The good news has kept on coming today as the chances of the Vulcan appearing at Waddington this weekend are increasing by the minute, and fans are hoping that a positive announcement will be made in just over half an hour confirming that XH558 will fly at the Lincolnshire airshow.
All tests carried out during yesterday's flight have gone okay, and the paperwork has now been submitted, and it seems that we are set for a positive outcome.
It's certainly provoked a great deal of excitement amongst the supporters of the Vulcan, many of whom have followed the test flight and anticipated breaking news whilst at work, ensuring productivity levels were hit somewhat, well at least today is Friday!!
The news is expected to confirm that the Vulcan will fly from Brize Norton tomorrow, on to Waddington, then back to Brize, whilst on Sunday, it's off from Brize onto Waddington, then down to Goodwood before returning to RAF Lyneham, where she has spent plenty of time in the hangar since late last year, and will no doubt be desperate to stay out in the blue skies instead for the next few months!
Let's all keep our fingers crossed for some good news then!
Everyone deserves it!
Friday, 2 July 2010
Up, Up and Away!
It was another emotional day yesterday, as the Vulcan bomber returned to the skies for the first time in 2010, and went off for a test flight from RAF Lyneham, to return to Brize Norton - her former home.
It wasn't a quick flight though, in fact it was almost 2 hours long as Martin Withers flew the aircraft out over yeovilton, where hopefully it will appear in the airshow later this month.
The flight itself was to gain the "Permit to Fly" and hopefully enable the Vulcan to take part at Waddington, and now it's a case of clearing paperwork, and hopefully gaining the clearance to make it over to Waddo, which by the sounds of it will be a case of flying in on Saturday and displaying, with a further display on Sunday.
If the clearance is given, it will be great credit to the engineering teams to have made it possible when it seemed unlikely in June that this would happen.
So, another busy day at Vulcan HQ today then, with every stop being pulled out in a bid to make the Vulcan's first airshow appearance of the year over Lincolnshire tomorrow.
It wasn't a quick flight though, in fact it was almost 2 hours long as Martin Withers flew the aircraft out over yeovilton, where hopefully it will appear in the airshow later this month.
The flight itself was to gain the "Permit to Fly" and hopefully enable the Vulcan to take part at Waddington, and now it's a case of clearing paperwork, and hopefully gaining the clearance to make it over to Waddo, which by the sounds of it will be a case of flying in on Saturday and displaying, with a further display on Sunday.
If the clearance is given, it will be great credit to the engineering teams to have made it possible when it seemed unlikely in June that this would happen.
So, another busy day at Vulcan HQ today then, with every stop being pulled out in a bid to make the Vulcan's first airshow appearance of the year over Lincolnshire tomorrow.
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Deadline approaches for Waddington display
All efforts are clearly being made now to bring Vulcan XH558 to the air once again, and get the delightful bomber over to the Waddington Airshow this weekend, but it remains a very tight schedule.
The Vulcan to the Sky site confirms that a huge push to achieve the Lincolnshire visit is currently ongoing, and with engine tests on the ground having been carried out, the action now turns to the skies, in the hope that the Delta Lady will be filling them for the first time since last year when it was widely believed that could have been the last the public would have seen her.
Nobody is prepared to give in on the task of delivering her to airshows this Summer, and full credit must be given to the various enginerring teams who are doing all that is required to keep every supporter's dream of seeing her again in 2010 intact.
It is hoped that a test flight will take place either today or tomorrow as the weekend approaches, and I'm sure everyone would be delighted to see some successful results - especially considering there have been many doubters who thought that the Vulcan would appear in the skies again.
We are all hopeful this can be achieved of course, and now, let's hope for some action in the summer skies around RAF Lyneham today!
The Vulcan to the Sky site confirms that a huge push to achieve the Lincolnshire visit is currently ongoing, and with engine tests on the ground having been carried out, the action now turns to the skies, in the hope that the Delta Lady will be filling them for the first time since last year when it was widely believed that could have been the last the public would have seen her.
Nobody is prepared to give in on the task of delivering her to airshows this Summer, and full credit must be given to the various enginerring teams who are doing all that is required to keep every supporter's dream of seeing her again in 2010 intact.
