XH558...

[central]

"The first test flight of the year will be tomorrow (Thursday), hoping to take-off around noon depending on weather and any last minute technical issues. She will go through a 90 minute, rigorously documented test procedure to confirm that she continues to meet amongst the world’s toughest aviation safety standards, then land and take-off again with a different crew. There is more detail in the press release and some recollections from Taff who 30 years ago this week was working through the night to get the Black Buck aircraft ready to depart for the Falklands."

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vulcan-XH558/170427...

[Hooli]

Subject to weather? that'll be off then. We've got weather warnings for silly amounts of rain & maybe hail tomorrow.

[Eric Mc]

She's approved for VFR flight only, so is very susceptible to weather related scrubs.

[Hooli]

Exactly my point Eric.

[central]

"Crew and aircraft are ready to take-off for today’s test flight from her home at Doncaster Robin Hood Airport, waiting for a gap in the weather. Met Office forecast suggests she could be up around 16:00 but they will go earlier if possible."

[central]

@XH558 said:

Crew are at aircraft to begin checks, but currently torrential downpour over airfield - awaiting better weather window ...

[central]

@XH558 said:

Starting engines ....

[fatboy69]

Any video or on-line streaming of the take off anywhere?

[central]

@XH558 said:

Chocks away, taxi!

[central]

@XH558 said:

XH558 is airborne... well done all

[central]

@XH558 said:

Aircraft serviceable, now returning to Doncaster ...

[central]

@XH558 said:

XH558 safely down at 18:58

[ATTAK Z]

Just seen and heard her go and just seen her come back safely ... fantastic

[central]

Update: XH558 kept running. Crew-change decided... Martin Withers taking her off soon...

[central]

@XH558 said:

Quick circuit and XH558 has now landed...

[Hooli]

Bah wish I'd know it was going up so late, I'd have popped over.

[fatboy69]

Photo's, video's? Please.

Good to hear she is flying again - hopefully this will be the year that I finally get to see 558 in the air because i have never seen her fly.

[mrloudly]

When you look at the work involved in keeping one operational it makes me wonder how many people it took to keep squadrons of
them going in an operational environment, anyone know?

[MrAndyW]

Just got from there now. Got couple of photos and small vids, I will post up tommorow,Landed at Donny, no snags, CAA test pilot said she was the best she's ever been. Well done to all the groundcrew and donators (if there's such a word)
Andy.

[FourWheelDrift]

Today - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA_4NgcmrlA