Icon has all eyes on the skies
THOUSANDS of aviation enthusiasts and members of the public gathered at vantage points across Greater Manchester and Cheshire at the weekend to see the last airworthy Vulcan make what could be its last flypast.
The iconic plane, a Cold War-era bomber, made the flight around the UK on Armed Forces Day as part of its V- Force tour.
It is possibly the last time the Delta- winged plane will fly over the former Avro factory in Woodford, where it was assembled before its first flight in 1960.
On Saturday, it took a route over City Airport, Manchester in Salford, then flew over Urmston, Sale and the approach to Runway 23L over Stockport at Manchester Airport, before heading to Woodford where a waiting crowd clapped as it flew over.
It was a particularly poignant day for avia- tion enthusiast Mel Thorley, who used to go plane-spotting at Avro as a child.
He was looking forward to seeing the bomber in the air for what will probably be the final time.
Mel, who grew up in Edgeley and Davenport, said: “I thought the Cos- ford Air Show was the last time I would see a Vulcan bomber until I found out about this.
“It was marvellous to see one over Woodford one last time. “You have always got to think there will be another day but one assumes this will be the last time and the last time over Wo o d - ford.
“The Vulcan is so large, it’s incredible for it to climb the way it does.
“They are so heavy, the first one I ever saw I thought ‘ how the heck does it do that’ – it’s an awesome plane.”
See our website for video of the Vulcan visit.