How Heavy is XH558?
XH558's certificated maximum take-off weight (MTOW) under civilian regulations is 175,000lbs (79,500kg). In RAF service the Vulcan's MTOW was 204,000lbs (92,700kg). Normally we do not exceed a weight of 144,600lbs (65,700kg). The weight of the airframe without fuel is approximately 100,000lbs (45,500kg). (4/09)
What does TVOC stand for and who are they?
TVOC stands for 'The Vulcan Operating Company'. The Vulcan Operating Company was a label used for the group of mainly C Walton Ltd employees who started the work on the project back in 1999/2000. The 'TVOC' label has stuck, and now used as a collective name for the VTST Engineering team. The Vulcan Operating Company Limited formally exists as a currently dormant company which is owned by VTST. (4/09)
Why can't the staff all be volunteers to save money?
VTST has had significant amounts of extremely valuable voluntary help from local Vulcan to the Sky Club members with off-aircraft activities such as administration, stores, transport, hangar maintenance, keeping the hangar clean etc. Whilst there are administration and logistics roles that could conceivably by taken on by volunteers, the full-time nature of these jobs, that require day-to-day continuity, precludes them being held by part-time volunteers, who are by there own admission there to provide ad-hoc help from time-to-time. There are significant barriers to using voluntary help with engineering activities on the aircraft itself, including the need to go though our 12-week Vulcan technical training path leading to technical qualification, the extended time that volunteers would need to gain certified levels of technical experience, the difficulty with volunteers being reliably available for shift work, the difficulty mixing paid employees with volunteers on the same tasks etc. (4/09)
How many personnel are employed full time by VTST?
VTST employs twelve full-time personnel. (4/09)
Why are XH558's flying hours limited to 40-50 per year?
We are hoping to operate XH558 for an envisaged 10 year display period. Our Olympus engines are limited to 1200 cycles each by their Design Authority, Rolls-Royce. Cycles are a measure of engine fatigue life - one cycle is counted each time the engine goes from idle to 100% and back again. Smaller changes of RPM add to the cycles consumed. We are monitoring the engine cycle consumption by recording engine RPM.
We are trying to conserve the cycles used in a year by carefully limiting the number of flying hours, and by adopting flying techniques which reduce the cycle consumption. At the moment we are experiencing an exchange rate on average of about 6 cycles per flying hour, which translates into an actual engine life of 1200/6 = 200 flying hours. We have two sets of four engines giving us about 400 hours in total. Over ten years that comes out to about 40 hours flying per year. (4/09)
How will I know where and when XH558 is due to display?
The latest information on XH558 flying display programme is available on the Appearances page of this website. (7/10)
Where can I get to see XH558?
XH558 is currently based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, so as it is an active base, public tours are restricted. We do hope to move at some point and have a "Visitors Centre," so more access and funding will be possible. Please await further news on this later in 2010. (07/10)
Can I have a guided tour of XH558?s cockpit?
Because the cockpit is fitted with live ejection seats, canopy gun and booster cushions, requiring specific training for each person entering the cockpit, VTST has regrettably decided that public access to XH558?s cockpit is not possible. (4/09)
What Does VTST Stand For?
VTST stands for Vulcan to the Sky Trust. The Vulcan to the Sky Trust is a Company limited by guarantee, company registration no. 4478686, and was incorporated on 5th July 2002. It has a Board of Directors, known as Trustees. The current Chairman is Dr Robert Pleming. VTST is also a Registered Charity, No. 1101948. (4/09)
What does VTSC stand for?
VTSC stands for Vulcan to the Sky Club. The Vulcan to the Sky Club is an association of supporters. It has a Constitution, and is managed by a Committee. The current Chairman is Richard Clarke. (4/09)
Who Owns XH558?
The Vulcan to the Sky Trust, a Registered Charity, owns Vulcan XH558 and all its spares, documentation and records. The Heritage Lottery Fund has a legal first charge over these assets, so that for example in the case of the aircraft being lost, the Hull Insurance cover required by the HLF would allow the HLF grant to be repaid. (4/09)
Where has the majority of funding come from?
