Breighton 1st May – Aerojumble and Fly in.

From their Facebook page.

Nice analogy Mike 😀 It remains to be seen if they are successful in making up the inevitable loss in donations through government funding as they go down this education route. I`m sure 558 will be a great tool in teaching the next generation of aircraft engineers all about composite structures and flyby wire systems…

Lets not forget VULCAN To The Sky is now looking to work with other aircraft types and groups. Maybe they did not do it for the love and appreciation of the Vulcan all along.

Anyway, who am I to judge. I wish them all the luck in the world with their metal Mosquito.

What bothers me most is, they have some how managed to transfer ownership of this publicly funded aircraft to a profit making company. Its their aircraft now, never mind the trade mark ! So much for being retired to a museum. I love that aeroplane, I have followed it most of my life but some times I think I would rather see it in a million pieces than them make another penny out of it.

My main concern is, following some correspondence quite a while ago about being an extra if any filming happened at Scampton, I am getting to old !

Some of them may be going `to the sky`. Hopefully not !

I still have a numb feeling from the sight of those wheels touching down on the runway for the last time. I am still not sure what to think of what has happened over the last few years now it is all over… and it is over ! The aircraft is at the wrong airfield with the wrong people. What I do know is that we all have to take a good look at how this was achieved.

Some really nice shots there Ian !

It is difficult for me to say, as I live close to DSA but 558 should not stay at the airport. I actually think for exactly the opposite of the reasons I have seen above. The threat will be from the airports success rather than its closure. Its time to take the aircraft from the operating company and put into the care of the club. Only real enthusiasts can ensure a safe future for the aircraft after the blood suckers have moved on to something else.
If I was cynic I would think that VTTS maybe saw the declining donations, realised that would put and end to the flying and thought if the public wont pay our wages maybe we could get the government to pay them. The ridiculous academy idea was born.
I really do see the aircraft dying a lingering death in the corner of the airfield, racking up parking fees and eventually being scrapped.

I look forward to seeing XH558 fly at every possible opportunity this year but no more money from me, they have nothing to hold over us now.

Also, its time to pop the rivets and show people what that aeroplane can really do !

Ben