Warbird Information Exchange

Vulcan Programme Update 17th April 2009

Thanks to everyone's fantastic support, funds have flowed in over the past three weeks as pledges are honoured. To date, we have received nearly 5,000 of the 10,000+ pledges.

Given that people's circumstances may have changed since the '09 Pledge scheme started in December, we must expect that some may not be able to honour their pledges. Hence I would ask all those who have yet to send us their pledge donation please to do so as soon as possible. Just return your letter with whatever you can afford - irrespective of what you might have promised. Once again, it is the many many smaller donations that continue to fund XH558's future.

Following a successful Anti-Deterioration engine run on Wednesday, we are starting the full Winter Service proper on Monday, and as I write, no immediate areas of concern are expected. Of major note with regard to engineering, is that we are planning to contract a dedicated Marshall Aerospace certifying technician to be part of our team throughout the Airshow season. This will ensure any minor technical problems that arise can be dealt with speedily.

Discussions for Air Show bookings have started and are continuing in a very positive manner. Just as soon as we can confirm items on the flying programme, we will update the Flight Operations page of the website accordingly.

From now on, we intend to have a website homepage update every Friday - bringing you the latest news within the project and giving you an insight into the Operational, Commercial and Educational aspects involved as we head through an exciting 2009.

We are all looking forward to an exciting and inspiring 2009!

Robert Pleming
Chief Executive
Vulcan To the Sky Trust - a Registered Charity
Bruntingthorpe Airfield
Lutterworth Leicestershire UK LE17 5QS

Vulcan prepares for 2009 season
24 April 2009 - Robert Pleming

Work starts to prepare Vulcan XH558 for her 2009 display flying season:

At the start of this week, the Vulcan engineering team commenced the aircraft’s annual “Pre-Season Service”, ensuring that XH558 is in top technical condition for flying this summer.

The work will take about six weeks, culminating in a test flight. The Vulcan to the Sky team plan to debut XH558 in front of the public for her 2009 season at the RAF Cosford Airshow on 14th June. In a display programme spanning 20 locations across the UK and Europe, the Vulcan should be seen by over 3million spectators this summer, plus countless more as she flies around the country.

Inspiring & Educating the Young

There are well over 10 million young people who have never seen the Vulcan in flight. Following the success of the VTST’s Pledge Campaign, these youngsters now have an opportunity to experience this inspirational “once seen, never forgotten” sight. We aim to encourage them with a well-designed educational programme that supports their thirst for knowledge. More on this soon.

Business Plan

Time for me now to outline one of the new initiatives we are introducing this season to generate funding in these challenging times.

We will soon be launching our Commercial Partnership Programme (CPP), aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises, which will have three levels of entry – Silver at £500, Gold at £1,000 and Platinum at £2,000. In return, companies will have a range of benefits, including a presentation plaque for their Reception areas in recognition of their support for XH558, webpage links and business gifts that will clearly show their clients how they help our project. CPP members will also be invited to attend special events that will give them an opportunity to network and help them promote their services to other like-minded companies within the scheme.

The Trust is putting in place a small team dedicated to “selling” these packages - not only to Aviation based companies, but to those involved in Design, Engineering, Manufacturing and Education, since there is a natural synergy between VTST and these sectors. We will make a formal announcement of the launch of this programme very soon, but if you need to know more now, please call Michael Trotter on 07803 141483.

Standing Orders

Because in these economically-grim days we cannot assume that all pledges will be honoured, we are asking the the public to continue to provide financial support through standing orders. We have demonstrated that even the smallest regular donation helps, because it is people in their thousands who make the difference. Please call our office on 0116 247 8145 and ask for a form to be sent to you.

No.10 Downing Street Petition.

The petition initiated by VTSC member Dan Harrison closed on 11th April with a total of 19856 signatures. This places the petition at Number 45 in the list of over 21,000 petitions - a very substantial achievement, and many thanks to all who signed. There has yet to be a government response to the petition!

I will update you next week with more news as we gear up to an exciting 2009 display season.

Robert Pleming (Chief Executive)

Vulcan To The Sky Trust