The majority of the funding for the restoration of the aircraft to flight came from public donations and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Marshall of Cambridge provided a significant amount of financial support during this period. Also vitally important were the in-kind donations of support from the aerospace industry, the most significant of which was the contribution made by Goodrich, an American multinational which had taken over a number of British firms, including Lucas Aerospace. (4/09)
How much has the Heritage Lottery Funding given?
The Heritage Lottery Fund provided a total of £2,734,000 between 2005 and 2007. (4/09)
Have the HLF been asked for more funding?
Yes, the HLF have been asked for more funding, most recently at one of our periodic review meetings with our HLF East Midlands Region representative in November 2008. We understand that further funding will not be forthcoming because the HLF do not normally provide any funding for the ongoing operating expenses of their projects: they will provide grants towards specific objectives, like returning XH558 to flight, but not for keeping her flying. Also, we understand that the money available to the HLF has been going down in recent years, owing to reducing numbers of people playing the National Lottery, and the cash being siphoned off for the London Olympics. In the HLF?s own words - we've had our fair share! (4/09)
What is educational about a flying Vulcan?
In addition to the purely aeronautical engineering skills benefits arising from the demanding work needed to restore a complex old aircraft safely to flight, and from the experience of seeing her flying, there are two main educational benefits arising from flying the Vulcan. These are in the areas of History, and in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). The History of the Cold War (1946 - 1989) is very important to today's world, because many of the issues currently confronting governments across the world had their origins in the Cold War, when West and East had diametrically opposing philosophies.
In addition, many of the current older generation in the UK were born and grew up during the Cold War years, of which the Vulcan is a compelling icon. In partnership with the National Cold War Exhibition at the RAF Museum Cosford, VTST is helping build the understanding of that period both through formal education activities on the ground, but also through flying, by reminding people of the Cold War, and the achievements and sacrifices of the time.
In STEM topics, there are important and relevant lessons that can be built around the Vulcan for all ages. VTST already has educational deliverables in place for primary-aged pupils, and is expanding this towards topics for older students. A recent development is the interest being shown by tertiary engineering colleges in the technologies used on the Vulcan, in one instance leading to a case study of the design of part of the Vulcan using modern materials. But possibly the greatest benefit that the Vulcan brings is the inspiration and stimulation of youngsters seeing the Vulcan flying for the first time. VTST has evidence that young people are turning to design, engineering and aerospace as the result of this experience. (4/09)
Why is XH558 limited to visual flying rules (VFR) only, and what are they?
558 is limited by the conditions of her Permit to Fly, to VFR flying only. The VFR minima are: Distance From Cloud Flight Visibility Horizontal Vertical At or below FL 100 1500m 1,000 ft 8k Below FL 100 1500m 1,000 ft 5k At or below 3,000 ft Clear of cloud & in sight of the surface 5km At 140 knots or less Clear of cloud & in sight of the surface 1500m
Why doesn't the RAF fly XH558 instead of VTST?
We have enquired whether the RAF would consider adding XH558 to an expanded RAF Memorial Flight. We understand that the RAF believes that the costs of so doing would not be acceptable in an environment in which they are under so much financial and operational pressure.
The RAF could justify flying the Vulcan if a significant operational or trials reason existed. Given that the RAF stopped flying the Vulcan in 1992 for economic reasons, it could be seen as rather a u-turn were they to start flying her again! (4/09)
Why is XH558 categorised as a complex aircraft by the CAA?
The CAA must formally approve organisations responsible for the restoration, airworthiness control and maintenance of aeroplanes of military origin. In XH558?s case, this organisation is Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace. The approval is granted in respect of the category of the aircraft.
The CAA defines three categories: a) Simple: single piston engine types (eg Spitfire). b) Intermediate: multiple piston engine or turbine (single or multiple) engine types with simple mechanical flying controls or with powered controls having an independent back-up system that can enable continued safe flight following failure of the powered system (eg the Hunter or Canberra) c) Complex: all other types, including those having features that require specialised knowledge and/or equipment to maintain, aircraft without independent back-up systems for powered flying controls or having automatic stabilisation systems or electronic engine controls.
