Latest XH558 Newsletter

[Hihonyr8811]

That really was an amazing achievement!!

[Jigsaw]

That really was an amazing achievement!!

It was indeed. I didn't mind at all getting soaked whilst waiting to see her either. A very special moment for me at Waddo 2008 was hearing her for the first time in years

[Mayfly]

I was wondering if 558 had been out again dispersing the cobwebs and it appears she has.

[Minty4371]

Well done to all involved
Hope to see you next year

[Jigsaw]

All has been quiet on FB and Twitter (not surprising)

A few people have reported the lovely sound of RR Olympus engines throttling up and down though

[Jigsaw]

Latest:

"We are happy to report that early ground running tests to XH558's replacement engines have gone well. Over the weekend we started and ran both engines, which showed up a hydraulic leak and a couple of other minor leaks. This was a major milestone as the new No.2 engine had not been run for over 31 years.

These leaks have now been addressed and both of the engines were successfully run throughout their full power range on Monday. The team will now have to adjust certain required settings such as the idle and maximum RPMs today and possibly on into Wednesday. If no issues arise, we will then be ready to move on to the next stage, which will be the testing of the auxiliaries such as the hydraulics and electrics.

We hope soon to have news on an expected date for a test flight, but this is determined by an external review process. Please make sure you subscribe to our Twitter or Facebook pages or monitor our home page 'latest news' just in case we are able to pull forward any announcement. See the links at the bottom or click here.

We would confirm that we are not expecting to be at RAF Waddington this coming weekend, for which, once again, we are extremely sorry.

One of our new engines is zero-timed, having been carefully kept in a dry environment in a sealed bag since last tested in 1980. It has been subjected to a regular maintenance regime that has kept all parts suitably inhibited and lubricated. It was installed on the aircraft last week, and started up on Saturday, more than 31 years after last being run.

We also had good news on Friday (arriving just too late for our newsletter copy deadline) that our 'Permit to Fly' has been received and renewed, right the way through to June 2013.

Of course, this proves that the various aircraft systems, flight controls and structure of the aircraft have all been maintained and tested to meet the stringent standards expected by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Just as soon as we have the replacement engines approved and fully tested, we shall be able to begin display practice."

[Mayfly]

I have asked elsewhere but just wondered why the PtoF is only valid for 11mths 3 weeks and not the full 12 months?

[Gully]

And Sam responded that they're valid from date of issue now - it was applied for early! Not the same system as car MoT's...

Gully

[Mayfly]

yeah I saw Gully thanks

[MOD]

Dr Bob has said that even if 558 is back to tip-top condition she will NOT be at Waddo.

However if she is up above Sth Yorkshire/Lincolnshire on a crew display training sortie I would not be surprised to see her over Waddo doing a low familiarisation flypast or even a mini display.

Of course I would also not be surprised if she didn't...

ibw

[Xplumberlives]

Personally I think 558 being at Waddo for the Airshow is about as far from possible as you camping at Totterdown Hill for this years RIAT!

[Mayfly]

Absolutely no way will she fly over Waddington during the next 4 days even if she is out about if she is not booked - ATC will be far too busy to accommodate her adhoc with everything else going on.

Anyway there's still test flights to do and have they even finished engine runs yet?

[Mayfly]

So the latest is the ground runs are done and they awaiting the completion of external risk assessments to clear her for air test.

[Jigsaw]

So the latest is the ground runs are done and they awaiting the completion of external risk assessments to clear her for air test.

Thank you Pam. As always, I wish them well and they have my utmost admiration

[Jigsaw]

Latest Newsbytes

"We are delighted to let you all know that this morning we received the formal clearance to allow XH558 to resume flying following the change of Nos. 1 and 2 engines. We would like to highlight in particular the contributions of Rolls-Royce and Marshall Aerospace, who pulled out all the stops to ensure as early as possible a return to flight, and the efforts of our own technical team, who have worked long and tirelessly to install and test the replacement engines.

Those following our news feeds will probably already be aware that XH558 took off earlier today on an initial flight to test the recently fitted engines. The crew reported no concerns and are now planning a further flight to develop the crew currency needed for our 2012 display routine.

Providing all goes well, the aircraft will take-off again on Friday and depart to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, ahead of this weekend’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

Please keep watching all our feeds for news as it happens.

The first flight for XH558 involved an air test of the replacement engines and will be followed by one or two display practice and currency sorties. In addition to ensuring that our aircrew have done sufficient flying to re-establish currency, there is a mandatory regulatory requirement to carry out three practice displays prior to the first public display of the new season.

We all cannot have failed to notice the unseasonably poor weather being experienced across the country right now, which is set to continue for a few days. Our major concern is that our efforts to fly will now be stymied by the weather. If you, or anyone you know, has any influence over the weather, please do what you can to improve it"

I'm running out of hats rapidly