It is hoped that a test flight will take place either today or tomorrow as the weekend approaches, and I'm sure everyone would be delighted to see some successful results - especially considering there have been many doubters who thought that the Vulcan would appear in the skies again.
We are all hopeful this can be achieved of course, and now, let's hope for some action in the summer skies around RAF Lyneham today!
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Return to flight gets closer
Well it's been a while since I posted on here, due to my involvement with setting up Chester FC, but here we go again, and what a week to come back to it all!
Most Vulcan fans are anticipating a decision from Vulcan HQ as to whether or not XH558 will be appearing at RAF Waddington's Airshow which takes place this weekend in Lincolnshire.
The on / off situation has of course been dictated by the original appeal for £800,000 which looked to be failing until a one-off donation came in for almost £500,000 which secured the project's future, and everything looked to be back on track again.
The fact of the matter of course was that plenty of work was needed to be carried out, and just like the scenario with a car service, in that you wouldn't put it through a service if you couldn't pay for it, it meant that the timeline had been pushed further out and the first half of the 2010 airshow season would be missed, with the target for return being at Waddington on July 3rd.
This week is a key week, as a test flight needs to be completed in time for the Vulcan to stand any chance of making Waddo on Saturday / Sunday. In fact the airshow organisers have done the right thing and never confirmed 558's appearance, that way they can't let anyone down like last year's scenario where the flying permit could not be obtained in time despite arriving at Waddington just two days before the airshow.
So, hopefully we'll see a return to the sky today or tomorrow at RAF Lyneham, where she is currently based, and then hopefully an appearance at the air display on Saturday.
Further airshows will be targeted at Yeovilton, and of course the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford on July 17th - hopefully by then we'll have the first Vulcan display under the belt, and we can all enjoy the sight and sound of the famous Avro aircraft.
Here's to a successful week!
Most Vulcan fans are anticipating a decision from Vulcan HQ as to whether or not XH558 will be appearing at RAF Waddington's Airshow which takes place this weekend in Lincolnshire.
The on / off situation has of course been dictated by the original appeal for £800,000 which looked to be failing until a one-off donation came in for almost £500,000 which secured the project's future, and everything looked to be back on track again.
The fact of the matter of course was that plenty of work was needed to be carried out, and just like the scenario with a car service, in that you wouldn't put it through a service if you couldn't pay for it, it meant that the timeline had been pushed further out and the first half of the 2010 airshow season would be missed, with the target for return being at Waddington on July 3rd.
This week is a key week, as a test flight needs to be completed in time for the Vulcan to stand any chance of making Waddo on Saturday / Sunday. In fact the airshow organisers have done the right thing and never confirmed 558's appearance, that way they can't let anyone down like last year's scenario where the flying permit could not be obtained in time despite arriving at Waddington just two days before the airshow.
So, hopefully we'll see a return to the sky today or tomorrow at RAF Lyneham, where she is currently based, and then hopefully an appearance at the air display on Saturday.
Further airshows will be targeted at Yeovilton, and of course the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford on July 17th - hopefully by then we'll have the first Vulcan display under the belt, and we can all enjoy the sight and sound of the famous Avro aircraft.
Here's to a successful week!
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Happy Birthday XH558!!!
Well the day has finally arrived, and the Vulcan has made it to 50 years old, and all we need now is the flying display for it's 50th year, hopefully that will be available in the next week or so.
Anyway, Robert Pleming has issued the latest newsletter regarding the birthday milestone:
Congratulations to XH558 on reaching her 50th Birthday!
Today, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of XH558's first ever test flight on 25th May 1960 – her 50th Birthday - by launching her 50th Anniversary Season.
We will be celebrating XH558’s five decades, during five months, with at least eight key events. Our main Appeal pages now carry the FIVE FIVE EIGHT banner announcing this aim.
As a start to the celebrations, XH558 will now bear the inscription “The Spirit of Great Britain”, to reflect all that she stands for. I hope you will agree with me that this is a fitting tribute to a famous aircraft.
Also today, we will be choosing the winners in XH558’s Birthday Prize Draw, and also unveiling a GIANT Birthday Card that will be taken around the Air Show circuit, to allow all of XH558’s supporters to sign it.
As XH558 is still on an active RAF base at Lyneham, our options for public access have been severely limited, but please do look out for an update tomorrow, when we will give you a report and pictures from the day.
