Is there anywhere where can see a photo if the cockpit?
Thank you.

I wonder if those who find the Vulcan display “boring” or “run of the mill”, attend a lot of airshows during the course of the year ?
Do they also find the Red Arrows, and BBMF boring ?
Since XH558 came back to our skies, I have seen her twice. Once at an airshow, and once for a couple of fly pasts.
I just hope I can see her fly again before she is grounded for good. I’ve certainly never found the Vulcan boring to watch.
I wonder how quickly people would take to get “bored”, if we had a lightning flying in the UK again ?

Alan, to answer your question (I think I am the one one who has come out here and said that I find the display boring)… I go to 3 or 4 airshows a year… RIAT, Waddington, Cosford and Leuchars (sadly no more!).

I think the comments I have made and continue to make should be taken in the context with which they are meant. I’m trying to come up with example to show what it is that I mean. Last year I went hunting with Harris Hawks at Shuttleworth. We didn’t catch a great deal. I think my bird caught 1 mouse! However, I saw the hawks in their natural environment doing what they do best. Fast forward and I see a Harris Hawk in a big avery flying around. Do you think that would impress me when I have seen the true beauty of these animals in the wild? Its not a great analogy, but I think today is similar. 558 is flow today like a bird with clipped wings. I have seen what she can do, and compared to that, todays display disappoints me. We are told during the display about her fighter like handling, her massive power etc, but we dont see it. Actually, the RNZAF 757 (and airliner of all things) far out performs 558 these days – no disrespect at all meant towards the RNZAF or the 757!

Re the lightning. I only have 2 memories of lightnings fly. One was a vertical climb but the other was a sedate flypast…. So I have nothing to compare a modern lightning display too. However, if it just took off dry and tootles along at 150kts (can a lighting fly that slow)… two passes, 1 clean, 1 dirty then I would be disappointed. Especially if it had cost £10,000,000+ to get to that stage

I have tried to answer your questions as I would like you (and others) to understand where I am coming from. I dont ask you to agree with it, but al least try and understand it.

Edit * and no… I dont find the BBMF or the RedArrows boring. The BBMF is a very moving and thought provoking display and I always stand to watch it. The Red Arrows are very much be best of British, and I’m a full supporter on them!

VX927 with the Red Arrows!

if seeing a very significant historic type flying in any fashion is “boring”, perhaps you need a new hobby.

What is your problem? People need to find a new hobby because they find one aircraft on the display circuit boring? I think its time you grew up a little bit. We are all entitled to opinions. Some people find watching 5 spitfire tail chasing at Duxford boring… Others don’t. It doesn’t mean people should abandon their passion or hobby.

I have very fond memories of the Vulcan. My father is an ex Vulcan man and I remember her displays in the late 80’s. I suspect (apologies if I’m wrong) that you are too young to have seen an RAF Vulcan display. I remember them well, and when you compare the current display, with those flown by the RAF, then I’m sorry to say but to me they are boring.

And I agree not all aircraft need to be flown like ‘Maverick’ to put on a good display… On the contrary, any display pilot worth his (or her!) salt will tell you that a good display is one that shows off the best attributes of the aircraft, whatever they may be. In my opinion, with the Vulcan, it’s noise, power, the howl, and they are sadly lacking. But hay, it’s only my opinion… Lighten up a bit! 🙂

I think one of the problems is that the Vulcan display is boring. I’m not just saying that to be controversial… If you can get a good take off / wing over then that impressive but the rest if the display is flown like a glider (IMO). It’s not the display that it used to be. As for Plemming’s comments about duty of care… That’s a joke.

Fouga,

XN728 changed hands a few weeks ago and is now up at Binbrook. The new owner has started the restoration and is making good progress with her.

No, I’m afraid it’s not obvious. What does precision aircraft engineering have to do with environmental sustainability? I think your comments about solar panels are misguided, and I don’t see why any new building shouldn’t incorporate sustainable methods such as insulation, water management and where possible, renewable energy.

I’m out in California at the moment and the solar panels here seem to be working pretty well. When drive across Germany, the wind farms seem to be doing pretty well… Why is it that this renewable energy business only fails in the UK?

Anyway… Sorry to go ‘off topic’!!!

Do you know for sure that EEP means English Electric Panel?