19/04/2014 Engine Ground Runs

Saturday saw an early start at 655 MaPS, as we were to run the newly installed No.1 engine. As this would be the first time this engine had been run in 30 years, it was not without a little apprehension! However, our chief engineer, Eric, had done a thorough risk assessment and had limited access to just one single fuel tank to minimise any possible damage should any problems arise.

Having isolated all but one fuel tank, the magnetic drain plugs were cleaned to ensure that we would be able to identify any new debris that might accumulate there after the various EGRs that were about to take place.

The towing arm was then connected and the the aircraft towed down to the temporary engine running area at the southern end of RWY05/23, along with the necessary ground equipment.

Roger tows the aircraft down to RWY05/23
Image Copyright© Clive Hanley.

For this first run, we kept the volunteer numbers down to a minimum, just in case evacuation of the aircraft became necessary. The crew consisted of Eric as P1, Len as P2 and Charles as AEO. Roger and Ben were both on the long lead as Ben is our trainee crew chief. Bry was looking after the Palouste air start trolley.

Our fearless crew! Left to right Bry, Eric, Charles, Len, Roger and Ben.
Image Copyright© Clive Hanley.

We also had the airfield fire truck in attendance as a further precaution, and Clive to record the event.

Wellesbourne Airfield Fire and Rescue in attendance.
Image Copyright© Clive Hanley.

The new engine performed faultlessly (much to everyone's relief!) and it was accelerated to maximum cruise power of 97% RPM to check the governor.

We then returned to the pan to have a coffee and collect the rest of the volunteers for our four engine EGR.

Once we were all back at the aircraft, and with the same crew as previously, but with the addition of Avril and Nick as passengers, we prepared to start all four engines.

The crew and passengers immediately after a practice evacuation.
Image Copyright© Clive Hanley.

At this point we discovered a problem with our air start trolley, which proved to be a wire disconnected in the lead from the aircraft. We attempted to fix the problem in situ, but ended up towing the Palouste back to the pan for the repair to be made.

Tim attempts to re-solder the connection in situ.
Image Copyright© Clive Hanley.

During this time, Len's visitor John Huggins arrived. John was the youngest Vulcan Captain ever, achieving that position at the age of only 22. He was also the pilot on the two flights Len had in a Vulcan.

Len's Guest, Ex-Vulcan pilot John Huggins.
Image Copyright© Clive Hanley.

Once the Palouste was repaired and back with the aircraft, all four engines were started and the aircraft taxied a few yards to carry out brake checks from both P1 and P2 stations. A further short taxi allowed us to check the nose wheel steering.

In the afternoon, our aircrew of Wg Cdr Mike Pollitt and Nick Dennis former Vulcan QFI arrived to carry out a 'Figure of Eight' taxi to fully check out the nosewheel steering and to give Mike some extra familiarisation with the runway width. This is essential in order that the turns can be made as 'gently' as possible to avoid scrubbing the tyres, and this necessitates utilising the maximum safe width of the runway.

Mike Pollit, Nick Dennis and Charles receive a briefing from Eric.
Image Copyright© Clive Hanley.

Passengers for this run were 'Mumbai John' Wood and 'Dougie the tuggie' Hales.

Dougie Hales (left) and John Wood.
Image Copyright© Clive Hanley.

Mike and Nick perform a Figure of Eight whilst marshaller Tim avoids the jet blast.
Image Copyright© Clive Hanley.