Good news, although I expect it'll be a bit harder to spot on transit flights now.
This morning, the Civil Aviation Authority issued the following Press Release:
The CAA today announced an easing of operating restrictions on the UKs sole airworthy Vulcan aircraft. The move allows the former RAF bomber to be now operated under daytime IFR rules, and in IMC, it was previously limited to VFR daytime operations.
The VFR limitation had represented a significant restriction to this historic aircraft built in 1960, and designed, as it was, from the outset to operate at high level in all-weather conditions and with a fatigue-limited airframe not suited to turbulence levels associated with low-level operation.
The aircraft may now, however, operate at altitudes and under flight rules which permit a greater degree of safety, fuel efficiency and longevity.
The Vulcan will become the first UK aircraft with a Permit to Fly to be allowed to operate under daytime IFR and in IMC, overturning the previous blanket VFR restriction on all Permit aircraft.
The CAA also confirmed that it is engaging with the Light Aircraft Association to enable amateur-built and ex-type certified Permit aircraft - having agreed airworthiness characteristics and suitably equipped - to also be relieved of their day/VFR limitation on a by-aircraft basis.
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Robert Pleming, VTST Chief Executive commented: “This is excellent news. We have been working with the CAA and Marshall Aerospace for the last couple of years towards the goal of a limited daytime Instrument Flight Rules(IFR) clearance that will allow XH558 to fly through Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) to higher altitudes and smoother air to obtain, as the CAA have observed, a greater degree of safety, fuel efficiency and longevity. We’re all delighted, as this adds to the justification for the fatigue life extension planned - but not yet funded! - for this winter.”
http://www.vulcantothesky.org/news/486/ ... lease.html