Well I got to see it today but only from a distance as it's flightpath was not quite as shown on the website so in spite of quite careful consulting with various maps our best laid plans only partially worked but it was still an impressive sight and great to see.
I was a little disappointed with it at fairford this year, they really seemed to be taking it easy in terms of the throttle, but I totally understand. I saw it some years back at Kemble air show I think it was and it was unbelievable, it was a close display and they properly let the old girl rip! Will never forget it!
One thing that the layman may not realise is that much of the Vulcans structure, including, I believe, the main spars is made from magnesium alloy rather than aluminium alloy and so is very prone to corrosion. In the RAF days where manpower was plentiful and cheap, inspections could be frequent. In those days there was a full BAe product support backup who could provide repair schemes for corrosion or general damage. No civilian organisation could afford to provide this support without huge financial input. They say that it needs £2 million to fly for another season - exactly a tenth of what the PM has just given to Jamaica to build a prison. Shame that once again a politician has different priorities to the people that he represents.
enjoy.... reflect and relax, some lovely bits in here. That last barrel roll? engines sponsored by VW...
