Can she fly again....... yes according to this chap......

[Vulcanatic]

The latest update from the Air Accident Investigation regarding the Shoreham Hawker Hunter crash has released an interim statement giving seven recommendations regarding vintage military jets so XH558 did retire at the right time!

Well spotted, the download is here;
https://assets.digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk/media/5677d6bfed915d144f000000/S4-2015_G-BXFI.pdf

As pointed out, these are preliminary recommendations but this certainly would not have made life any easier for those tasked with keeping XH558 flying!

The recommendations perhaps hint at why the Pilot didn't eject? (Ejector mechanism cartridges were out of date so perhaps he tried to eject but was unable?)

Confusion appears to permeate many aspects of this plane's recent history, servicing, certification, etc. In particular there seems to be confusion about whether the Hunter was in fact 'legal' to fly.

I'm guessing there will be lots of interesting revelations to come in 2016.

I sense the impending sound of a few posteriors being kicked.

[JeremyC]

My understanding (and perhaps some of those with hands-on experience can chip in) is that the Vulcan is, structurally, an order of magnitude more complicated that something like a Meteor, Vampire, Hunter or Canberra?  Mini vs. mk2 Jag.

[Keith lawes]

Very interesting AAIB report. Bit confusing but seems to make two points:-
1/ Components to maintain ejector seats in civilian hands are no longer available.
2/ Swept wing aircraft are not currently allowed to fly without correctly maintained and operational ejector seats.

To quote:-

"In February 2015 the ejection seat manufacturer ceased to provide technical support
or replacement parts for ejection seats fitted to aircraft which no longer operate in their
original military role. Ejection seats installed in civil-operated ex-military aircraft fall into
this category and replacement cartridges manufactured by the original manufacturer are no
longer available. As a result, the ejection seat manufacturer considers that such ejection
seats should be deactivated to prevent the risk of inadvertent operation. This is contrary to
the current CAP 632 requirement for ejection seats in swept-wing aircraft to be operated in
a fully operational and armed condition. "

So something has to give or its the end of privately operated swept wing jets in this country?

[PaulH2015]

In terms of Shoreham all rather by-the-by.  An earlier report said the pilot formed the top of the loop at far too low an altitude to complete the manouvere and exit at the same height he started at - 'why?' is the big question.