[928uk] O/T - End of an era...

Sat Oct 31 11:55:02 UTC 2015

Just to add to what Mike has said; if you are interested in the Vulcan aircraft, it is worth visiting Wellesbourne Airfield near Stratford upon Avon. I believe Doncaster will offer fast taxi runs in XH558 from now on, but if you are based down here in the South, visit Wellesbourne  to view their Vulcan, XM655. It carries out regular fast taxi runs and on most Saturdays it is possible to climb on board and view the crew positions after making a small donation to its upkeep. Many of the volunteers originally worked or flew Vulcans and so the conversation is priceless.

Best regards,
Don.

From: Mike Williams via 928uk 
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2015 9:28 PM
To: Ian Salisbury via 928uk 
Subject: [928uk] O/T - End of an era...

The last, flying Vulcan bomber made its final flight this week

The plane had become so popular with the British public that it caused traffic and crowd chaos wherever it displayed.

I was lucky enough to it see a number of times over last 4 or 5 years and saw it on its brief fly past of our local aerodrome in Gloucester on its last full flight the other weekend.

In my opinion it is, like the 928, a wonderful piece of engineering with its iconic shape and unique sound (The Vulcan Howl).

Its popularity actually became a problem as the end of its flying life drew close these last few months. Organisers of the trust had to plead with fans not to go to Doncaster to watch it take off and land as the crowds were causing operational difficulties for Doncaster Commercial Airport. So much so, that the airport authorities said that they would charge back disruption losses to the Vulcan Trust.

Consequently, the Vulcan's very last flight this week was not announced until just before it took off.

All of its permitted flying hours are now exhausted and the major sponsors have discontinued their support.

It's a shame as I think it was an amazing site to see and hear - but on the plus side the trust did an fantastic job of getting the plane to fly again. I think it was an additional 8 years they got out of it.

Here is a link to Planes TV footage of this weeks last ever flight: http://youtu.be/TsWl1k4IBD4

And here's a link to my photo album of Throckmorton Air Show this year - Vulcan towards the end - http://www.mikewilliams.photography/p838016773/slideshow

Cheers

Mike W
Previously: 928 MY79 and MY86 S2
Currently: MB R129 SL500 (www.mbr129.com)

Sent from my iPad

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