The classification of aircraft types is the responsibility of the CAA. In the case of XH558 , the CAA has deemed the Avro Vulcan type to be in the Complex category. This is understandable; XH558 (G-VLCN) is very different from many other ex-military aircraft flying on the Civil Register; she is large, relatively complicated and demands a great deal of professional maintenance. Although her engines and powered flying controls are simple in design, they and the aircraft's vital electrical systems require complex maintenance procedures. (4/09)
What is a Permit to Fly?
A Permit-to-Fly is a national authorisation by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, issued to an aircraft registered in the UK not holding a Certificate of Airworthiness (an international certification), if the CAA it is satisfied that the aircraft is fit to fly having regard to the airworthiness of the aircraft and the conditions attached to the permit. If the aircraft is of ex-military RAF origin, the CAA has to decide whether the design of the aircraft qualifies for the issue of a Permit to Fly on the basis that the aircraft conforms with a design which has been accepted by the RAF to fly within defined limitations, and which has accumulated sufficient experience of safe operation to indicate that such aircraft are safe to fly subject to whatever conditions may be appropriate; and that the aircraft has been shown not to possess unacceptably hazardous features.
An aircraft flying in accordance with a national permit to fly is not allowed to fly for the purpose of public transport or aerial work other than aerial work which consists of flights for the purpose of flying displays, associated practice, test and positioning flights or the exhibition or demonstration of the aircraft. No person shall be carried during flights for the purpose of flying displays or demonstration flying except the minimum flight crew, unless the prior permission of the CAA has been obtained.
The CAA may issue a national permit to fly subject to such conditions relating to the airworthiness, operation or maintenance of the aircraft as it thinks fit. A placard is affixed to any aircraft flying in accordance with a permit to fly in full view of the occupants which is worded as follows: "Occupant Warning This aircraft has not been certificated to an International Requirement." An aircraft flying in accordance with a permit to fly shall only be flown by day and in accordance with the Visual Flight Rules unless the prior permission of the CAA has been obtained. (4/09)
What is a Display Authority & who gets them?
Our display pilots require a formal Display Authorisation (DA) from the CAA to legally perform their Vulcan display before the public. The CAA Display Examiner (DE) observes 3 practice displays flown at our display altitude of 500 feet and if he deems that the pilot and his display is safe, the CAA will award the DA. Thereafter, the pilot is not supposed to deviate from the display performed in front of the CAA DE. (4/09)
How much does XH558 earn from airshows?
We begin negotiations with event organisers by asking for £12,000 for a single display or £5,000 for a flypast. If we can carry out more than one display or flypast at different venues on a single sortie then the total costs can be shared between the events. If the display venue has free fuel available to us, plus accommodation for the crews and engineers and we can agree a lucrative pitch for the 'Vulcan Village' and the Club's merchandising cabin for free etc - then we will reduce the charges in the negotiation. It sometimes proves possible to find a local sponsor or two who are happy to fund the Vulcan display ("The Vulcan is appearing by courtesy of...."); that reduces the cost to the air display still further. (4/09)
What is the cost per flying hour?
The fully-loaded costs of flying the Vulcan are just under £19,000 per flying hour; this includes fuel, insurance, aircrew, servicing costs, consumables such as tyres, oils etc. (4/09)
Where does the short fall in income come from?
VTST's financial plan shows a shortfall in income of about £800,000 over the period from November 2008 to October 2009, largely due to the reduction in commercial sponsorship opportunities. The 2009 Pledge campaign successfully plugged the gap with the promise of donations from over 10,000 supporters, and has given VTST a much-needed breathing space in which to adjust its business plan to the new world. Very many thanks to all who pledged and subsequently donated. (4/09)
Why can't XH558 be painted in sponsorship colours?
VTST feels strongly that XH558 should remain in her military colour scheme in recognition of her heritage importance, however if a significant sponsor asked if the colour scheme could be changed then the request would be seriously considered. Re-painting XH558 in a new scheme would be very expensive - estimates are in excess of £400,000 - and we would only agree if there was a commitment to restore XH558 to her original colour scheme at the end of the sponsorship. The Heritage Lottery Fund has indicated that whilst they wish us to maintain XH558 in her military colour scheme, they would permit us to change it as long as the original scheme was restored at a later date. (4/09)
How high does XH558 fly?
