VC10 preservation (ex-Keep one VC10 flying) thread

[ACLVC10]

Many thanks Dave

[GJD]

Hi All, I just thought I would let you have a few thoughts as you consider this mammoth project.
Bruntingthorpe Project
First it is our intention at GJD to try to keep a VC10 here at Bruntingthorpe, in taxing condition (thats 100 Kts, not V1). This is not set in stone, and no agreements have been made with BAe, the MOD or the DSA, although they are all aware of our intent.
The aircraft may be XV108 which is currently here in Care and Maintenance, but as we are about to remove the engines and APU for return to the RAF, keeping the aircraft taxiable will be slightly more problematic than originally envisaged.
Which ever aircraft we target will still need to be paid for, as the DSA will require a financial return to the public purse for any MOD asset that becomes privately owned.
We hope to involve as many VC10ites in the project as we can, but the physical ground running and taxiing will only be carried out using GJD Procedures and carried out by suitably qualified personnel. If we can not demonstrate to the MOD and BAe that this will be conducted in a safe manor, the plug will get pulled and we wont be able to acquire our 'bird'.

Flying Project
I have been approached by Wolfgang, Dave and Laurie about joining the group, and should you get beyond the drawing board, I would be willing to support the project as my other hat is that of the accountable manager of an EASA Part 145 AMO, which may be useful.
I think most points have been touched on with regard to airworthiness and the CAA, and to reiterate when the last VC10 lands, where ever that may be, if it is not at a facility capable of carrying out the required 'Major' or heavy 'C' check, then that is where the dream will end. The aircraft are currently flying on maintenance extensions, which will be exhausted by the time they leave the RAF.
Ok good luck with the meeting, and I look forward to the outcome.
Best regards
Gary

[vololiberista]

The aircraft may be XV108 which is currently here in Care and Maintenance, but as we are about to remove the engines and APU for return to the RAF, keeping the aircraft taxiable will be slightly more problematic than originally envisaged.

If you have a tug with a bit of Oomph! You'll certainly get up to taxiing speed!!!

Flying Project
and to reiterate when the last VC10 lands, where ever that may be, if it is not at a facility capable of carrying out the required 'Major' or heavy 'C' check, then that is where the dream will end.
Best regards
Gary

It's always possible for the Captain to make a last minute diversion to a 'facility' because something's not working!
For example last wypt added had the wrong co-ordinates. Oops sorry!
vololiberista

[Manofmendip]

Hi Gary

Thank you for you very detailed and helpful post.

We will keep you fully appraised as to the outcome of our meeting on Wednesday and, if it is at all possible for you to attend, that would be fantastic and you would be very welcome. If it wasn't for Wolgang having to fly back to Hamburg late afternoon/early evening we would have asked you to host the meeting at Bruntingthorpe, so that we take up as little of your time as possible; I run a business and I know how my time is scarce very often. If you are unable to join us on Wednesday then would you be available on the phone if the meeting has specific questions that only you can answer?

Are you, at Bruntingthorpe, able to carry out the 'Major' or Heavy 'C' check, either with your current facilities or by setting up those facilities in some way?

I terms of the engine overhauls, I know that a chap at the firm in Croydon/Farnborough who have been undertaking the Conway overhauls has posted on here to the effect that they have not disposed of their tools etc., as they feel that they might yet be called on to do more overhauls; if the remaining fleet have to be kept flying beyond the current 'out of service' date estimate.

Very best regards.

Dave

[Manofmendip]

Hi All

I the light of Gary's very full and helpful post regarding the two projects please do try to get to Wednesday's meeting, the details of which are to be found in earlier posts.

Please PM me, with your contact details, if you would like to attend.

Very best regards.

Dave & Wolfgang

[Magnum]

This is a very positive step in the right direction.

As you know Dave, I wil be at the meeting this Wednesday.

Reading what Gary has said about having the correct people for any work that will need doing, I am wondering if it is possible to get the relevant accreditation or qualifications required for people who have core skills but gained in a different environment. I have a broad base of electronic and engineering skills attained in various indusries over the years, but not aerospace.

