Farewell flight for the iconic Vulcan bomber

The Avro Vulcan is an iconic example of British aerospace engineering at its world-beating best but 2015 must be its last flying season.

Vulcan XH558 is owned and operated by Vulcan to the Sky Trust, a British charity established to maintain and operate this remarkable aircraft.

The trust explained: “At the end of the 2015 flying season, Vulcan XH558 will land for the last time. By then, she will have far exceeded the 250 flying hours promised before her restoration and will have completed significantly more flying hours than any other aircraft of her type.

“As a charity funded largely by XH558’s supporters, we are deeply aware of our responsibilities to those who support and pay for this magnificent aircraft, so have done everything we can to see whether another year might be possible.

“Unfortunately, having evaluated a great many factors, the three expert companies on whom we depend have collectively decided to cease their support at the end of this flying season. Without that support, under Civil Aviation Authority regulations, we are prohibited from flying.”

The news means Shoreham Airshow organisers are expecting a bumper crowd for the second day of the two-day event, as both the Avro Vulcan and the Eurofighter will fly there only on August 23.

People are advised to book tickets in advance. Telephone 01903 282360 or visit www.shorehamairshow.co.uk.

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