558's 50th Birthday Appeal
Appeal Questions and Answers
If you have a query not covered below, please email appealquestions@vulcantothesky.org
Common requests will be published here. Please await 7-10 days for an official response.
Why should I support this project?
The restoration and subsequent operation of Avro Vulcan XH558 was designed to realise two key goals:
Honouring the Past - recognising the contribution that the RAF’s V-force deterrent aircraft and staff made in keeping the peace during the Cold War, whilst also acting as a tribute to the servicemen who guarded our skies, giving us the freedoms that we all know today.
Inspiring the Future - showing how a leading British design can enthuse the youth of today in aviation, science and technology. We now have an extensive outreach Educational programme being rolled out to schools all over the country.
Why the need for an appeal?
Our original business plan assumed that once XH558 was flying, the draw of the huge audiences would appeal to major commercial sponsors and thus fund the majority of operational costs. However, the return to flight coincided with the worst economic conditions in over sixty years; major sponsorship spending has been dramatically reduced.
PlanesTV and Sean Maffett have made an impressive video promo for us. If YOU know a ‘captain of industry’ or someone with control of a marketing budget, perhaps you could email them this link;-http://www.planestv.com/ondemand/rtv/avro-vulcan-xh558-2009The business plan has been re-drawn taking into account a range of new commercial activities explained within the appeal. We started work on them last season, and are developing new funding streams all the time. In the meantime, the gap in funding is being closed by kind donations from the public.
How will the appeal be marketed?
With adverts across many types of media, over the Internet, a National poster campaign utilising our existing supporter base, together with Magazine articles and Newspaper features.
Importantly, we wish to reach new audiences. We have been very successful gaining support from aviation enthusiasts, but we wish to bring the Vulcan to new interest groups who may be interested in supporting us. There were over 2.5million people who saw the Vulcan at events last summer, but we estimate that those who actually contributed to her funding last year number 50,000 or less. There are huge numbers of people who might help if only they knew about our needs and how they could help.
Why has the budget increased over last season?
The aircraft has been flying now for two years since her restoration. Some parts need replacement or overhaul based on calendar life since installation.
We need to commission some engineering design activities to look at how we are using the airframe and engines, to maximise XH558’s life. With two years flying behind us, we have a lot of detailed data which needs to be analysed to provide guidance on the way we should fly in the future. This research alone, will cost in the region of £40,000.
In addition, we need to bring forward the next stage of fatigue life extension modifications from winter 2010-11 to this winter; this is because we have experienced a higher than expected fatigue life consumption rate. There are two modifications: strengthening of the front spar bottom boom (Mod 2429), and strengthening of the landing light aperture (Mod 2430).
All these costs are clearly identified in our charts.
Where will the forecast sponsorship of £500,000 come from?
We have built a whole new Sponsorship structure giving much better value at far lower entry levels.
Commercial Partnership Program - aimed at small businesses with an entry point of £500, then levels at £1,000 and £2,000 - offering recognition on the web site and Vulcan related corporate gifts.
Tiered Major Sponsorship Program - this builds on the current publicised package, including our relationship with 2Excel Aviation (The Blades) that includes Vulcan corporate days as before, but with a new and exciting range of Corporate Hospitality packages at Farnborough and RIAT. These are being finalised right at this moment.
2009 has seen an impressive record of relaibility. This, coupled with our known ability to sell out venues and to demonstrate in front of an audience of millions, gives us a first class product to sell to the Corporate world.
With £200k already identified, we believe the £500k budget is very achievable, giving us a balance of £300,000 to attain in 2010 by the initiatives outlined.
How are costs being controlled?
We believe our staffing level has been trimmed to the minimum level of engineers, ground support, logistics crew and admin staff needed to maintain the project as a viable operation.
We support these with many volunteers, whilst bringing in experienced consultants to offer support in areas where we only need occasional time or project based work. Our management team works tirelessly to extract the best value out of every single pound donation you make.
What happens if the targets are not met?
The Trust currently holds only sufficient cash reserves to allow us to trade to the end of February 2010, assuming no extra money comes in.
If we are going to meet the deadlines of another display season, we not only need the money for the work detailed, but to cover the overheads of the support operation behind XH558.
If cashflow decreases to the point no funding is possible beyond this timeframe, the Trust will need to consider giving notice to staff and putting the project into administration. The future would then be very bleak – but we have been here before, surviving due to the support we have been given by those who wish to see XH558 continue to fly.
What if you get a Major Sponsor?
This will be a great boost to the project – really pushing forward our Educational Development programme and taking out our message far and wide - inspiring future engineers and scientists.
We would be able to significantly reduce the future funding requirement from our supporters, and would be able to put more resources into PR and marketing, to bring XH558 to a wider stage.
Finally, we would also build a fund to look after XH558 in perpetuity, as the world’s last flying Vulcan.
What are the aims beyond this Winter?
We continue to search for a permanent home for the aircraft, as we are still reliant on the goodwill of the RAF. Gaining access to a suitable airfield with the right facilities will enable regular public access with appropriate visitor facilities such as exhibitions, aircraft tours, café, shop etc, and enable us to develop additional income streams from our visitor numbers.
What is a Pledge?
A pledge is a promise to pay a certain amount at some point in the futiure, usually to be requested at a certain time in writing, whilst explaining what the pledge will be used for. There is no legal requirement to fulfil a Pledge, but for obvious reasons, it is counter-productive to the cause of our Appeal, if you make one that is not honoured once called.
What are the aims in a few years time?
We have the goal of being a financially stable project with funding to look after XH558 for the Nation and her “investors” until she retires from flight.
How can I best help?
A small or larger immediate donation would be ideal, you can use the online service or drop a cheque into the post made payable to Vulcan To The Sky Trust. (Most cards are catered for via HSBC Bank or we have a PAYPAL option).
Our on-line systems and P.O. Box Numbers are detailed within the Appeal pages.
If you can also back this up with a monthly Standing Order, even if only for the suggested minimum of £3, then that will be a fantastic help! In this case, you simply need to print the appeal form off the Donate link, complete it with your details, sign and send to the address given.
The most important thing though is to help us get to new audiences. Please help bring the excitement of the Vulcan to new groups, maybe through friends or colleagues, and enlist their support.
If money is tight, just talking to other people about our project and appeal or getting them enthused to consider joining the Supporters Club, can make a big difference to how well we do.
There is also the option of "pledging", which is making a promise to pay later.
Invest in the Future - Get Involved!
Many thanks for considering our Appeal.