I know from recent experience with the RAFVR that there have been changes in requirements for qualifications. There was a time my experience and knowledge was considered suitable for a role on rotary wing maintenance, but these days, without the relevant RAF training I would only be considered for different role.

Richard.

[Manofmendip]

Hi Richard.

I don't know the answer to your question; does anyone else on here know?

I'm looking forward to meeting you, tomorrow.

Best regards.

Dave

[Laurieg]

Richard,

I think what Gary meant by that was he will need people that are:

i) Willing and able to spent their time on the aircraft
ii) Being VC10 skilled/qualified would be an advantage
iii) There will be a necessity I would expect to have some sort of licence presence to counter sign the work for the CAA/DA although I doubt if there is such a thing for the VC10. I may be mistaken though.

As for not 'being in the trade' so to speak, it is exactly your approach that we should be looking for if it is to be successful. Guys that can adapt and learn are essential to help keep the momentum going. My experience is based as a sootie with the additional benefiet of extra training as a GE but I still do not have a licence.

With Gary's experience and knowhow in his field and what he can do, which is huge, and the willingness of others I am sure we can come up with a doable plan, one way or the other.

[Manofmendip]

Dear All

As you know we had the inaugural meeting of the 'VC10der Loving Carers - Keep one VC10 flying' group on Wednesday and the project is now formally launched.

There is much to be done now, such as approaching possible corporate sponsors, forming a charitable foundation etc., and also Wolfgang and I will be meeting Gary, at Bruntingthorpe, in February; we will post news, here, as appropriate.

However, much of what we will be doing in the early stages of this project is sensitive and cannot be posted on a public forum. We will be sending a newsletter to group members early next week and would encourage as many of you as possible, who use this forum, to join the group to keep fully informed about developments. Membership of the group is completely free and open to anyone with an interest in the VC10, whatever that interest may be. So please PM me with your details and you will be added to our growing membership list and will receive full information and news that cannot be posted here. Please let others who are VC10 enthusiasts but who are not on this forum know about the project and encourage them to join us.

Very best wishes and season's greetings to all on the forum.

Dave & Wolfgang

[Magnum]

It was good to meet Wolfgang and yourself Dave and I am looking forward to being involved with this project.

I trust Wolfgang made it home safely, I did hear reports of the snow causing some issues with airports in Germany.

Richard.

[Manofmendip]

Hi Richard

Good to meet you too.

Yes, Wolfgang got home safely.

We look forward to working with you on this project too.

Regards.

Dave

[vc10boy]

count me in,very much would like to join up and lend any support i can,just to aquire one would be fantastic feet..in my veiw just to have her doing runs up the runway would be great,beng fully seated it could at least start earning money for its keep and any future plans for her.A web site dedicated to her,with times and ways of booking seats for advertised runway runs with talks aboard her before the run??.keep her undercover and dry ect..just a few thoughts, if it was me i,d have her in full boac colours..and id have the ex ba machine ex GASG-P,longer sleeker and all seated, last BOAC queen of the atlantic ect,god the history ..allow me to dream a little..you boys do sound like your on the right track,press on hard while she still flies and get one.

VC10..1960,s British icon,the E Type Jaguar of the sky.. preserve one or forever hang our heads in shame [-o<

[Manofmendip]

Hi VC10boy

We'd love to have you on board our group. Please PM me your full contact details: name, address, phone number & email address and I will add you to our ever growing list of members and email you our two newsletters. Also in the PM give us some details of your interest & experience of the VC10; some members of the group are ex. flight or ex. & current ground crews but others, like me, are just life long enthusiasts; although I did work at Weybridge at the end of the VC10 era and saw the last EAA Super make its first flight.

Best wishes and regards.

Dave

[vc10boy]

many thanks for the news letter,, maybe concentrate on just getting a really good airframe in great condition and if there,s a possibility of it going under cover in wales then persue that angle..maybe contact BA or even Richard Branson and or Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden fame..would it help if you where a registred charity?..the raf have donated airframes before..there must be a criteria?..perhaps the prospect of one flying scares them?,would they be more inclined to donate the airframe if it was not going to fly again?..just to save an airframe would be fantstic.

[Manofmendip]

Hi VC10boy

I will be writing some letters/emails on Sunday.

Fingers crossed.

Dave