Later this week, we will also unveil some of the plans we have to carry on the 50th Birthday Season celebrations next month. We have some simply stunning activities planned, which I am sure you will enjoy taking part in.
Please make sure you and everyone you can contact are subscribed to our Newsletter service, in order to hear developments just as soon as possible.
We look forward to an exciting 2010 Display Season.
Kind Regards,
Robert Pleming
Vulcan To The Sky Trust.
Anyway, Robert Pleming has issued the latest newsletter regarding the birthday milestone:
Congratulations to XH558 on reaching her 50th Birthday!
Today, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of XH558's first ever test flight on 25th May 1960 – her 50th Birthday - by launching her 50th Anniversary Season.
We will be celebrating XH558’s five decades, during five months, with at least eight key events. Our main Appeal pages now carry the FIVE FIVE EIGHT banner announcing this aim.
As a start to the celebrations, XH558 will now bear the inscription “The Spirit of Great Britain”, to reflect all that she stands for. I hope you will agree with me that this is a fitting tribute to a famous aircraft.
Also today, we will be choosing the winners in XH558’s Birthday Prize Draw, and also unveiling a GIANT Birthday Card that will be taken around the Air Show circuit, to allow all of XH558’s supporters to sign it.
As XH558 is still on an active RAF base at Lyneham, our options for public access have been severely limited, but please do look out for an update tomorrow, when we will give you a report and pictures from the day.
Later this week, we will also unveil some of the plans we have to carry on the 50th Birthday Season celebrations next month. We have some simply stunning activities planned, which I am sure you will enjoy taking part in.
Please make sure you and everyone you can contact are subscribed to our Newsletter service, in order to hear developments just as soon as possible.
We look forward to an exciting 2010 Display Season.
Kind Regards,
Robert Pleming
Vulcan To The Sky Trust.
Monday, 22 March 2010
Latest Update from Robert Pleming
Following the great news recently that the Vulcan had been saved, work has now begun to try to ensure that the Delta Lady is ready to thunder through the skies from June, as the annual service is now underway.
The fund that was recently given a £458,000 from one person, has now passed £900,000 and plans are now underway also to ensure that funds for the 2011 season are brought in well ahead of time, and quite rightly so, we don't want to go through all this worry again!
Anyway, time for Robert Pleming's latest update:
Following on from the fantastic news of two weeks ago with the achievement of our Survival Appeal target, our immediate priority has been to start the work required to return XH558 to the 2010 air display season as soon as possible.
This has involved formalising the contracts, and in most cases making full payments, for all of the third-party engineering activities, such as the base maintenance support programme (with Marshall Aerospace), component overhaul and remanufacture. The initial on-aircraft activities have been to remove components for return to their Original Equipment Manufacturers. Examples of these are the fatigue meters for bay servicing by Meggitt, and the ejection seats for their annual inspection by SES. The engineers will then focus on the first stages of the “Minor” service: the inspection of the airframe, engines and systems, and determining whether any rectification is needed. In addition to the “Minor” service, four additional engineers will join the team to install the two airframe modifications (Mods 2429 and 2430) needed to extend XH558’s airframe life for the coming years.
As the project plan stands at the moment, we are forecasting finishing in early June, but as ever, dates are dependent on what happens as we proceed with the work. We will keep you updated.
I must at this point pay sincere tribute on behalf of XH558 and the VTST team to all those supporters of XH558 who have donated or made a Pledge in the past four months. The generous support of a few thousand people will enable millions to enjoy XH558’s display this summer – a numerical inequality that I’m sure has not escaped you.
This time last year, because we were so focused on achieving a successful first full season, we took our eyes off the ball of ensuring that our financial future was secure. Now that we know have learnt the valuable lessons of 2009, Michael Trotter and I have agreed with VTST’s Board of Trustees that we need a sustainable financial plan in place by the Autumn. This is a vital objective.
From an administration perspective, we will shortly be calling in the Pledges made over the last few months.
We have created the mailing database and have provided the letter template to our mailing house. These letters will now be produced and despatched in the latter part of next week to all those loyal supporters who have made a Pledge. Please could I ask you to await the arrival of your letter, which will contain important instructions about how to honour your pledge. This is so that we can accurately record your contribution, and avoid following up Pledges that have already been honoured.
