Iconic Aircraft Aviation Forum

by **PhantomAviator** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:23 pm

Extract taken from VTTS site.

The last flying Vulcan, XH558, is to spend the summer based at the airfield where she once stood on Quick Reaction Alert during the Cold War. Now the UK’s newest commercial airport, Doncaster Sheffield is the former RAF Finningley, once ‘the home of the Vulcans’.

The agreement to base XH558 at Doncaster for the summer could be the first stage in the development of a visitor centre that will eventually be linked to a facility to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians. “We are thrilled that the last flying Vulcan has come home,” says Vulcan to the Sky Trust chief executive officer Dr Robert Pleming. “We all feel that something very special could be created here but I must emphasise that these are early days in the discussions.”

Am I missing something here or will she be looking for somewhere new in a few months time?

It only states she is to spend the summer at RHA, not the rest of the season or that this is the new permanent operating base for her.

by **Xplumberlives** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:26 pm

God only knows, when they (TVOC) ever start to tell everything up front I will be drawing my Old Age Pension! :-o

by **Mayfly** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:37 pm

First she had to leave Lyneham so I assume the initial plan is for the summer, but from the reports I have read it is hoped 558 will be at Finningley [always was, always will be Finningley to me] until the end of her flying life along with a visitors centre and then they hope she will stay there. But talks are still on going.

I have also read 2 stories for hangarage the first is she will have hangar space in a couple of weeks the second she have hangar space later in the year when it becomes available, if shes there for the winter....

confused? - you soon will be and not down to me - there are so many different stories!!

by **Jigsaw** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:39 pm

Where was it ever stated that this would definately be a permanent thing? It is possible that I have missed something here but ffs why pick holes constantly. What will be will be and none of us have any control over any of it.
I for one enjoy the sight and sound of 558. The rest of it is completely out of my control and will always be so.

by **Sploosher** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:50 pm

I find it hard to believe that the trust spent 2 years in negotiation with RHA just for 558 to stay there for 6 months.......

come on, who`s pulling who`s leg here......................

by **Hungry Haggis** » Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:57 pm

Jigsaw wrote:Where was it ever stated that this would definately be a permanent thing? It is possible that I have missed something here but ffs why pick holes constantly. What will be will be and none of us have any control over any of it.
I for one enjoy the sight and sound of 558. The rest of it is completely out of my control and will always be so.

Got to agree there She's at the end of a runway Is getting bookings (I hope) not having looked yet.I'll look in next week on a trip down south If i get a chance .I do have 1 question though I noticed on touchdown she streamed the chute was that because there was little or no wind also noticed no aerobraking wheelie ?

by **Mayfly** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 6:42 am

No it was part of the air test requirement.

I actually think this move will be very good for her - a different area renewing interest, with a Landlord who has an interest with her being popular as opposed to one who just allows her use of the facilities.

by **Xplumberlives** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:45 am

Mayfly wrote:No it was part of the air test requirement.

I actually think this move will be very good for her - a different area renewing interest, with a Landlord who has an interest with her being popular as opposed to one who just allows her use of the facilities.

I hope you're right, it would be nice to see a rejuvenated following for her with lots of new members prepared to dig deep and keep her in the air.

by **Sploosher** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 10:50 am

As the guy who runs the airport said, it will be good for the airport aswell as 558, and 558 will get a mention in the tourist info offices in Donny. $\:D/$

by **Nickolas** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 12:44 pm

I'm viewing this in a VERY +ve light (sun is out). =))

Seriously it's looking better.
I Plan to go and see her asap as a friend of mine is going to fly me up there............

by **Xplumberlives** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 12:50 pm

Nickolas wrote:I'm viewing this in a VERY +ve light (sun is out).
Seriously it's looking better.
I Plan to go and see her asap as a friend of mine is going to fly me up there............

That is equivalent to being a NAMEDROPPER!

by **Sploosher** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 4:34 pm

Xplumberlives wrote:
Nickolas wrote:I'm viewing this in a VERY +ve light (sun is out).
Seriously it's looking better.
I Plan to go and see her asap as a friend of mine is going to fly me up there............

That is equivalent to being a NAMEDROPPER!

I didnt know Nickolas had any friends........... =))