Final flights XH558

[John W]

Never mind Folks, it will soon be out of airframe time and parked at Doncaster.

Off to RAF Scampton this week just in case they plan to fly it with RAFAT as a final, final, final, final, final...

It has been fun, especially for the crew

If There is to be a "final, final, final" formation flight, then surely it has to be with The Lancaster.
Here's hoping !

Regards,

John

[TankBuster]

Well, if VTTS are going to send 558 up one last time then they better hurry up an do it, as the days are running out fast! I still cant believe it has suddenly become such a big issue with regards to roads around the airport being clogged up with people wanting to see the aircraft, they harp on about the 'Vulcan Effect' so what on earth do they expect!!!

For the one last flight, they should just get on with it, deal with the roads and people on the day and get the flight done! After all,its not as if its an every day occurrence!!!

TankBuster

[sploosher]

For the one last flight, they should just get on with it, deal with the roads and people on the day and get the flight done! After all,its not as if its an every day occurrence!!!

TankBuster

spot on there..........................

just get it over with............

[GhostFlight91]

Well, if VTTS are going to send 558 up one last time then they better hurry up an do it, as the days are running out fast! I still cant believe it has suddenly become such a big issue with regards to roads around the airport being clogged up with people wanting to see the aircraft, they harp on about the 'Vulcan Effect' so what on earth do they expect!!!

For the one last flight, they should just get on with it, deal with the roads and people on the day and get the flight done! After all,its not as if its an every day occurrence!!!

TankBuster

Exactly, one day done

[reheat module]

TankBuster[/quote]

just get it over with............ [/quote]

I see what you did there...

[CameronSys]

The thing to consider is that Doncaster is an active airport, with operational passenger flights. As with any event where the Vulcan is present, there will be a lot of abandoned cars on surrounding roads despite warnings that they will be towed, and there will be a lot of traffic on local roads. This will heavily delay passengers and if passengers are delayed too much, VTTS will probably end up having to pay compensation, so it is in most peoples' best interest for there to be as few people as possible there. So expect little notice, and don't expect anything special.

[ChrisCwmbran]

Personally if anything I would have thought little notice was the worst possible plan and the most likely thing to cause mayhem.

[martmpf]

The thing to consider is that Doncaster is an active airport, with operational passenger flights. As with any event where the Vulcan is present, there will be a lot of abandoned cars on surrounding roads despite warnings that they will be towed, and there will be a lot of traffic on local roads. This will heavily delay passengers and if passengers are delayed too much, VTTS will probably end up having to pay compensation, so it is in most peoples' best interest for there to be as few people as possible there. So expect little notice, and don't expect anything special.

I find that hard to take. Have a look at how many flights Doncaster actually has each day. More than ten is exceptional.

VTTS had no problem publishing the "Final" north and south flights with routes and times in advance. They were over a weekend, when it was more likely congestion could be a problem with people not working.

They stated on BBC TV live that two private flights would take place before finish. One has. So one to go then? Then a "final" flight?

Underwing tours can be booked for this Saturday on their website.

So four days left then according to my maths.

Planning by experts?

[Mike]

There's a massive gap between scheduled traffic movements between late morning and mid-afternoon at Robin Hood, plenty of time for a 90(ish) minute last flight.

http://www.robinhoodairport.com/arrivals-departures

[Lowfly11]

Just seen Inside Out (Yorkshire region) on BBC1 7.30pm..mentioned at the end..on next weeks programme a bit about XH558.Regards Tim

[martmpf]

Just seen Inside Out (Yorkshire region) on BBC1 7.30pm..mentioned at the end..on next weeks programme a bit about XH558.Regards Tim

Stated that the program next Monday evening (7.30 - BBC North) would include film of the "final" flight.

So the BBC must know when it is, or could just be from a couple of weeks ago of the north and south.

None the wiser really!

[Lowfly11]

Just seen Inside Out (Yorkshire region) on BBC1 7.30pm..mentioned at the end..on next weeks programme a bit about XH558.Regards Tim

Stated that the program next Monday evening (7.30 - BBC North) would include film of the "final" flight.