On the promotion and marketing front in the short term, we have been reshaping our plans for taking our project out to the wider world. We have a number of new initiatives that will be revealed as we approach the return of XH558 to flight.
We recognise that working with you, our loyal supporters, remains a very effective way of keeping XH558’s profile high, which is a pre-requisite for continued fund-raising from the public at large. The ongoing and invaluable support from the Vulcan to the Sky Club, remains pivotal to this effort.
From an Operations perspective, we have undertaken a full review of all aspects of the 2009 season. Last year, the Trust’s marginal costs of operating XH558 at air displays exceeded the money raised at airshows by over £130,000. This year we need to do much better, and have the goal of breaking even over the season. With air show organisers, we are seeking local sponsors to supplement the usual airshow appearance fees, to increase our airshow revenues.
We are still in the early stages of planning this 2010 air display season, but if we can’t see additional sources of operational revenues from the flying we do, we will be looking to cut our operating costs, by for example make fewer long (and expensive) transits. A provisional flying programme will be published in late May, based on discussions with organisers and the developing picture from the aircraft servicing.
Above all, with experience of running XH558 as a “single aircraft airline” for well over a year behind us, we are more confident for a viable future, based on our growing commercial activities and the finance streams we are building. The launch of our Annual Appeal for 2011, and other special events planned around XH558’s 50th Anniversary on 25th May, will be central to continuing this drive. In the medium term, the target of flying down the Mall on 4th June 2012, in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, remains firmly in our sights.
We will of course continue with these regular updates for you, giving the very latest news on developments.
Looking back over the past couple of months to another discomforting experience on the roller-coaster that is keeping XH558 flying, it’s clear that we all, XH558 included, owe so much to one another. We must continue to do the best for what is quite a remarkable British project and unique achievement.
For being part of that, I thank you.
With kindest regards,
Robert Pleming
The fund that was recently given a £458,000 from one person, has now passed £900,000 and plans are now underway also to ensure that funds for the 2011 season are brought in well ahead of time, and quite rightly so, we don't want to go through all this worry again!
Anyway, time for Robert Pleming's latest update:
Following on from the fantastic news of two weeks ago with the achievement of our Survival Appeal target, our immediate priority has been to start the work required to return XH558 to the 2010 air display season as soon as possible.
This has involved formalising the contracts, and in most cases making full payments, for all of the third-party engineering activities, such as the base maintenance support programme (with Marshall Aerospace), component overhaul and remanufacture. The initial on-aircraft activities have been to remove components for return to their Original Equipment Manufacturers. Examples of these are the fatigue meters for bay servicing by Meggitt, and the ejection seats for their annual inspection by SES. The engineers will then focus on the first stages of the “Minor” service: the inspection of the airframe, engines and systems, and determining whether any rectification is needed. In addition to the “Minor” service, four additional engineers will join the team to install the two airframe modifications (Mods 2429 and 2430) needed to extend XH558’s airframe life for the coming years.
As the project plan stands at the moment, we are forecasting finishing in early June, but as ever, dates are dependent on what happens as we proceed with the work. We will keep you updated.
I must at this point pay sincere tribute on behalf of XH558 and the VTST team to all those supporters of XH558 who have donated or made a Pledge in the past four months. The generous support of a few thousand people will enable millions to enjoy XH558’s display this summer – a numerical inequality that I’m sure has not escaped you.
This time last year, because we were so focused on achieving a successful first full season, we took our eyes off the ball of ensuring that our financial future was secure. Now that we know have learnt the valuable lessons of 2009, Michael Trotter and I have agreed with VTST’s Board of Trustees that we need a sustainable financial plan in place by the Autumn. This is a vital objective.
From an administration perspective, we will shortly be calling in the Pledges made over the last few months.
We have created the mailing database and have provided the letter template to our mailing house. These letters will now be produced and despatched in the latter part of next week to all those loyal supporters who have made a Pledge. Please could I ask you to await the arrival of your letter, which will contain important instructions about how to honour your pledge. This is so that we can accurately record your contribution, and avoid following up Pledges that have already been honoured.
On the promotion and marketing front in the short term, we have been reshaping our plans for taking our project out to the wider world. We have a number of new initiatives that will be revealed as we approach the return of XH558 to flight.
