Regret to say that she didn't appear at the Dunsfold "Wings and Wheels" show today (Sunday). Don't know why, but I may have missed an announcement at the show. Hoping she'll turn up tomorrow.

Any news?

..... And the latest newsletter is already asking for another cash call to cover the shortfall. The autumn campaign can't be far behind.

Here we go again..........:ugh:

There is no doubt that they have done a fantastic job restoring and flying the Vulcan, an impressive and important aircraft in our military aviation history. Congratulations.

However, I believe that this has been achieved at huge and disproportionate cost to the rest of the historic aircraft movement, and has also deprived audiences of the opportunity to see other historic aircraft in the air. Indeed, there has almost been an air of "bl...mail" at the way in which appeals for funds for XH558 have been made. As time marches on, the aircraft will need more money spent to keep it airworthy, which in the absence of a major commercial sponsor will result in more bleeding by the rest of the warbird community. I think the time has come to put XH558 to bed on permanent display in a museum - but I have a funny feeling no-one will want to take on the commitment.

I will now retire behind the battlements and wait for the rocks to start flying in my direction!!

I agree. It has been nice at 53 to see again what I watched at 13, but enough is enough.

Keep the thing flying until at least October 2013. I'm not due a visit to the UK until then and I really, really want to show my new wife what I lived and worked with for 10 years.

Why don't you miserable bunch of naysayers go and find another project at which to aim your spiteful venom?

The diversion into Coningsby was as the result of fluctuating main line hydraulic pressure. The aircraft landed without drama and was then towed to a suitable location. Entirely SOP; the Vulcan hydraulic system is actually very basic. You do NOT taxy with an hydraulic failure.

The maintenance team then proved that they were true Brits. Fault diagnosed, corrected and all job cards signed off to enable the old girl to fly this weekend - alas thwarted by weather. Not an easy task, given the need to send Vulcan jacks down to Coningsby from Arthur Scargill RobinDoncasterFinngleyHoodie Intergalactic chavport....

The Vulcan team never fail to amaze with their dedication. They set an example which you moaning Minnies should admire, not despise.

Now, would you all please go and find something dangerous to play with?

Beagle and his sensitive spot.
 

Seems a bit harsh in response to


The Vulcan can't go on forever, and with no sign of the BBMF taking it on, is it not time to allow this wonderful operation to end with some dignity rather than have it financially running aground and leaving people out of pocket?

The only sensitive spot I might have is over the continuous schadenfreude from the moaners who continually carp away at the efforts of others!

As for the 'BBMF taking on the Vulcan', that is complete nonsense. They have neither the aircrew nor maintenance expertise to cope with such a venture.

I continue to put my monthly donation '558's way, and do so gladly.

Whatever is said, the effect of the Vulcan on spectators is very significant. On that basis I'm happy to see the project continue, I've also been very impressed with the speed and commitment of the techy types with the fuel cell and hydraulic system repairs.

But I do so wish that other deserving aircraft could be funded as well, it's just that even to manage to keep '558 going in the current economic climate is a near miracle.

Well said WanderOO.

No objects being thrown at you by me, and this is from a person whose father was a Vulcan Flight Test Observer, is third generation aviation, who has three sons and two daughters in aviation and who has lived and breathed aviation for over 55 years.

I even timed my return to the UK from Dubai to coincide with the Shoreham Airshow in the hope of seeing the Vulcan, but due to unforseen circumstances it was not to be. ( I deal with AOG aircraft nearly every day so please, no carping about I don't know how an aircaft operation works)

It is now time for people to stop letting their hearts rule their heads.

Enough is enough,

Temps

In which case sir, your point is moot.

Should we therefore should stop funding and running every warbird, cold war classic and heritage aircraft and go and play golf?

If people didn't let their hearts rule their heads would any of the wonderful old things we see at airshows be flying still? :ok:

BEagle
Why do you get so upset whenever someone has a difference of opinion to you and why do you end up venting your own spiteful venom on them? Pot? Kettle?

Not one single person has EVER moaned on PPrune about those working their nuts off to keep 558 flying - far from it, they have received nothing but praise and admiration from everyone on here, including me. As you rightly say, they are amazing and totally dedicated. No one despises them - far from it, so I regret to say that you are wrong on that claim.

What people are sick of and fed up with however, is the constant annual blackmailing and the never-ending threats to ground 558 unless another bucket-load of money is forthcoming. They are sick of a project that has (and might still be) been managed by a bunch of incompetant people, who are being paid a great deal of money and who constantly fail to achieve their own 'claims and standards'

Let me say it again to you, in very clear English. Myself and probably most of the 'moaning Minnies ' on here DO NOT want to see 558 grounded or put in a museum. We WANT to see her continue to fly and thrill the crowds, but we want to see someone else in charge, and that must be someone who has a modicum of business sense and knowledge. Sadly that is NOT Pleming.

Quite

I have nothing but the greatest respect for the team. Their recent efforts were fantastic and deserving of so much more.

But the shortfall has grown again to £100k so, sadly, watch for the next cash call.

Fluffy, My point was not irrelevant (well in my opinion anyway;).)

What Winco said.

Love watching her fly, amazed and inspired by the team's work. Utterly dejected at the constant cries for cash and the constant "it won't be like this next year as we have a cunning plan" lines.

They mislead (even if it is unwitting) and that's both wrong and sad.

How exactly does the Vulcan suck money away from other historic aircraft?

Before I joined the club I had not visited an airshow in over 30 years.

Since then I have donated a fair amount to 558 over the years and have also joined the Blenheim Society Home and have visited a great many aviation museums and shows and no, I don't always blag my way in as I prefer to contribute to the cause. I am (probably to the amusement of many) an "aviation enthusiast".

If you book 558 for your show you will see an increase in your gate takings. If you are with an aircraft that is at the same show there will be many more people for you to impress. What you need to do is think of ways to let people know you need their help, I see very little evidence of this happening as I wander around the various shows.

I am probably in a better position than many to comment on the management of the trust and I can tell you that every one of them works incredibly hard to keep up the constant battle for funds. As has been said on other forums before when you attack the trust you attack all of us.

As you have probably seen we now need to raise £350,000 before Christmas to fund the winter service Vulcan to the Sky Newsletter

As I write this 558 is displaying at Leuchars, if you went I hope you enjoyed the show and this does not turn out to be the last appearance of a flying Vulcan. This time last year I watched the last ever display of an RAF Harrier. In order to try and save money this year we have sent the crew on an out and return (last year we spent £40,000 displaying at Leuchars, that is money that stayed in the uk economy)

Sorry for the ramble, I guess I'm just felling very happy at the moment.

Good points well made Rigger, thank you.
Temps

V R, well said. But ask your boss why you still have to keep asking for money ? Peter and the Wolf springs to mind.