Participate in Vulcan engine run
The aircraft was 655 and John was also present.
Cockpit tours were included for many of the 655 supporters. Most found it quite difficult to climb in and out of the seats; ex-Vulcan pilots and current Vulcan engineers are obviously quite capable of entry and egress - but the average bod off the street who happened to win an eBay auction? I doubt it.
Yes, it is quite possible to monitor fuel flow and to operate the engine airs from the LHS - provided that the RHS is empty. But the actions required to do so safely, whilst keeping an eye on an unqualified RHS occupant, are a different matter.
Hence, with the greatest of respect to the 426 team, to permit an unknown auction winner to man the cockpit during ground runs - even at idle - is an avoidable risk.
I'm not sure why you think I have something against the 426 team - I certainly do not. But I just don't think that the auction was the best considered idea.
Nevertheless, best of luck with the project and your associated fund raising.
Cockpit tours were included for many of the 655 supporters. Most found it quite difficult to climb in and out of the seats; ex-Vulcan pilots and current Vulcan engineers are obviously quite capable of entry and egress - but the average bod off the street who happened to win an eBay auction? I doubt it.
Yes, it is quite possible to monitor fuel flow and to operate the engine airs from the LHS - provided that the RHS is empty. But the actions required to do so safely, whilst keeping an eye on an unqualified RHS occupant, are a different matter.
Hence, with the greatest of respect to the 426 team, to permit an unknown auction winner to man the cockpit during ground runs - even at idle - is an avoidable risk.
I'm not sure why you think I have something against the 426 team - I certainly do not. But I just don't think that the auction was the best considered idea.
Nevertheless, best of luck with the project and your associated fund raising.
Thread Starter
Ah well, 400 squids were raised for the 426 team and judging by the lack of shock horror stories nothing untoward happened so it's 
all around then 
all around then
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chessington, Surrey
Age: 76
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Pilot and AEO in the cockpit during the engine run seemed quite satisfied with the results, and £400 was raised for the VRT.
Storm ? Teacup ? In all probability.
Storm ? Teacup ? In all probability.
Cunning Artificer
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: The spiritual home of DeHavilland
Age: 76
Posts: 3,127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ah, how interesting to compare the ordered calm of the piloting fraternity starting up for a trip with the organised chaos of a Vulcan cockpit during combat preps when all sorts of bods from engines to radar might be doing all manner of things at the same time. 
...and what's all this "Fat Civvy" nonsense?
...and what's all this "Fat Civvy" nonsense?
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BEagle seems to have kept quite on the subject probably too stuffed eating his words!
he should have more faith in the operators of the aircraft.
Well done for giving us "Fat Civvy's" a chance to sit in on an engine run will look out for the next time its run and hopefully win it next time.
he should have more faith in the operators of the aircraft.
Well done for giving us "Fat Civvy's" a chance to sit in on an engine run will look out for the next time its run and hopefully win it next time.
