Vulcan XH558 - Spirit Of Great Britain - Vulcan Experience Tour

What a wonderful experience this was. It was a long way to go for just two hours, but a trip I had to make. If you've looked for this kind of title, then you'll well know that this was the last flying Vulcan, until sadly it was grounded forever. It did its farewell flight around the UK which was watched by millions.
The aircraft is now housed in Doncaster, in what used to be RAF Finningley. Which is where my father did his national service in the RAF. He was there when the Vulcan was introduced and has had a love of it ever since. To help keep the bomber in tip top condition, spaces on the plane were sold off, to enable anyone who loved this aircraft, to have their name put on it. I did this for my father 4 years ago. Then Covid hit and we were unable to go up. Then there were disputes with the new airport owners, restricting access. Then I kept missing out on these days as they got sold out VERY quickly.
But finally, after all these years.... I was able to secure a spot. My father sadly is unable to travel so I went for him and filmed a slightly different version of the video you're seeing here today.
I wasn't sure how much access to the Vulcan we would have and was half expecting to stand behind metres and metres of mine tape and looking from afar........ This is anything BUT the reality of the day. The volunteers on the day were a credit to the plane and themselves. You start the tour, in a rather unglamourous garage/warehouse. With a fair few nick naks to wet your appetite... Then a quick brief. Then you're off on the coach, for the very short drive to the Vulcan.. You are then left to roam around the Vulcan as you wish... There are ladders placed out for you to check out the huge exhaust, the bomb bay and the wings. Engineers are floating about for you to ask questions.... You can have help in locating the names that you've put on the wing. But it is worth noting before you go, when you put the name on i.e. 25th Anniversy etc and what plate it was on. That will help them locate it for you.
You will also be offered the opportunity to climb up into the cockpit. This is done at a 2 to 3 or 4 group level, so doesn't leave much space. But you will have the chance to climb up the pilots ladder for a decent view of the cockpit. It's hard to believe, considering the lack of space, that this aircraft flew for 16 hours straight and 6,600 miles on the Falklands mission.
If you were ever thinking of doing the tour.... DO IT... It is well worth it and the staff there are lovely and work hard to make your trip the best it can be..
#vulcan #vulcanxh558 #spiritofgreatbritain #raffinningley #sogb

[@NeilT3485]

I lived under the flight path of RAF Waddington for many years even saw them when painted white. Then served at both Waddington & Scampton guarding these wounderful aircraft. I paid to keep the aircraft flying my name is on there somewhere. Such a shame she is kept outside needs to be protected from the elements and birds nesting inside the undercarriage. Ex RAF dog Handler. Thanks for posting the video.

[@marchingwithmike2234]

@NeilT3485 hopefully now the airport has shut down, they can offer her a hangar. Doubtful, but it would be a shame to leave her to the elements

[@buzzabuzza3494]

Agree with the previous comment this was a real show stopper, there was nothing else like it or sounded like it in the airshow scene.👏👏

[@Forrestperrigo7653]

A piece of aviation and family history, brilliant

[@Ady11000]

I remember those flying around so majestic and very loud. Hope this one flys again. Thanks for posting.

[@marchingwithmike2234]

No sound like it....

[@Muggles87]

No chance of it ever flying again unfortunately. Amazing aircraft though and was great to see it when it was flying.

[@davidpeters6536]

A real shame she will not fly again. Nice to hear the future on the ground is now secure for all our newcomers to see, and maybe a few children of the taxpayers who can still afford a day out.

[@mt5144]

XH588 should be put back in the air, The Vulcan was a complete Show Stopper & would still be today if it was flying.

[@marchingwithmike2234]

It's magnificent. Was quite the day. Didn't hear those majestic engines though....

[@NeilT3485]

Rolls Royce will no longer provide engine repair or servicing for the aircraft thats why it was grounded.

[@LindsayDickie]

I think it was as BAE or Airbus pulling technical support from it. 558 ended up as the highest hours Vulcan, hence the very expensive wing leading edge strengthening it had, which was the only time it was done I believe. Believe engine cycles were also an issue. Sad but all good things come to an end. Saw her fly a few times and it was awesome. My wife’s favourite aircraft.

[@incandescentwithrage]

​​@@LindsayDickieAll those named sponsors didn't donate to have it sit in Doncaster. XL426 has significantly fewer hours on the airframe, and there's nothing whatsoever preventing a 3rd party restoring Olympus engines. We should have a flyable Vulcan, awesome display plane. Vulcan to the sky foundation gave up.

[@jayson1979]

Sad end where you can't hear the howl anymore. May as well keep it in hanger because it looks aged a lot since it last flight