Summer Season Plaque Launched To Raise Over $561,000 To Keep The Iconic Warbird Flying

Here we have a real good news-bad news scenario. The good news is that tt was confirmed Wednesday that the last flying Vulcan, an iconic example of British technical achievement, has comfortably passed all the vital safety checks that will allow the aircraft to embark on her biggest display season ever. The bad news? To hit the season with stable finances, the charity that operates her must raise over $561,000 (£350,000) before the end of May. One of the reasons is the imposition of new European VAT regulations.

File Photo

To help raise the money, a package of supporter benefits is being launched that includes a special Summer Season Plaque that will carry the names of campaign supporters on the famous bomb-bay doors. Subscribers to the Summer Season campaign will also receive a personalized certificate and entries into the Flying Fund Draw, which selects one name each month to win nearly $900 (£558) and ten names to win about $90 (£55.80). Readers can sign-up here, where there is also a Q&A.

"Following successful completion of her £120,000 winter service program, the last flying Vulcan is in excellent condition and will be taking to the air much earlier than in previous years. This will allow us to visit more airshows across more of the country, including many areas that still have fond memories of Vulcans from their 27 year operational life," says Vulcan to the Sky Trust chief executive officer Dr Robert Pleming. "Last year she was seen by around two million people. This year, we hope that more than three million people will enjoy her spectacular displays."

The aircraft was returned to the air in 2007 following exceptional support from the British public, the Heritage Lottery Fund and from a number of company sponsors. Since then, the Trust has strengthened its commercial activities and its engagement with the aircraft's supporters. There is a new eNewsletter with fascinating pictures, news, competitions and technical updates, a Facebook page, the online shop has an extensive range of merchandise and almost 1,500 people visited the aircraft over the winter.

But Pleming is quick to sound a serious warning. "I have to tell you that due to factors beyond our control, we risk running out of money ahead of the air show season."

One significant reason is that the VAT regulations applying to large non-commercial aircraft like the Vulcan were changed with very little warning at the beginning of January. In practice, this means the sudden imposition of 20% VAT on all the parts and services for the maintenance of XH558, which up until then were zero-rated. On top of this new burden, the fuel budget is now nearly double that originally planned.

"When we add these extra costs to her ongoing operational expenses, we need to raise an additional £350,000 by the end of May to ensure that XH558 arrives on the air show circuit with stable finances," says Pleming. "This amount is rather smaller than in previous campaigns and we have longer to raise it - a sign of the growing strength of the Trust - but that doesn't mean that we can fly XH558 without the support of her many friends."

The Vulcan team is also trying to raise additional funding for its educational activities. "We have already delivered education packs for 7-11 and 11-16 year olds that have been very well received," says Pleming. "If we raise an additional £50,000, not only will we extend the audience to all Key Stage age groups, we will also be able to offer the package nationally in an award winning format."

The Trust is also looking for Sponsorship Coordinators to help raise money by organising local fundraising and events. Anyone arranging ten standing orders will receive a high-quality framed picture of XH558. "It is absolutely vital that everyone who values the sight of XH558's magnificent delta profile appearing over the trees helps however they can," emphasises business development director Michael Trotter. "She costs £2million a year to fly and maintain so even with the growing success of our commercial activities, we still rely on her supporters to keep her flying."

FMI: www.vulcantothesky.org/how-to-help/appeal-poster.html