What the ####s happening at Oban?
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Just had an interesting chat with a guy who flew into Oban this weekend. Terry Marsden of Airport Operational Services (AOS) was manning the radio, giving his FISO a break. What follows is indirectly from TM - who should know - as it is he that is developing airfield ops.
Instrument Approaches
The NDB is to be moved onto the field with a co-located DME, for which a channel has been already been assigned. AOS envisage 2 instrument approaches:
1.FAT straight in for runway 02 but with the MAP some distance south of the field. Missed approaches turning left!
2 Cloud-break procedure for runway 20
MDH for these procedures not mentioned.
Airfield Lighting
Runway lighting being installed and interestingly 2 sets of PAPIs for 20 to cope with the curved approach. A red airfield beacon will help identify the field for VRF operations
Work in Progress
Work starts this week at Oban and it is probable that the main runway will be closed from mid-week onwards. It is planned to keep 04/22 open with as much usable length as possible with at least 617 metres availble.
PPR
PPR and info on WIP available on the airfield number 01631 710384 which is working once again. GA welcome as usual, subject to WIP. Fuel available from Paul at TLC as always.
neutron
Instrument Approaches
The NDB is to be moved onto the field with a co-located DME, for which a channel has been already been assigned. AOS envisage 2 instrument approaches:
1.FAT straight in for runway 02 but with the MAP some distance south of the field. Missed approaches turning left!
2 Cloud-break procedure for runway 20
MDH for these procedures not mentioned.
Airfield Lighting
Runway lighting being installed and interestingly 2 sets of PAPIs for 20 to cope with the curved approach. A red airfield beacon will help identify the field for VRF operations
Work in Progress
Work starts this week at Oban and it is probable that the main runway will be closed from mid-week onwards. It is planned to keep 04/22 open with as much usable length as possible with at least 617 metres availble.
PPR
PPR and info on WIP available on the airfield number 01631 710384 which is working once again. GA welcome as usual, subject to WIP. Fuel available from Paul at TLC as always.
neutron
Last edited by neutron; 27th Feb 2006 at 15:47.
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Council press release covering the above and some other points is at
http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/conten...0038?s=906&a=0
NS
http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/conten...0038?s=906&a=0
NS
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2D:
You may be right that the great Scottish Executive milch cow will provide for yet another white elephant airport project. But it doesn't have to be that way. Take two airports with similar numbers of air transport movements - HIAL-run Islay, and (ironically) council-run Tingwall:
Airport operating costs (excluding capex) 2004-5:
Islay £1,127,000
Tingwall £124,000
OK, so Islay has higher RFFS category for handling Saab 340 etc, so maybe not a fair comparison. Try this then:
Barra £704,000
All 6 council-run strips in Shetland £345,000
NS
You may be right that the great Scottish Executive milch cow will provide for yet another white elephant airport project. But it doesn't have to be that way. Take two airports with similar numbers of air transport movements - HIAL-run Islay, and (ironically) council-run Tingwall:
Airport operating costs (excluding capex) 2004-5:
Islay £1,127,000
Tingwall £124,000
OK, so Islay has higher RFFS category for handling Saab 340 etc, so maybe not a fair comparison. Try this then:
Barra £704,000
All 6 council-run strips in Shetland £345,000
NS
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NorthSouth,
I was not suggesting that this is "THE WAY" to run an airport. Rather, I was countering your suggestion that Oban runs the risk of being sold to property developers if it "runs out of money". Clearly with HIAL involved that would not be the case. Oban would be unique if it actually ran at a profit.
As I wrote originally, in my view, the only real downside to GA is the tremendous loss of the institution that has been Oban Airport under Paul's stewardship these last few years, and the potential bureaucracy and inconvenience that tends to be associated with HIAL airports.
Trying to stretch the inconvenience to include the potential for the airport being sold and built on is simply scaremongering without basis so far as I can see.
2D
I was not suggesting that this is "THE WAY" to run an airport. Rather, I was countering your suggestion that Oban runs the risk of being sold to property developers if it "runs out of money". Clearly with HIAL involved that would not be the case. Oban would be unique if it actually ran at a profit.
As I wrote originally, in my view, the only real downside to GA is the tremendous loss of the institution that has been Oban Airport under Paul's stewardship these last few years, and the potential bureaucracy and inconvenience that tends to be associated with HIAL airports.
Trying to stretch the inconvenience to include the potential for the airport being sold and built on is simply scaremongering without basis so far as I can see.
2D
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[QUOTE= A future council may well decide that the only way to recoup the wasted spending is to sell the airfield.[/QUOTE]
In that case things are not so bad after all because Paul could simply buy the place for a song and then we would all end up back where we started....