We recognise that working with you, our loyal supporters, remains a very effective way of keeping XH558’s profile high, which is a pre-requisite for continued fund-raising from the public at large. The ongoing and invaluable support from the Vulcan to the Sky Club, remains pivotal to this effort.
From an Operations perspective, we have undertaken a full review of all aspects of the 2009 season. Last year, the Trust’s marginal costs of operating XH558 at air displays exceeded the money raised at airshows by over £130,000. This year we need to do much better, and have the goal of breaking even over the season. With air show organisers, we are seeking local sponsors to supplement the usual airshow appearance fees, to increase our airshow revenues.
We are still in the early stages of planning this 2010 air display season, but if we can’t see additional sources of operational revenues from the flying we do, we will be looking to cut our operating costs, by for example make fewer long (and expensive) transits. A provisional flying programme will be published in late May, based on discussions with organisers and the developing picture from the aircraft servicing.
Above all, with experience of running XH558 as a “single aircraft airline” for well over a year behind us, we are more confident for a viable future, based on our growing commercial activities and the finance streams we are building. The launch of our Annual Appeal for 2011, and other special events planned around XH558’s 50th Anniversary on 25th May, will be central to continuing this drive. In the medium term, the target of flying down the Mall on 4th June 2012, in celebration of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, remains firmly in our sights.
We will of course continue with these regular updates for you, giving the very latest news on developments.
Looking back over the past couple of months to another discomforting experience on the roller-coaster that is keeping XH558 flying, it’s clear that we all, XH558 included, owe so much to one another. We must continue to do the best for what is quite a remarkable British project and unique achievement.
For being part of that, I thank you.
With kindest regards,
Robert Pleming
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Total nears £900,000 mark
A couple of weeks ago we received the great news that the Vulcan bomber had been saved, and understandably every fan of the Delta Lady was celebrating - and rightly so.
The attention now starts to shift to the Vulcan's pre-Airshow season servicing schedule, and yesterday there was confirmation that the annual service had indeed started on XH558.
This is of course great news, and with it being a tight schedule to get the Vulcan ready for the airshow season, every second is vitally important, especially when what must be achieved throughout this year is sponsorship for the 2011 season, and possibly beyond.
RAF Cosford was the first show to witness the Vulcan's loud groans last year, and that must be the target for this year too, but we only sit 3 months away from that date now, so all the stops must be pulled out to make sure that this happens, and also that the ill fated Permit To Fly is sorted out for 2010 after the catastrophe of the Waddington Airshow last year which saw the Vulcan grounded for the week surrounding the show.
That simply must not happen again.
There will be of course, test flights once again, with I believe the only thing being guaranteed is the Display Authority, which we believe was completed late last year to enable a further 12 months of flights to take place.
So, the excitement will start to build up once again, and we'll all look forward to it, but for now, one eye must be kept on the Donations & Pledges, remember that £800,000 was needed in real money, the total of donations is currently on £622,000 with a further £275,000 in pledges, so we must not take it for granted, as those pledges will need to be honoured, but it certainly looks a far better situation than what it did this time last month!
The attention now starts to shift to the Vulcan's pre-Airshow season servicing schedule, and yesterday there was confirmation that the annual service had indeed started on XH558.
This is of course great news, and with it being a tight schedule to get the Vulcan ready for the airshow season, every second is vitally important, especially when what must be achieved throughout this year is sponsorship for the 2011 season, and possibly beyond.
RAF Cosford was the first show to witness the Vulcan's loud groans last year, and that must be the target for this year too, but we only sit 3 months away from that date now, so all the stops must be pulled out to make sure that this happens, and also that the ill fated Permit To Fly is sorted out for 2010 after the catastrophe of the Waddington Airshow last year which saw the Vulcan grounded for the week surrounding the show.
That simply must not happen again.
There will be of course, test flights once again, with I believe the only thing being guaranteed is the Display Authority, which we believe was completed late last year to enable a further 12 months of flights to take place.
So, the excitement will start to build up once again, and we'll all look forward to it, but for now, one eye must be kept on the Donations & Pledges, remember that £800,000 was needed in real money, the total of donations is currently on £622,000 with a further £275,000 in pledges, so we must not take it for granted, as those pledges will need to be honoured, but it certainly looks a far better situation than what it did this time last month!
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