19/04/2015 Vulcan to the Sky Club

With both morning and afternoon visits from the VTTSC members, and lots of engineering work in preparation for a rapidly approaching Wings and Wheels, we were very grateful that our two regular pilots of Wg Cdr Mike Pollitt RAF (Retd.) and former Vulcan QFI Flt Lt Nick Dennis RAF(Retd), agreed to host all the cockpit tours between them, Nick taking the morning stint and Mike the afternoon 'shift'.

As usual, following a welcome from Charles, each group got to see a Systems Demonstration. This consists of running and exercising the Powered Flying Controls (PFCs), running exterior lighting, extending the airbrakes and opening the bomb doors.

Our visitors watch as the huge control surfaces are moved
Copyright©Clive Hanley

Following the systems demonstration, the visitors divided themselves into groups of four, this being the maximum number we can take into the cockpit.

Nick takes a few moments in the sun before entering the cockpit
Copyright©Clive Hanley

Whilst each group in turn had their cockpit visits, other groups were told about the Vulcan during the Cold War by Len, the Black Buck Falklands raids by Dave, Vulcan history by Damaris, and Isi manned the Visitors' Centre.

Occasionally, some of our younger visitors get the opportunity to sit astride our 1,000 lb. (inert!) bomb.

One to make the classmates envious!
Copyright©Clive Hanley

As always, it is a pleasure to talk about and show off our Vulcan to enthusiastic visitors, and they don't come much more enthusiastic than members of the VTTSC!

As it sometimes proves difficult to get everyone together at the end of a visit, we have started arranging for the group photo to be taken immediately after the systems demonstration.

The morning and afternoon groups take their photo call.
Copyright©Clive Hanley