So the BBC must know when it is, or could just be from a couple of weeks ago of the north and south.

None the wiser really!

..Will have to wait and see..did hear at this end recently that Guy Martin (TT Racer for those that didn't know) was in XH558's hangar so no doubt some sort of documentary will be shown soon.

[Sylar]

Guy Martin was at Sywell on the 13th Oct and went up in one of the Blades. No doubt his presence at Robin Hood was in relation to that.

Cheers

Shane

[C24]

My hopes that XH558 would make a formation flight with RAFAT aircraft over RAF Scampton yesterday were dashed.

Shame really, to have it roll inverted at 100' and trail smoke in formation with the Synchro Pair would have been something to remember.
Anyway, some of the flying by Enid, barrel-rolling above patchy clouds was lost from the ground.
Not another spectator in sight, perfect!
Winter drawers on for another year of "Holding the Bank, now!!"

[Minigill]

from todays newsletter -

Final Flight Confirmed

Following the positive negotiations with the airport that we announced on Friday, a final flight has been confirmed but with substantial restrictions. To absolutely guarantee that there is no disruption to their operations from the crowds that are expected, their primary requirement is that the flight takes place at very short notice.

We have agreed to this with regret because we believe it is important to have a symbolic end to flying, which is professionally recorded and made available to you as video and stills, but understanding the disappointment that it will rightly bring to all those who have generously supported XH558 and would like to see the final touch-down.

As discussed previously, any delays to commercial flights due to congestion around the airport will be extremely expensive for them and they will have no choice but to pass those costs on to the Trust, which would have a dramatic impact on the future of XH558. It is for this reason that our original plans for an event around the final flight had to be cancelled with apologies to all those who deserve to be there. Thank you again for understanding this difficult position.

We have used almost all the available flying hours taking her to you, across the UK this year, flying more than 50% longer than in any previous year, with many thanks to Marshall Aerospace, the Civil Aviation Authority, and K M Dastur, our aviation insurance brokers, for agreeing this extension.

After such a fabulous year, we have only a handful of minutes left, so the final flight will be around 15 minutes with no display, simply saying Farewell to the Skies.

We are still negotiating exactly how much notice can be provided, requesting a reasonable relaxation of the original very strict requirement. Do please keep a close eye on our social media – Facebook Vulcan XH558 and Twitter @XH558 (repeated on our website) – for updates and for details of how to see the flight live, online.

[TankBuster]

They might as well have made an announcement along the lines of... "We are making a final flight, but we cant tell you when, and you're not allowed to see it".

More than anything, this just highlights the fact that Doncaster probably isn't the best location for XH558's retirement. If they have issues with vehicles and people wanting to see 558, then how on earth are they going to accommodate future fast taxy demonstrations?

After all of what 558 has achieved over the last eight years, it is such a shame that she has to bow out in such a subdued way .

TankBuster

[GhostFlight91]

Disgusts me, feel for the old girl

[Maverick231]

Doncaster was definitely the wrong place to keep such a nice aircraft.
I for one won't be visiting again.
Farewell XH558 its been a great honour .

[quid21]

Surely putting off the final flight after such a great year is just making things worse. My opinion is that the final flight should've been at RIAT, that way the crowds would've been managed as part of the show.

8 years to come up with a plan for a final landing again, but still all the controversy which has rightly or wrongly dogged the campaign to keep it flying! They cannot please 100% of the people all the time, with so many comments on the XH558 facebook feed with angry emotions at "why was the flight plan changed" and "my family waited all day" - yet we all know as I'm sure any reasonable person would be that seeing it flying anywhere is a privilege, and I for one am grateful to have seen it fly at all over the last 8 years.

Get the 15 minute short hop over and done with in secret and bring out a well made DVD and I'll be happy!

[Lowfly11]

XH558 out of the hangar..last minute rush as take off at 14.30 today..film/television crews near Vulcan hangar..police also present with a few cars parked.Regards Tim