Save Vulcan XH558. Persuade technical authorities to reconsider ending support.

At the end of the flying season, Vulcan XH558 will land for the last time. The three expert companies supporting her flight have agreed to cease support, and CAA legislation means she can no longer fly without that support. This is the last flying example of its type in the world and must be saved.

The aircraft has undergone an extensive restoration, and is as airworthy now as when she was delivered in 1960. She is funded by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust. I propose no funding from the government, but for legislation to be altered so the trust still stand a chance at keeping her flying. The crew operating XH558 have enough expertise to maintain and operate her safely for years. If you haven't seen her fly, this really is your last chance, and you will be missing out if she is grounded.

In accordance with British Civil Airworthiness Requirements Chapter A8-25 criteria, the Vulcan is classified as “Complex” type aircraft, and was accepted by Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the issue of a Permit to Fly on this basis.

In accordance with A8-25 requirements, the CAA requires continued airworthiness design support for the operation of the aircraft. This support has to be subject to a formal agreement between the parties involved, the CAA approved A8-25 organisation and the supporting design organisation.

The continued approval to operate the aircraft is based on the continuation of the design support.

We understand that the organisations involved in providing operational and technical support have collectively decided to withdraw their support beyond 2015. The A8-25 requirements for the “Complex” aircraft type outlined above will therefore no longer be met.

In response to concerns expressed by many people, the aircraft’s owner, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, has confirmed publicly that the maintenance of the aircraft is extremely expensive, with many parts essentially having to be hand-made as the original tooling is no longer available. The aircraft’s Olympus 200-series engines are no longer manufactured, and the Trust has been reliant upon a dwindling supply of unused engines. Critical spare parts are also running out. The Trust has been able to continue to fly XH558 for longer than expected due to the generosity of not only the public but also the original equipment manufacturers.