Seems I’ve started something of a debate. To answer Robbo’s comment, how many hours servicing and how much money were required to keep the Vulcan flying as a display aircraft by the RAF? This was Government money and time, why did they ground the aircraft if it was safe and economic to fly her? Can VTS, lottery money not withstanding, provide the resources in terms of finance, manpower and all the other ancilliary costs required to maintain and operate such a machine? Why not the Comet? The airframe is still extant as the basis of the Nimrod so why not keep the last Comet airworthy? The world’s first jet airliner? Easily on a par for validity and merit for restoration with the Vulcan? Or why not Concorde? We are talking about extraordinarily complex machinery here. If we are talking about the aircraft being operated safely by the RAF, why not hand it back to them to operate? The reason is it hasn’t been done for too long.

I can’t and won’t comment about Steve’s comments re the VTS operation as I know too little about it. I don’t think it matters who operates the aircraft, my fears would be the same. An accident of some magnitude, in which an aircraft of the size and complexity of the Vulcan was involved, would effectively sound the death knell for airshows and historic aviation.

Monkey’s point about old airliners is an interesting one. Yes these aircraft troll the skies around the world but most have been doing it for the last thirty years or so without the considerable break the Vulcan has had. Yes, i know a Spitfire/P-51/P-40 has been restored after fifty years of dereliction, but they are not the same thing. If it were so easy why has the Vulcan not flown already? The airliners Monkey refers to have complex and limiting servicing schedules with the backing of an airline to oversee maintenance. This is a single complex airframe operated by one company. I now hear the idea that that would be a good thing as they are dedicated to the one airframe. That may be a valid point in the VTS’s favour. But if Corporations like Bae, Airbus Industrie, BA and Air France cannot combine to keep a single Concorde in the air, can this really work for the VTS?

Don’t get me wrong, it would be incredible to see a Vulcan flying again, I just firmly believe that the risks far outweigh the benefits.

Regards,

kev35

This is Duke, also known as Ratbag. A Border Terrier cross he has an excellent temperament and a reasonable taste in magazines.

Regards,

kev35

Melv.

It’s patently obvious that R’s educayshun never reached the higher level, otherwise he would have understood a little about referencing. The point Melvin is trying to make is that you posted that article without acknowledging its source. That’s fine if it’s your own work but not if it is someone else’s.

Robert.

You have made complaints about Melvyn? Would you care to name the ‘others’ who have complained? Possibly your alternate identity? Please, Robert, report me to the webmaster. Now, how about an apology to Melvyn for calling him a slug? Or, if you’re that confident, an apology to slugs for likening them to Melvyn. I’m sure you won’t reply to this or engage in any kind of serious debate because of your singular lack of maturity. Never mind, perhaps one day you will be capable of adult conversation and be able to contribute to fora in a sensible and understandable manner. In the meantime, does anyone know if the Teletubbies have a message board?

Regards,

kev35

A year’s supply of curry.

And a years supply of toilet paper and Sudocreme?

Regards,

kev35

Just thought this deserved to be at the top again.

Legends is close now, and for any of us able to be there, what better way to complete a day than by going to pay our respects and give Honour to a man who died in the service of this Country. There is a quote, “Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for his friends.” Although we were never priveleged to meet the likes of Francois de Spirlet and others who made the supreme sacrifice, they are our friends. What they achieved for us means they are forever deserving of a place in our hearts.

Mark, this is yet another wonderful gesture on your part and allows us to repay a small part of the debt. For that, I will be eternally grateful. Thank you for making this possible.

regards,

kev35

I said something like this last year and I’ll say it again. I really don’t care what I see and what I don’t see. I just feel so priveleged to have the opportunity to be there. Just a few weeks ago we all had the chance to say thanks to a group of people who did something extraordinary for us. Some of them got through ok, many didn’t. That’s what I’ll be doing a week on Sunday. Saying a thousand silent thank you’s. There will be tears, joy, sadness, but above all gratitude. I’m going to enjoy it rain or shine because of what it means for us all.

Let’s all just hope there are no problems.

Regards,

kev35

Erm,…..My username is MANAIRPORTMAD!!, your just bringing back bad memories, bad turn. I ment the one with engines because the other has Propellers. 😡

I have no bad memories whatsoever. Do you? Both aircraft have engines, the Beluga has 2, the Super Guppy has 4. I think you’ll find the Beluga has jet engines (is it a converted A300, A310 or A330?) and the beautiful Super Guppy has turboprops. Isn’t the Super Guppy called a Conroy CL-44 or something like that? They were regulars in UK airspace a few years ago. Used to see them on Amber One West occasionally, maybe going from broughton or wherever to Filton?

Interesting thread.

regards,

kev35 (who has never felt the need to assume a new identity)

I live 3 minutes away from Broughton in a place called flint and it is spelt Hawden and that is not the Airport the Airport is Broughton

How can your location be Manchester if you live in Flint? I think you’ll find ‘Hawden’ is spelt Hawarden and it is near Chester. Is Bae Broughton an airfield as well as a factory then?

Regards,

kev35