seeing that, once familiar, black triangle silhouette against an English sunlit blue sky.
Cheers,
Reaper 69
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Won't its presence be limited, to prolong its airframe life, how many hours are being budgeted for?
Ultimately, its all about supply and demand. The public might be justified in wanting to see her (especially in the short term), instead of lots of smaller and more similar familiar aircraft. But I imagine that the market will soon find its own level again, rather quickly.
Ultimately, its all about supply and demand. The public might be justified in wanting to see her (especially in the short term), instead of lots of smaller and more similar familiar aircraft. But I imagine that the market will soon find its own level again, rather quickly.
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First test flight will then occur when we are able to bring the test flight crew, airfield facilities and good weather together all at the same time.
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New NOTAM......
FIR: EGTT
Code: RTCA
Traffic: VFR IFR
Purpose: PIB entry Operationally significant for flights
Scope: Nav Warning
Lower limit (FL): 000
Upper limit (FL): 030
Centre and radius (nm): 5229N00108W003
Parent ICAO: EGTT
Start date/time: 15/10/2007 09:00 UTC
End date/time: 02/11/2007 16:00 UTC
Activity period: MON-FRI 0900-1600
Lower height limit: 000
Upper height limit: 030
RESTRICTED AREA(TEMPORARY) FOR VULCAN TEST FLYING AT BRUNTINGTHORPE.
RESTRICTION OF FLYING REGULATIONS MADE UNDER ARTICLE 96 OF THE AIR
NAVIGATION ORDER 2005 (MIL ACFT SHOULD COMPLY WITH JSP552 201.135.9).
NO ACFT IS TO FLY WI AREA BOUNDED BY CIRCLE RAD 3NM CENTRED AT 522913N
0010750W EXCEPT ACFT FLYING WITH PERMISSION OF OPERATOR OF
BRUNTINGTHORPE AERODROME OR IN THE SERVICE OF THE LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE.
Code: RTCA
Traffic: VFR IFR
Purpose: PIB entry Operationally significant for flights
Scope: Nav Warning
Lower limit (FL): 000
Upper limit (FL): 030
Centre and radius (nm): 5229N00108W003
Parent ICAO: EGTT
Start date/time: 15/10/2007 09:00 UTC
End date/time: 02/11/2007 16:00 UTC
Activity period: MON-FRI 0900-1600
Lower height limit: 000
Upper height limit: 030
RESTRICTED AREA(TEMPORARY) FOR VULCAN TEST FLYING AT BRUNTINGTHORPE.
RESTRICTION OF FLYING REGULATIONS MADE UNDER ARTICLE 96 OF THE AIR
NAVIGATION ORDER 2005 (MIL ACFT SHOULD COMPLY WITH JSP552 201.135.9).
NO ACFT IS TO FLY WI AREA BOUNDED BY CIRCLE RAD 3NM CENTRED AT 522913N
0010750W EXCEPT ACFT FLYING WITH PERMISSION OF OPERATOR OF
BRUNTINGTHORPE AERODROME OR IN THE SERVICE OF THE LEICESTERSHIRE POLICE.
Just for info, there's a stiff! northerly over Iceland at the moment. Negative dewpoints. Now, windchill, .....
Top Banana !!
Top Banana as we used to say on our good ship Winston C !!
Godspeed, fair weather & best wishes to all for the test flight, she looks better than new !!
WEL DONE EVERYONE - A TRULY EXCELLENT TEAM EFFORT
Godspeed, fair weather & best wishes to all for the test flight, she looks better than new !!
WEL DONE EVERYONE - A TRULY EXCELLENT TEAM EFFORT
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I'm gonna be over to the UK this weekend at Hus Bos, and wondered about the chance of seeing the beast in the air..then I noticed the start date...15th october...bu99er
Was at Bruntingthorpe yesterday (on other business), and popped in to the hangar to say hello to the old girl.
Looking VERY good - they're still ploughing through the paperwork and completing the final ground tests.
I'm trying to rearrange work to do some more testing there over the next few weeks!
Looking VERY good - they're still ploughing through the paperwork and completing the final ground tests.
I'm trying to rearrange work to do some more testing there over the next few weeks!
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Is there a Cornish pastry left on the tool cabinet?
Apparently if its on the top its a no-go, if its on the second drawer from the top (or is it the bottom?) then its a go for launch. At least thats what the bloke in the pub told me last night, but then again he also told me dogs can't look up.
Apparently if its on the top its a no-go, if its on the second drawer from the top (or is it the bottom?) then its a go for launch. At least thats what the bloke in the pub told me last night, but then again he also told me dogs can't look up.
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Back in the hangar, but it can't be long now...
If only I could hear the sound of the might beast again - but I'm in the 'Stan...
But with this government, you never know.....
Fingers crossed for the first flight soon. Best wishes and well done to all.
If only I could hear the sound of the might beast again - but I'm in the 'Stan...
But with this government, you never know.....
Fingers crossed for the first flight soon. Best wishes and well done to all.