At the moment XH558 is restricted to 15,500 feet by a limit imposed by some of her new avionics and instrumentation and the fact that XH558 is currently operating without cabin pressurisation. Whilst in service though she was officially restricted to 56,000 feet by the aircrew oxygen system but most Vulcan aircraft, apart from 27 Sqn aircraft in the latter years, we believe, were restricted to 51,000 feet. (4/09)
How far can XH558 fly?
A world-record 8,000 miles range taking 16 hours was achieved by Vulcan XM607 with in-flight refuelling during the Falklands Campaign of 1982. However, on her internal fuel tanks with her minimum landing fuel of 10,000 lbs indicated, plus sufficient fuel to reach a diversion airfield in the event of poor weather or a runway problem at the intended landing base, the Vulcan XH558 could fly for about 7½ hours.
In current circumstances of restricted altitude that would give her an 1800 mile range capability. During her RAF service, with the ability to climb to Mach number altitudes (40,000 feet plus), the Vulcan could fly for just over 4,000 miles on her internal fuel capacity of about 72,000lbs plus an additional 7,600lbs in two cylindrical bomb bay tanks. (4/09)
Can I pay to fly on XH558 as a passenger?
Sorry, but we are prevented by law from flying passengers under the conditions of the Permit to Fly granted by the CAA. As the result, we are also not insured to carry passengers. In compensation, we have a partnership with the Blades aerobatic team, whereby passengers can be carried in the Blades' Extra aircraft, and fly alongside the Vulcan. The Managing Director of one of our sponsors, Aerobytes Ltd, was flying alongside the Vulcan in the picture below, taken in September 2008.(4/09)
Will XH558 display overseas?
Last season XH558 displayed in the Netherlands and Belgium. Because the Vulcan is flying on a 'National Permit to Fly', we will have to gain permission from the Aviation Authorities of every country over which we wish to fly. Due to conserving airframe fatigue, we are not planning overseas trips in 2010. (7/10)
What are RSS News feeds?
From Wikipedia. RSS (an abbreviation for Really Simple Syndication) is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works?such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video?in a standardized format. An RSS document (which is called a "feed", "web feed", or "channel") includes full or summarized text, plus metadata such as publishing dates and authorship. Web feeds benefit publishers by letting them syndicate content automatically. They benefit readers who want to subscribe to timely updates from favored websites or to aggregate feeds from many sites into one place. RSS feeds can be read using software called an "RSS reader", "feed reader", or "aggregator", which can be web-based, desktop-based, or mobile-device-based. A standardized XML file format allows the information to be published once and viewed by many different programs.
The user subscribes to a feed by entering the feed's URI (often referred to informally as a "URL" (uniform resource locater), although technically the two terms are not exactly synonymous) into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon in a browser that initiates the subscription process. The RSS reader checks the user's subscribed feeds regularly for new work, downloads any updates that it finds, and provides a user interface to monitor and read the feeds. RSS formats are specified using XML, a generic specification for the creation of data formats. Although RSS formats have evolved since March 1999, the RSS icon ("") first gained widespread use between 2005 and 2006.
Why was it necessary to move XH558 from Bruntingthorpe?
Bruntingthorpe is an unlicensed airfield and we therefore have to import mandatory services such as Air Traffic Control, Fire & Crash cover, medical and police support each time we fly, which is severely restricting if we cannot guarantee their availability. However the biggest concern is the relatively high probability of Foreign Object Debris (FOD) being present on the runway, which as the Bruntingthorpe track is used so often for automotive trials etc is difficult to remove entirely. The Vulcan?s Olympus engines are pure turbojets, which means that every ounce of air sucked in goes all the way through the whole engine. Even a small stone, if sucked in, could damage the engine beyond repair. So we cannot risk staying at Bruntingthorpe and damaging our engines. Finally, because the airfield is also used to store thousands of vehicles, there is no guarantee that we are able to use the runway and clear vehicles off the taxiway when we require it. (4/09)
Why doesn't XH558 fly the same display as she did when she belonged to the RAF?
Primarily this is to conserve engine life and airframe fatigue. However VTST is also very aware that it is custodian of the only flying Vulcan in the world, and so we treat the aircraft gently so as to minimise risk. (4/09)
