Monday, 2 June 2014 saw the Avro Vulcan XH558’s first flight of the year from its home at Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport.  Glenn Beasley was there for GAR.

Always a significant milestone in the airshow season, today marked the first flight of 2014 for Vulcan XH558 out of Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport. It seems such a long time since the damaged fuel tank of the big delta brought to a premature end its 2013 season in early September and as ever the Winter and Spring have continued to see its owners, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTTS), continue to seek the huge funds which are required for each flying season.

© Glenn Beasley - www.globalaviationresource.com

© Glenn Beasley – www.globalaviationresource.com

Taking control for the first flight of 2014 were Martin Withers, Kev Rumens, Phil Davies and Jonathan Lazari, taking XH558 on initial general handling tests and onwards to RAF Waddington and practice displays over her former home of RAF Scampton. A second flight of the day at around 1630 saw Kev Rumens, Bill Perrins, Phil Davies and Jonathan Lazari take the big delta to the skies above Elvington for further practice displays before recovery to Doncaster and a test of the braking parachute on landing.

© Glenn Beasley - www.globalaviationresource.com

© Glenn Beasley – www.globalaviationresource.com

With all appearing to run very well, the aircraft is set for its first two public displays of the season on Sunday 8 June at Welshpool and RAF Cosford.