19/10/2013 Autumn Engine Ground Run

XM655's Autumn EGR was carried out on October 19th.

The weather looked less than promising as the aircraft was towed down the main runway to runway 05 where the run was to be conducted.

XM655 is towed down to Runway 05 by Roger.
Image Copyright© Av Magill

By the time the aircraft was in position for the EGR, and waiting for the ground equipment to arrive, the weather was looking rather more promising.

XM655 awaiting the ground equipment
Image Copyright© Av Magill

The crew for the EGR consisted as Eric as Captain, two 'new' pilots, John Tye, BA B777 Training Captain and former Concorde pilot as P1 and Nick Dennis, former Vulcan QFI and Britannia B737 Captain. Our AEO was Charles as usual for our EGRs. John's wife, Lynne was also aboard as passenger for the EGR.

Charles goes through the check list prior to engine start.
Image Copyright© Alex Jack

Although Nick hadn't been at the controls of a Vulcan for almost 35 years, he was immediately at home in the co-pilots seat, and it took no time at all for him to familiarise himself with all the multitude of switches and buttons!

Nick starts up No.3 whilst John keeps a close eye on the RPM and JPT indicators.
Image Copyright© Alex Jack

On the second engine run of the day, Eric moved up into the pilot's seat along side Nick, who, once the engines were started, did a short taxi run. Apparently, Nick was all ready to do a much longer taxi run, as he was enjoying himself so much!

Nick and Eric taxi the aircraft.
Image Copyright© Gareth Stringer

Eventually, the threatened rain arrived, but passed fairly quickly, as can be seen by the puddles on the taxiway as Roger parks XM655 back on her pan.

Roger parks XM655 back on her pan.
Image Copyright© Av Magill