Vulcan Programme Update
March 24th 2009
Now that cash is being received by the Trust from the redemption of supporters' pledges - for which very many thanks once again - the VTST management team met with directors of Marshall Aerospace earlier this week to finalise plans for XH558's "Winter Service", which is required to be completed prior to the renewal of her Permit to Fly on 3rd July.
Given the financial uncertainties that dogged the Trust up until the stunning success of the pledge campaign, we felt unable to ask supporting companies to commit resources to the Vulcan programme. However VTST is now able make new financial commitments: activities for the Winter Service are moving ahead strongly. I am able to let you know that the current plan is for on-aircraft work for the Winter Service to commence by 20th April. The Service is projected to last 6 weeks, and will culminate in a test flight. Including a two week period for aircrew work-up, XH558's first public display appearance is proposed to be at the RAF Cosford airshow on 14th June.
Unfortunately, as the result VTST has to announce with much regret that XH558 will not be appearing at any of the earlier airshows this year, for example the Duxford "Best of British" Spring Airshow on 17th May, or the Southend airshow the following weekend.
As regards the plans for the May Supporters' Weekend at Duxford, we have received strong feedback that the majority of supporters would rather have an opportunity to see XH558 on the ground close up, together with her support team, as well as in the air, which would not have been possible at Duxford even if the aircraft was flying, because we cannot land there. In conjunction with Committee of the Vulcan to the Sky Club, we are trying to find the best way to achieve the goal of holding a Supporters' Event as soon as possible at affordable cost.
Dr Robert Pleming FRAeS
The key positive from this is that we've been told already and informed first! Definitely a step in the right direction on the communications front!
Gully
Have been off sick though, hoping to get back early April to get on with the job. 
