S. African Lightning crash Update Aug '12

[Ducati Boy]

Exactly my point DB, I think the Hunter will be the level that will always be allowed, possibly Hawks, but not Jaguars, Buccaneers or Phantoms.

The Buccaneer already is allowed, they've just not had a contract to use her.

Indeed, she is allowed to fly and HHA have waited for work to come in for that airframe and so far nothing has, so I see it as most unlikely that she will ever display due to the cost involved!

Hard to see why display flying a Buc should cost more than a Vulcan, given less ground and aircrew requirements and running costs? However, If they are expecting more of a fee for display work, perhaps they are overestimating its crowd pulling value. Maybe the reason is indeed waiting for military contract work.

[Olicat]

I think if they've let the Vulcan fly then they are likely to let a Bucc fly too. Because with the Vulcan it is a much bigger, much more powerful, more complex, more expensive and much larger aircraft than the Buccaneer. You have the guys at Brunty who work on the Buccs and do fast taxis and plus the HHA one already has clearance to fly and does anti-det runs. Think of the other classic jets too, Sea Vixen, Hunter, Gnat e.t.c. they all have clearance to fly and I bet some are as complex as the Bucc. One problem I see though is the fact that VTTS have made the Vulcan to be the aircraft that everyone knows about and the aircraft people go mad for as far as donating goes. This makes me wonder whether anyone will care if the need for donations arises to another less popular aircraft.

[Bubbles]

The SeaVixan I'm told, costs the same if not more to book as the Vulcan for a display but unlike the Vulcan relies entirely on display fees to pay its way. A Buccaneer would be in a similar situation and if organisers are going to splurge many thousands on one aircraft then it's going to be a crowd puller which is going to be the flying triangle. If in the unlikely event of HHA putting the Brick on the circuit then it'll be when 558 is grounded for good.

[Mayfly]

I was told that as the HHA is a business every asset must pay it's way - display work would not cover the costs.

[Ducati Boy]

I think if they've let the Vulcan fly then they are likely to let a Bucc fly too. Because with the Vulcan it is a much bigger, much more powerful, more complex, more expensive and much larger aircraft than the Buccaneer. You have the guys at Brunty who work on the Buccs and do fast taxis and plus the HHA one already has clearance to fly and does anti-det runs. Think of the other classic jets too, Sea Vixen, Hunter, Gnat e.t.c. they all have clearance to fly and I bet some are as complex as the Bucc. One problem I see though is the fact that VTTS have made the Vulcan to be the aircraft that everyone knows about and the aircraft people go mad for as far as donating goes. This makes me wonder whether anyone will care if the need for donations arises to another less popular aircraft.

Olicat,
Suggest you take a look at the CAA web site and see what the term "complex" actually means, it doesn't mean complicated. Most classic jets stuff that flys on permit is not complex and is not complicated either.
Your probably right that the "Vulcan effect" means she may be able to keep flying till we can no longer keep her flyable and that may overshadow other attempts to get complex types to flight, but thats the way the cookie crumbles in the airshow game. Its a shame the Bucc seems unable to get trade and please folk at airshows again.

[Hazzer111]

The hha Aircraft status show that the buccaneer Is being overhauled?!
http://www.hunterteam.com/hha_aircraft_fleet.htm

[Olicat]

When I said complex (when talking about the Vulcan), I was referring to maintenance - I imagine a huge 4 engined aircraft is way more expensive than a small (in comparison) twin engined aircraft.

And yep, until the Vulcan stops flying I doubt the public would care for another aircraft (and even then it wouldn't be a Bucc)

I guess I'll wait and see!

[Bubbles]

Why wouldn't they care for the mighty Buccaneer ?

[Ray C]

Any "Cold War" aircraft flying is to be applauded.
Anyway I thought this was a Lightning thread.......!

[Olicat]

Why wouldn't they care for the mighty Buccaneer ?

Because it's not a Vulcan. Im not saying that as my thoughts (personally I think pretty much the opposite!)

How many people other than the Aviation community care for other classic jets? Sea Vixen being an example. To them there would be nothing special about it.

Going back to Lightnings, I think the public's view towards an airworthy Lightning would be different and/or similar to the Vulcan effect... however, it will never happen in the UK.