Charity Vulcan to the Sky Trust, which runs the aircraft have said the plane was now 10% beyond it's flying hours, and although it's as safe as any aircraft flying today, looking for any possible future failure is becoming more difficult.
XH 558 originally arrived at RAF Waddington in 1960, and was the last Vulcan to leave RAF service, It's currently based at Robin Hood Airport in South Yorkshire.
It was named 'The Spirit of Great Britain' in 2010
It was due to retire at the end of the 2013 season, but this decision was reversed following a feasibility study.
I should have the chance to take one last look at the flying XH558 as it's due to appear at my local Southport Air Show in September, but considering bad weather meant the Vulcan failed to appear on the Saturday last year, I wasn't taking any chances this year, hence Blackpool.
"If you don't see her this season, there will be no more opportunities to hear a Vulcan's spine - tingling howl as she climbs high into the sky..."
Dr Robert Pleming - Vulcan to the Sky Trust
Looks like a grand day out that Scoop and superb shots! I love the last piccy of the Vulcan flying over the onlookers by the sea, Brilliant. Robin Hood Airport is just down the road in Doncaster, which is the site of the old Finningley RAF base I think.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed built on the RAF Finningley site, Woodsy. It's wide and long runway was originally used for the long range nuclear V bombers like the Vulcan, and it's size meant that if the Space Shuttle needed an alternative emergency landing site, Doncaster airport could cope with that.
ReplyDeleteThat's fascinating about the runway Scoop! Just think, the Shuttle over Donny! Wonder if its still got special status for whatever comes next?
ReplyDeleteI don't suppose there's that many runways the size of Donny's in the country so you never know , Woodsy. It could become Yorkshire's first spaceport : )
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late comments - playin' catch-up again. Gorgeous shots Scoop!! I saw a Vulcan at George AFB during an air show back in the '80s and it was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never Ed. I'm glad you saw a Vulcan flying all those years ago. It's kinda sad that these days a lot of classic jets have reached the end of their flying life and folk won't get the chance to see them in the air.
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