Lord, it looks like your wish has been granted.
NATIONAL TOUR - OCTOBER 10th and 11th
WITH FURTHER FLIGHTS PLANNED THROUGH OCTOBER
Your chance to see XH558 around the country as she embarks on perhaps her most comprehensive tour.
This coming weekend, XH558 will take-off on two large orbital tours of the country, visiting as many places as we can sensibly cover within the operational constraints and time we have available. With flight times expected to be over three and a half hours each day, we also have to consider the limits of fuel-load and of course, the comfort of our flight crews in very cramped and high workload conditions.
The routes are split into two sections:
NORTHERN ROUTE: - SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER.
SOUTHERN ROUTE: - SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER.
Please be aware that due to various permissions and agreements, the routes vary from those originally published over 10 days ago. We have also listened to public opinion to arrive at what we believe will be the best possible solution in light of all the restrictions placed upon us in operating XH558.
Although flight paths may vary once announced and XH558 is airborne, the turning points we reveal will be our intended destinations given favourable weather conditions.
PLEASE NOTE:
** We intend at least two more flights in late October. **
** This weekend will not see XH558’s final landing. **
ROUTE GUIDES FOR EACH DAY ARE LOWER DOWN THIS DEDICATED NATIONAL TOUR NEWSLETTER.
DO NOTE BELOW – RESTRICTIONS APPLY AT OUR OPERATIONAL BASE.
** VIEWING RESTRICTIONS AROUND ROBIN HOOD AIRCRAFT - PLEASE NOTE**
VIEWING ANYWHERE NEAR ROBIN HOOD AIRPORT IS SEVERELY RESTRICTED
& PARKING RESTRICTIONS APPLY
As the final few flights approach, we must warn you that the chances of seeing XH558 take-off and land will be slim. There are no plans for any displays or repeated circuits over the airfield and the aircraft will come straight-in to land on her return.
The police and emergency services, local authority and the airport are very much aware of growing issues. There is great risk of severe restrictions being imposed on our flight operations if matters persist. We do need to minimise the risk of enforced flight cancellations on the grounds of public safety.
Police Supt Rollitt states: “Although I understand the passion of the supporters of the Vulcan, over the past few months as we approach its final flights, more and more spectators have turned up at events where the Vulcan has been. This has started to overwhelm local authorities and emergency services. My first priority is ensuring the safety of all road users and local communities. Doncaster airport is a small commercial airport that can accommodate its passengers, however the infrastructure around it cannot accommodate a large influx of people hoping to see the Vulcan. The Vulcan trust have worked with us to satisfy the safety issue by providing a flight timetable to ensure that members of the public will get see the final flights from other vantage points around the country.”
Caroline Rollitt, Superintendent
Joint Specialist Operations (Uniform)
South Yorkshire Police
We would request all our supporters try to view XH558 from another vantage point along the tour routes this weekend.
PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL TO DONCASTER.
We would all obviously appreciate your co-operation on this matter. Thank you.
Technical and Weather review
XH558 landed from her last flight 100% serviceable and we have no reason to suspect any issues this weekend, but of course, a thorough ‘Before Flight Service’ will be conducted by the ground team each morning.
The forecast weather is so far looking favourable, with a High Pressure system expected to be sitting to the west, which will hopefully bring settled weather over the whole weekend.
Should either factor be against us, we will obviously review the situation, and if possible, plan to fly other sectors over another weekend later this month.
Social media will be vital to you over this weekend
ALL UPDATES WILL BE POSTED ON SOCIAL MEDIA, OUR WEB PAGES
(Latest news section) & THE XH558 APP.
We have put in extra resource to gives as much positional and timing information over social media on these tour dates. If you have had a natural aversion to social media before for whatever reason, then this is now the time to select the most convenient for you and sign-up so you can follow XH558. It will really be our only way of conveying the tour progress in a ‘live as it happens’ format.
Keep updated on the preparation and flights by following our social media.
Twitter Facebook
If you have our iOS XH558 App, or the Android Tracker, then do check you have the latest updates.
tracker
iOS App inc. Tracker available here
itunes.apple.com/gb/app/xh558/id458309050?mt=8Android Tracker available here
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.msapsford.XH558Both systems have the XH558 tracking system as standard, and here is what last week’s route looked like.
All position reports will also be populated to a dedicated tour page on the website or you can see the Twitter feed on the homepage
www.vulcantothesky.orgLocations and timings
The timings that will be given at each location in the route guides will be the expected arrival times at each location (in minutes) from the time of take-off. We can say however for now, that both flights will be completed in the afternoons. These times will be updated to the maps as soon as we have them. Do save their direct location or this newsletter for later reference. You will also find them on our website from Friday evening.
PLEASE DO ENSURE YOU OPEN FRIDAY’S EDITION AS IT WILL CONTAIN VITAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON TIMINGS.
Locations and timings
NORTHERN ROUTE: - SATURDAY 10th OCTOBER.
North map
www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zJoGZd3-Qg5U.k9_QAWQWnmesCLICK THE MAP & SCROLL (OR PINCH OUT & IN) FOR MORE DETAILS
Amongst the places being visited on this route:
Gainsborough, Brough, Menwith Hill, Leeming, Durham Tees Airport*, Newcastle Airport*, Eshott Airfield, Alnwick, East Fortune, Carlisle Airport, Bowness on Windermere, Warton, Chadderton, Manchester Airport*, Woodford, RAF Cosford, East Midlands Airport* and Derby.
SOUTHERN ROUTE: - SUNDAY 11th OCTOBER.
South map
www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zJoGZd3-Qg5U.k3u8IUZTll6MCLICK THE MAP & SCROLL (OR PINCH OUT & IN) FOR MORE DETAILS
Amongst the places being visited on this route:
RAF Waddington, Rutland Water, North Weald Airfield, Gravesend, Herne Bay, Manston, Dover, Ashford, Dunsfold, Farnborough, Middle Wallop, Old Sarum, Bristol Airport*, Filton, Cardiff Airport*, St. Athan, Staverton Glos Airport, RAF Brize Norton*, Wellesbourne, Bruntingthorpe and Newark.
*Passes at certain airports will be dependent on ATC clearances at the time of arrival.
Times have yet to be confirmed and will be published in our newsletter on Friday, but the flights are expected to start after lunch each day. Check these maps nearer the days to see approximate times (from take-off) in the details and we will also advise latest developments over social media in the next 48 hours.
Tour Route Guides*
• Please decide on the best waypoint location nearest to you.
• The crews will try their very best to pass directly over each main location.
• No guarantee of exact route following can be given due to operational conditions.
• The flight will consist of flypasts, orbits and level or climbing departures; no displays
• should be expected.
• Please park and view from safe locations. Keep all children and pets under your
• supervision.
• Please do not cause a nuisance to other road users or members of the public.
• Please do not trespass on private property or land, but wait and view from acceptable
• public places.
• Monitor our social media or tracking app to see where XH558 is in relation to you.
• Take plenty of provisions, especially water. Suitable warm clothing is advised for
• everyone.
We would appreciate your full co-operation please in keeping the name and reputation of Vulcan XH558 and her supporters in the high standing to which they are known. Thank you very much indeed.
