For what it’s worth !
Some thoughts I have regarding Scottish Information (SI) that tie into an earlier thread I started called "LOOKING FOR POINTERS/ADVICE/IDEAS and after reading some replies on the Ben More tragedy thread regarding the usefulness /utility of SI to pilots in difficulties.
Basically, my previous thread was about a rather unpleasant encounter with downdrafts and turbulence; however what was also unusual about this flight that I did not mention in the thread was that it was the first time I had EVER used SI. The reasons for this were most of my flying until this year was done overseas and I was not really sure who I should be talking too i.e. Leuchars, SI etc. and a little apprehension about not knowing the ropes. This was laziness on my behalf which prompted me before the flight in question to sit down and read up on UK control services /functions/coverage.
As I set off on the flight from Forfar to Oban I made my very first contact with SI which went well and gained a certain level of comfort knowing I had, to a degree, what I knew as “flight following”. I must admit that I stated in my previously mentioned thread that the encounter with the downdrafts/turbulence was not overly concerning, the truth is I was absolutely !!!!!ting myself. Right after I turned away from the ridge and while still getting seriously buffeted about I thought I had missed a call from SI so I initiated contact. For whatever reason, perhaps the controller detected anxiety in my voice, he very calmly asked if “everything was alright” to which I replied yes . The communication seemed to calm me somewhat and tone down my fear by a few notches perhaps because I thought subconsciously that if I am communicating, the aviation part of the equation can’t be that dire. I note that some replies in the Ben More tragedy alluded to the point that SI will not prevent an accident, which may be true. However, I believe that if a pilot in difficulties knows they are not alone that in itself can expedite his mental state returning from panicked to logical and maybe just perhaps avoid the problem escalating. Bottom line when in a difficult situation I will take all and any help I can get regardless of the type, even if it is just encouragement that aids my return to calmness which in turn will improve my skills as an aviator and rational decision making when addressing difficulties.
So well done SI, I will be using you again you can count on that !