558 Winter Servicing

[Checkflaps]

Oh dear. Quote from Dr Bob..........

'On behalf of the team, it is only right for me to alert you now that there has to be some doubt about whether we will be ready to take XH558 to the RAF Waddington Airshow on 3-4th July'

From the latest email. I hope they can make it, but as June drags on, it is cutting it fine to put it mildly.

Garry

[Mayfly]

Can't say I'm surprised in the least!!!

[IanM]

Oh dear. Quote from Dr Bob..........

'On behalf of the team, it is only right for me to alert you now that there has to be some doubt about whether we will be ready to take XH558 to the RAF Waddington Airshow on 3-4th July'

From the latest email. I hope they can make it, but as June drags on, it is cutting it fine to put it mildly.

Garry

Not really fair to just quote that bit of the email.

[Gully]

Indeed. This is the full statement:

Engineering Programme Update

Ever since the funding for the 2010 Engineering Programme was secured in early March, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust team, supported by Marshall Aerospace and key manufacturers, have been working flat out to prepare XH558 for the 2010 season.

As you know, the Engineering Programme included a Minor Service, the rectification of any problems which surfaced during the Minor, the embodiment of two complicated fatigue life extension modifications (one of which had only ever been added to the Vulcan Structural Fatigue Test Specimen), and full overhaul of the Port Main Landing Gear.

At the start of the year, I announced that the engineering programme was expected to last no longer than four months from the date that funding allowed its commencement. Barring any last minute surprises, and despite every effort to accelerate the work, this is turning out to be a reasonably accurate prediction. Given that the work started in March, this puts the return to flight towards the end of June.

As those who attended the Vulcan to the Sky Club AGM heard, we have already had to withdraw from appearing at a number of displays in early-to-mid June, including Cosford and Margate.

On behalf of the team, it is only right for me to alert you now that there has to be some doubt about whether we will be ready to take XH558 to the RAF Waddington Airshow on 3-4th July.

Rest assured that we continue to do everything possible to bring dates forward, but, as ever, there can be no short-cuts to returning XH558 to flight safely.

I will provide a further update next week.

Kind Regards,
Robert Pleming
Vulcan To The Sky Trust.

[Checkflaps]

Apologies - for quoting a snippet. Was trying to use it as a heads up for a possible no show at Waddo. Nothing more. I know the team will do all they can to get the aircraft seviceable and at the show.

I am also glad that they are being forward enough to say that it is a possibility of a no show. At least there is some info coming out - which is always better than no info.

Garry

[Mayfly]

Can anyone say how long it will take to fit the leg once they get it back & I assume retraction tests are required too?

[Xplumberlives]

Apologies - for quoting a snippet. Was trying to use it as a heads up for a possible no show at Waddo. Nothing more. I know the team will do all they can to get the aircraft seviceable and at the show.

I am also glad that they are being forward enough to say that it is a possibility of a no show. At least there is some info coming out - which is always better than no info.

Garry

That's because Waddington Airshow got in first on THEIR website, just so they don't get the blame if/when she doesn't show up!

[Nickolas]

As an uneducated guess I'd reckon a day to fit the leg, then there are all the hydraulic connections for jacks brakes maxarets etc then they have to do the functionals and get it signed off. So 4 days sound reasonable........ (3 If we send Pam down with her thwacker to keep 'em focussed).

My guestimation is of course just that, so feel free to shoot it down with a more accurate guestimate.

[Xplumberlives]

Then there's the paperwork!

[Mackrick]

A few photos from today for you .....

[Xplumberlives]

Thanks Rick

[Nickolas]

Wow, that looks absolutely beautiful. A work of art in it's own right.

Thanks for the update MR.

[Jigsaw]

Thanks MR

[Jogger321]

Could someone explain to a complete novice what those photos show the guys doing please?. It looks like a plate of some sort? Whats is it, why is it needed, how is it fitted etc

Thanks!

[Mayfly]

In a nutshell....it's a 'strengthening plate'

it's a MOD to extend the FI [fatigue index] of the airframe. All a/c have a 'life' measured in FI once that's used the a/c is grounded. There are usually a few MODs that can be embodied to extend this airframe life - those plates are one such MOD.

Usually they are fitted by using a jointing compound [to prevent any interaction of different metals] & riveted in place.


There is a good thread on TVOC forum that explains it written by Sad Sam,

here

[Nickolas]

Allegedly the port gear has been requested to be ready for Friday Week!!

[Gully]

Allegedly the port gear has been requested to be ready for Friday Week!!

Whether it will be is another matter!!

Gully

[Mayfly]

There's more suspense surrounds 558 than any Spielberg or Steven King thriller.....

Will the air test go ok? .... will the paper work be completed on time?....will she make Waddington? ........


Tune in for more next week!!!

[Checkflaps]

There's more suspense surrounds 558 than any Spielberg or Steven King thriller.....

Will the air test go ok? .... will the paper work be completed on time?....will she make Waddington? ........


Tune in for more next week!!!

Its been like that since about June 2006

I'm surprised I still have any fingernails left. I've had my doubts about things but to fair, but you cannot doubt the staying power of 558. She's had more (and better comebacks) than Cher.

Garry

[Bovril]

She's had more (and better comebacks) than Cher.

Garry

and more surgery?

[Xplumberlives]

Bravo Bovril!

[Jigsaw]

[PhantomAviator]

Allegedly the port gear has been requested to be ready for Friday Week!!

They can send requests till the cows come home. Whether or not they get it still depends upon many factors.

One of which is have the seals been passed as fit for purpose?
(Something that was alledgedly done back in 2007).

Next is when they put it back together will it pass all the neccessary tests?

Will all the neccessary certs be signed off for Friday week.

Also by Friday week does that mean a week tomorrow?
Or a week next Friday?

I will believe it when it turns up to be fitted.

[Stigish]

So when the port gear is done...............whats left to finish? There must be quite a list yet if still a doubt for Waddo?

[Nickolas]

Allegedly the port gear has been requested to be ready for Friday Week!!

They can send requests till the cows come home. Whether or not they get it still depends upon many factors.

One of which is have the seals been passed as fit for purpose?
(Something that was alledgedly done back in 2007).

Next is when they put it back together will it pass all the neccessary tests?

Will all the neccessary certs be signed off for Friday week.

Also by Friday week does that mean a week tomorrow?
Or a week next Friday?

I will believe it when it turns up to be fitted.

I DID say allegedly.............

Friday 18th.

When I hear it is on a truck heading west I'll post up on here.