BBMF Lancaster grounded?

[yellowjack]

Question on here, as someone will no doubt know the answer...


I'm attending the Chalke Valley History Festival next weekend. As part of the festival, there's an 'air display' element, Auster ,a couple of Spitfires, a Hurricane, and Kittyhawk among the participants from memory.

The BBMF Lancaster was due to take part, but, according to an email we received from the organisers, it's "grounded indefinitely". Something to do with issues with it's new fuel tanks, or something along those lines.

Does anyone have any knowledge to add, or links to BBMF announcements along those lines? We're not so bothered, me and my wife, because we were booked to hear Suzannah Lipscomb "talk Tudors", and to just generally soak up some 'living history' and spend a couple of nights in a 'luxury tent'. Plus the Lanc has been replaced by the B17 "Sally B" which suits my wife right down to the ground, being her favourite historic aircraft anyway. I just wondered if there was any more to know about the Lancaster really.

[Ginetta G15 Girl]

The aircraft is having its fuel tanks overhauled, and at the same time having the fuel feeds fire protected.

The plan is the aircraft will be air-tested sometime next month.

[yellowjack]

Ginetta G15 Girl said:

The aircraft is having its fuel tanks overhauled, and at the same time having the fuel feeds fire protected.

The plan is the aircraft will be air-tested sometime next month.

Thanks!

I thought "grounded indefinitely" sounded a bit extreme form our event organisers.

[ecsrobin]

It's more that it was unplanned maintenance. They replaced the lines and tanks after the fire last year but I believe there was complications which is why we're mid season and no flights as of yet.

[Eric Mc]

Sounds like it might miss Farnborough then.

[ecsrobin]

Eric Mc said:

Sounds like it might miss Farnborough then.

The last I saw was they were aiming for Bournemouth, which is august. (I can't remember where I saw it, possibly on the BBMF Facebook) one of the top engineers at the flight Paul Blackah's nephew I believe it is posts on here so may be in a better position to post or if people really wish I can send him a message and ask but they will be trying everything to get her airborne.

[brycheiniog1]

They posted an update on the BBMF facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/BBMF.Official/?fref=nf) yesterday. The tanks have now been fitted and signed off, but there are a few leaks from the master cocks. They think they are still 3-4 weeks away from flight..

Jonathan

[Ian Lancs]

Appeared on the BBMF facebook page last night:
Lanc Update

All the fuel tanks are now fitted and the fitment issues have been resolved between the various groups involved. This is what has taken the time because all this work has to be signed off at quite a high level. Fuel as been put in the tanks and there are no leaks from them but we do have a couple from the fuel master cocks which have to be sorted. Next week the lower panels will be fitted followed by u/c retractions.We are still I believe 3 to 4 weeks away from getting her back in the air. Paul B

[Riley Blue]

Flight test today:

https://twitter.com/RAFBBMF

[Krikkit]

Yep, heard her going. Lovely sound as ever.

[Mutley]

PA474 was up with the fighters yesterday. Having a day off today and then probably more currency flights for Seb and Twiggs this week

[johnnyreggae]

First public display today up at Sunderland showing on BBMF Twitter

[Mutley]

She did the "Winkle" Brown tribute at Yeovilton and RAF Marham on Thursday. Departed CGY at 14-30 and returned (with a lowish overflight of the BBMF Hangar) at 17:30, a good long flight for Seb Davey and crew. I'd say she is feeling better

[pstruck]

Mutley said:

She did the "Winkle" Brown tribute at Yeovilton and RAF Marham on Thursday. Departed CGY at 14-30 and returned (with a lowish overflight of the BBMF Hangar) at 17:30, a good long flight for Seb Davey and crew. I'd say she is feeling better

Explains why I was treated to an unexpected low fly-past whilst walking in the Somerset countryside near Glastonbury Thursday PM. Made my day.

[MartG]

johnnyreggae said:

First public display today up at Sunderland showing on BBMF Twitter

Flew on the Friday evening, but went unserviceable for the rest of the weekend

Also failed to show at Blackpool on the 7/8th August due to weather concerns ( it was rather windy )