Vulcan XH558 in 2011.All posts here please.

[Tiger 1]

Hi Hurn

Thanks for the link, much appreciated.

Bets rgds

Tiger 1

[beefsteak]

Their latest news letter

http://mxm.mxmfb.com/rsps/wlnk/c/1216/r/38672/e/250" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[beefsteak]

And again

http://mxm.mxmfb.com/rsps/wlnk/c/1216/r/38672/e/254" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[wokka]

They have just announced XH558 is grounded for 2 weeks and will miss out on the planned shows, due to technical problems...

[Hurn]

Such as a shame. B/mth is likely to attract well over a million people this weekend, not to mention the other shows too.

At least I got to Yeovilton and saw a display this year.

[wokka]

More info:

The Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST), the charity that operates XH558, the World’s last flying Vulcan, regret having to announce that due to a technical problem with one of her fuel tanks, XH558 will not be able to appear at the following airshows:

Thursday 18 August – Dawlish

Saturday 20 August – Bournemouth and Shoreham

Sunday 21 August – Bournemouth, Shoreham and Fly To The Past, Oxford



Andrew Edmondson, VTST Engineering Director said:

“Unfortunately, XH558 has developed a fuel leak from one of the large fuel tanks in her fuselage. This was discovered after the aircraft was refueled ready for this week’s flights. The leak is now being investigated to establish the cause and extent of the problem, and the necessary repair will need to be carried out before she will be able to fly again. We have every confidence that the problem is temporary, and we are working with Fire Proof Tanks of Portsmouth, the manufacturer of the fuel tank, with the aim of completing the repair as soon as practically possible”

With a technical team of just six, VTST operates an aircraft which is over 50 years old to exacting safety standards. We have a ‘safety first’ policy. This means that we will only ever fly the Vulcan if she is fully serviceable, with no room whatsoever for any compromise on this.

It is a great shame that the Vulcan has to miss these upcoming airshows, and for this we are truly sorry, because we know how very popular XH558 is with the public and that many people will be disappointed by this news. We fully share their disappointment and our sympathy is with them and with the airshow organisers.”

Edmondson says the charity can pay for the repairs from its contingency budget, but that the loss of revenue from the missed airshows may have to be made-up from fundraising. “It costs around £2 million a year to fly XH558 to the world’s highest safety standards and we receive no funding from Government or the RAF,” he says. “The income from these shows was an important part of our revenue and it will be missed.”



Martin Withers, Chief Pilot of VTST commented;

“This current problem in no way means that the future of XH558 is in doubt. The aircraft is otherwise in very good condition, with an outstanding reliability record, and we are looking forward to flying her again as soon as we can. It is very unfortunate that this problem should occur just prior to when the aircraft is due to undertake a series of displays over a relatively short period of time.”



VTST further announces that the Vulcan Village will still be present on the seafront at the Bournemouth Air Festival this coming weekend, and the Trust staff and volunteers look forward to meeting as many supporters as possible.

http://www.vulcantothesky.org/news" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Mayfly]

Shame but fingers crossed for speedy fix.

[Hurn]

Bournemouth, Shoreham and Oxford have all booked the Sea Vixen to replace XH558 over the weekend.

A worthy replacement and probably a much rarer sight than the Vulcan for most people too, apart from me that is, lol.

[oagey]

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/920063 ... fuel_leak/

hope she feels better soon .was hoping to see her over OXFORDSHIRE this weekend .oh well


mark

Although of course you did see her in Oxfordshire skies at Abingdon back in May didn't you................

Seriously,here's hoping for a speedy and not too costly return to the skies for the Delta Lady...
Colin

[Mayfly]

Don't they have too allow the tank to vent for something like 24 hours?

[GOOSE]

It must vent until the explosimeter says it's safe to enter the tank, times vary dependent on a number of issues, temperature, remaining liquid etc.

[beefsteak]

The latest news letter
http://mxm.mxmfb.com/rsps/wlnk/c/1216/r/38672/e/264" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Hillwalker]

Thanks for the update John.

[beefsteak]

All in the latest news letter here.


http://mxm.mxmfb.com/rsps/wlnk/c/1216/r/38672/e/266" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Hillwalker]

Does anyone know if she's staying overnight, or returning after tomorrow's display?

[Richard B]

A pass over Bruntinthorpes wouldnt go a miss.

[Mayfly]

Does anyone know if she's staying overnight, or returning after tomorrow's display?

I think Dunsfold is too short for her to land. Not sure without checking.

[Hurn]

You're right Mayfly, Dunsfold is too short to for 558 to land at.

[Hillwalker]

Thanks for the replies fellas. Was thinking of driving over and hanging around for her return.

[cottesmore09]

She performed a great display over Cottesmore today where my dad got some great shots, before calling an emergancy and being diverted to Coningsby for an Emergany landing due to Hydrolic troubles I did see her over stamford with all gears down heading towards Coningsby.

She did make it down safely though and hope for another repair can be done before end of season.