Final flights XH558

[lynnallen]

Do we still think there will be a flight with Thumper ?

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to all who have contributed (no matter how small) to the Vulcan flying. It has been my favourite aircraft ever since I first saw her fly and heard the howl. I have seen Vulcan quite a bit over the years but if I saw her every day it still wouldn't be enough. It has been a tremendous privilege to have seen such a magnificent plane in the air and it has certainly been a good thing in my life. I'll treasure the memories.

[martmpf]

Just thought, the Trust seems to quite actively discourage enthusiasts from gathering in the vicinity of Doncaster/Robin Hood/Finningley due to lack of parking/viewing areas around an operational civilian airport.

In that case it might seem unlikely that any final display would take place there.

The 2,000 feet upper limit also does not indicate a Vulcan display.

On the BBC yesterday they stated that two more private events were on the schedule, one may have been yesterday. So one left, but these do not appear to be described as "the final flight".

Perhaps this NOTAM has nothing to with the Vulcan, or if it is, maybe a "private" flight.

PS. lynnallen, I would have thought that as Thumper is flying again, surely an opportunity for the Two Sisters together should not be impossible!

[GhostFlight91]

Dont shoot the messenger but heard myself from somebody who asked a VTTS member about a flight with the lanc, his response was 'if people think that then they are going to be very very dissapointed'

[Supra]

To negate some of the conjecture & clarify that which is fact from the NOTAM at this stage!....
H5626/15: Air display will take place
Q) EGTT/QWALW/IV/M/AW/000/020/5329N00100W003AIR DISPLAY/AEROBATICS WI 3NM RADIUS 532838N 0010025W (DONCASTER
AD). FOR INFO 07748 701491. 15-10-0195/AS3.
LOWER: Surface, UPPER: 2,000 Feet AMSL
FROM: 18 Oct 2015 11:00 GMT (12:00 BST) TO: 18 Oct 2015 15:00 GMT (16:00 BST)

So that narrows down the reasons, but doesn't address the 4 hour slot?? Is this for selecting a weather window?, or to deny a timely mass turnout of the Vulcan 'Owners' ? I concede that the Vulcan could take-off & depart to some GA. field, Cottesmore, Scampton, whatever & do a private display there. Perhaps a 'local' can confirm if it's 'normal' to post a NOTAM for the slot on previous flights....I think Not!
PS:-Anybody seen a NOTAM at Coningsby for Sunday pm. yet?

[Sylar]

NOTAM has gone. Or at least from my app it has.

Cheers

Shane

[Lowfly11]

Not heard anything Supra..i live just over 5 minutes walk from Doncaster airport..i think it will be kept secret as reported in the media..see what Sunday brings.Regards Tim

[Richard B]

Not heard anything Supra..i live just over 5 minutes walk from Doncaster airport..i think it will be kept secret as reported in the media..see what Sunday brings.Regards Tim

Auckley sounds like a plan, have family live by the Allotments. Time for a visit maybe.

[martmpf]

NOTAM has gone. Or at least from my app it has.

Cheers

Shane

Looking on here as at 18.30L 14/10/15, no NOTAM for Sunday:

http://notaminfo.com/ukmap

[StandardTom]

Thanks for that. Seems to have been directed at me.

Not intentially! Simply the apparent desperation of seeing the Vulcan again that every single little movement - i.e. reporting a fuel tanker being nearby at an airfield - makes people appear desperate.

Oh how wrong can you be, I will be more than happy when the major topic of conversation will be anything but the Vulcan; the money could have been spent on far more worthwhile projects like getting Just Jane airborne at East Kirkby. The sight of two flying Lancasters, as proven last year, will beat one Vulcan any day and continues to provide a lasting tribute to those of Bomber Command, including my uncle, who gave their lives. What is the highlight of the tin triangles career, one flight to the Falklands!

There was a fantastic turnout at Coningsby yesterday to see Thumper take to the air again, a sight we will continue to see.

The Lancaster's job was to drop bombs. The Vulcans job was to deter, so by the very nature of us being here today talking about it, that task was accomplished.

[one1938]

Both are important British engineering feats

[andygolfer]

Thanks for that. Seems to have been directed at me.

Not intentially! Simply the apparent desperation of seeing the Vulcan again that every single little movement - i.e. reporting a fuel tanker being nearby at an airfield - makes people appear desperate.

Chris, re your point - yes in normal circumstances it might seem a bit desperate but the remaining flight(s) are attracting huge interest and I for one was taking quite a bit of interest on Monday and early Tuesday morning as it was a good source of information for the coming day's event. I had seen all the posts here and elsewhere about the possibility (or nearer probability) of a flight on Tuesday and planned to go to Sywell or alternatively Coningsby although the former is somewhat closer for me.
It seemed from all those posts etc that the likely flight was either for the Blades formation (raffle winners) or a formation with the Lancaster - problem was which! Sywell did seem the favourite and a post suggesting the Lanc would not be flying Tuesday reinforced that idea. Early morning BBC TV featured a live broadcast from Doncaster (or can I still call it Finningley? ) with the Vulcan obviously being prepared for flight so it no longer seemed a gamble to go to Sywell and off we set. I was already 1/2 way there by the time of the second (7.50) broadcast showing the tanker but saw a post describing it so more re-assurance that it would not be a fruitless journey although we had other (non aviation) plans if it was a no show.
So that may all seem a bit desperate but it was just a case of stacking the odds as far as possible in my favour for the day rather than worrying if the tanker had moved a short distance. Hope that explains all the interest from at least one point of view
Andy

[C24]

Rutland Water seems to be a favourite way point.

Speaking of the Falklands operation raised the question, "will UAVs be capable of such a trip?"

Or should a submarine launched cruise missile be used?

[reaper493]

My partner at home in waddington says shes just seen the Vulcan up, cant see anything on twitter or here to say, anyone confirm?

[n0143773]

I certainly heard it - 99% certain it was XH558 before I saw this post.

[reaper493]

Seems strange that there is nothing on twitter or Facebook, i guess they're on one of their last joy rides!

[mickfgr2]

I live fairly close to DSA & not heard anything go out from here & just spoken to one of the guys that clean her, he don't think she's up .hth mick

[GVLCN]

If it hasn't gone up today, there will be a flight within the next 3 days so keep an eye out!

[mickfgr2]

just had word from the hangar 558 tucked up in bed

[GhostFlight91]

Vulcan newsletter through, no flight this weekend followed by the usual, do not travel to donny

[martmpf]

If it hasn't gone up today, there will be a flight within the next 3 days so keep an eye out!

Pure speculation and maths.

Newsletter statement the there will no flights this weekend,

"There will be in the next three days".

Looks like Monday to me!