TLC is NOT a flying club, it is a re-fuelling and handling company. So you cannot put it in the same bracket as your average UK flying club. You would not receive tea/coffee and biscuits at Cumbernauld; Perth; Glerothes etc when you buy fuel.
So would you say that these are some of the changes for the better that have taken place since the development:
1) Closure of the most in to wind runway
2) Lack of parking (ie. as shown on the weekend of the Glenforsa fly-in)
3) Steeper landing fees and longer PPR requirements
4) More fireman than at Heathrow Airport
5) Unnecessary new runway with unnecesary lighting and unnescessary NDB/DME
6) A reduction in visiting aircraft numbers by 60% at least
7) Need I continue...?
Islanders have been flying in and out of Connel , Coll and Colonsay for years with no problems so why was it necessary for £9 million to be spent which now only allows the same aircraft to operate under the same circumstances?
So SF182 where are the benefits that you were talking about, because I for sure cannot see any obvious ones?
I understand TLC is not the same as a flying Club. My point was that if you offer free T and Jammy Dodgers and a pilot takes the offer up and then is accused of taking the P--s for doing so seems a bit rich.
1. I agree that was a pity but only a few aircraft will find this a problem on certain days.
2. With all the negative posts I don't think parking will be a problem.
3. £12.00 does not seem that high unless I managed to get a special deal last time I flew in.
4. What's that got to do with anything I said????
5. Unnecessary maybe, but wow what a runway you have now.
6. That's in part down to all the negativity surrounding Oban now.
7. I wish my council would spend 9m on our runway.
I accept the council made lots of errors, but continually knocking Oban will only result in less visitors and that's not good. Or is it?
For your average visitor, the upgrades will be nothing but positive. The politics and how much it cost etc.etc. are utterly irrelevant if all you want is fuel and to visit the local area.
Most aircraft will be able to handle any crosswinds, generally if the wind is up high enough for it to be a problem for something like a 182 for example, then the weather is likely to be pretty shonky and this won't be an issue.
However it could be a problem for the Islanders running a scheduled service come rain or shine.
There's no need to slag anyone off just because they visited and have an opinion. We are all entitled to one.
It shouldn't have too much effect having looked at the weather data for the last few years, it just depends on the Highland's manual and what corrections they use for a wet runway.
I am not knocking the airport but i just think its way over the top for what its going to be used for thats all. I am not trying to keep people away from the strip. The more people we get the better. I love seeing the place full of planes. I live at the southern end of the strip so do u think I want to look out my window and see roofs of other houses? I don't think so.
I think its sad to see the 03/21 closed i used to fly flex wing microlights and 3 Axis microlights and in certain wind directions 03/21 was a god send so saying it would only effect a few aircraft is nonsense. It wouldn't affect the likes of yourself but is that not a bit on the selfish side.
I'm sure you got a special rate on that landing or you were in months ago.
So to cap the more arcraft the better Oban and Glenforsa i look forward to seeing you at connel
best regards
CF
I would just like to add that on another forum (a motorcycling one) that I post on one of the smilies is two wee faces hitting each other with handbags, I think we could do with an upgrade on ours....
The landing fee depends on the weight of the aircraft. I paied £12 a few months ago – 490kg MTOW. This is about normal for a licensed A/F with no IFR facility.
The PPR is three hours min from memory. Another disadvantage of the “new” airport?
I will be up again in the next few weeks, so will report if things are different.
Tuscan. On your first post on this thread you comented on the back biting and bitching on it. Pot meet the kettle. why dont you jump on your bike and take your views with you. d..k h..d
Sorry to upset you Sour and Sour, I was merely trying to be light hearted and bring some cheer to the thread.
On all of my visits to Oban I have enjoyed some form of good hospitality and I think its a shame to read about people becomming so bogged down with the negative issues. Lighten up!!!!!
Tuscan. All you are doing is sticking in a big wooden spoon and stirring things up. I have to ask myself why? whats your reasons,every post you post is having a nip at somthing.
Unless you have first hand experence of the politics in Oban please keep your wooden spoon in your pocket.
S&S, Oh dear we seem to have got off to a bad start, I had no idea that this thread was only for those involved in the running or politics of oban, I will remove my spoon from your sticky porridge bowl with haste.
Thanks for the info Rod, I had no idea about the 3hrs and will make my request earlier in future to avoid dissappointment.
Does anyone know if you can be accepted via the radio if you have a change of plans enroute, ie: a request put through via Scottish Info.
Tuscan
3 hrs ppr does not appear to be enforced, but do call before you leave. Call TLC if you are going to need fuel. The airfield has been pretty acommodating to me when there has been last minute changes. Just like most airfields.
I've never met anybody as grumpy as SS there. That might just be a windup. Appears to have had posts deleted before.
DO.
Last edited by dont overfil : 3rd July 2008 at 14:24.
Microligths fly from my airfield and I understand that they are much more wind sensitive that my big beast. So on that basis I agree its not as good as before.
i paid £12 in April for landing Coffee and Biscuits. Offered to put money into a tin. I also called on route as it was not a planned visit.
I think the PPR is really at the discretion of the Controller on duty. Although I understand that they prefer 3 hrs notice.
I agree that Oban and Mull are two of the best locations going and I hope that (despite this bogging weather) everyone makes them 'must-do' destinations for their yearly Scottish trip
With PPR and fuel, I would always phone TLC in advance - a word of caution - I would not rely on asking ATC at Oban to contact them.
On several occasions, presumably as time fast approaches the bewitching hour of 5pm, Oban ATC have been asked (via Scottish ATC) if they can contact TLC to see if the refueller is available .... but strangely no message has been passed on. (I have personally experienced it once).
I would like to think that these are just isolated events and not some official wheeze .... not very professional if it is.
Your bang on correct there we do need to stick together because at the end of the day 99% of us are out there to fly.
I think it would be great if all the posters on here say meet up at Oban or Glenforsa and we would see who walks the walk or who just likes talking the talk .
SF
Well if you operate out of a strip where micros operate out of you will know there plight.
Also if your running a proper operation you cant say 3 hours for one person and say 1 for somebody else thats very unfair. Come on the place isn't that busy where they need all that time to get ready for traffic.
Am local so at the moment we can fly dawn to dusk its great but some times the guys up the command post give ppr for other aircraft out of hours and on a few actions they just crash into the downwind with no calls. very scary for us guys i am not against visitors flying to Connel out of hours but they have to play the game we are very active in the evenings right up to sunset
I look forward to meeting all thee walk the walk guys
I think thats a great idea, Im planning on a trip some time in August. Once Ive got the date sorted I`ll let you know.
I`m usually in a few times a year, would be good to put faces to the names.
everyone who participates must bring a decent packet or four of biscuits .. one for the Oban FISOs, one for TLC, and one each for the Mull Hotel (TRGF) and Mr H in the ABC wendyhousehut.
Crumbs ... does that sound like a plan .. ?
PS Suggestions for UN peacekeeping biscuit titles are encouraged ...
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