In that case things are not so bad after all because Paul could simply buy the place for a song and then we would all end up back where we started....
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Here WE Go Again!!!!!
I suppose they will rename the airport Glasgow West!!!
Hi Vis Jackets, X ray machines, inshore rescue boat for the firefighters.
I do hope they have some hygenic wypes handy so we can clean up after having our pants taken down for landing fees!!!!!!!!!!
Wot was wrong with Oban before F--- ALL.....................
Cloud break No worries descend 5nm before bruce if not good visual 1000 before MSA do a 180 and Fox trot oscar home .........
Last year on a flight from Donegal to Tiree, we were told by the tower that the airfield hours were get this,,,,,,, 0900 to 1400 mon to Fri Sat 0830 to 1000..
3 Fab runways Vor/ATC all payed by the good old EU and and open half the day. So we headed off to good old TLC biccys and a brew at Oban with Paul, aviation as aviation should be. The guy has won nearly as many awards as Rangers!!!!
So happy memories, well brew n biccys will have to be taken at Glenforsa with Brendon.......
_
Hi Vis Jackets, X ray machines, inshore rescue boat for the firefighters.
I do hope they have some hygenic wypes handy so we can clean up after having our pants taken down for landing fees!!!!!!!!!!
Wot was wrong with Oban before F--- ALL.....................
Cloud break No worries descend 5nm before bruce if not good visual 1000 before MSA do a 180 and Fox trot oscar home .........
Last year on a flight from Donegal to Tiree, we were told by the tower that the airfield hours were get this,,,,,,, 0900 to 1400 mon to Fri Sat 0830 to 1000..
3 Fab runways Vor/ATC all payed by the good old EU and and open half the day. So we headed off to good old TLC biccys and a brew at Oban with Paul, aviation as aviation should be. The guy has won nearly as many awards as Rangers!!!!
So happy memories, well brew n biccys will have to be taken at Glenforsa with Brendon.......
_
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Had a fax from Scottish info this afternoon say that fixed wing aircraft are no longer permitted to land at Oban.
No reason given, so I'll try and find why out tomorrow. I'm assuming it's because of the runway work.
No reason given, so I'll try and find why out tomorrow. I'm assuming it's because of the runway work.
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It seems a Loganair ambulance pilot complained about the work going on around the field and how poor the surface was. The field was pretty busy and it seemed as if there was no real control or guidance from the A/G operator (yes, I know...) So the decision was taken to simply ban all fixed wing a/c for the forseeable future. No timeline given.
Good 'eh!
Good 'eh!
Unbelievable cock up. Bring back Paul....
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Oban Airport
Originally Posted by neutron
Anybody been into Oban in the last few weeks and landed on 04/22 who can update us on development progress?
neutron
neutron
Runway 01/19 is closed due the WIP to upgrade the Aerodrome, Runway 03/21 will be avialable on most days except this weekend due to work on the drainage around the intersections of the runwaysThe use of Oban is PPR 3hours notice due to the WIP on obtaining PPR by telephoning 01631 710384 pilots will be given an up date on the WIP
The A/G on 118.050 operates daily 0700z to 1700z and by arrangement
and the NDB "OBN" operates H24
Fuel is available from TLC (Paul Keegan) by telephoning 01631 710888
Humberair
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I flew in yesterday and the main runway is still under maintenance. 21/03 was in use and there was full A/G Radio provided by a man named Sebastien who was perfectly helpful. Paul is still around, he fuelled up my 152, but he seemed to just be spending his time working on his aircraft in one of the hangers. His cabin with the old yellow "C" has a cross through it, suggesting he is no longer in charge. Shame, cause he is a really nice guy. Seemed to say they think it will be finished in August.
RR
RR
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I was there last Tuesday. 690m of r/w 03/21 available (from just west of the intersection with 01/19). Take care to avoid the cones which may be planted across part of 03/21, along the intersection of the two runways, just short of the threshold markers. Not easy to spot on final.
Also, if you want fuel, do please phone Paul direct before you depart for Oban - don't rely on the A/G Op phoning Paul up.
NS
Also, if you want fuel, do please phone Paul direct before you depart for Oban - don't rely on the A/G Op phoning Paul up.
NS
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Does anyone know whether the Airport Development Manager job was filled? And by who?
I was one (of Many?) that was interviewed for the position, but I did not get it, which was disappointing for me.
I would be grateful to know how things stand at Oban as I have liked the place for years!!
Thanks in anticipation!!
I was one (of Many?) that was interviewed for the position, but I did not get it, which was disappointing for me.
I would be grateful to know how things stand at Oban as I have liked the place for years!!
Thanks in anticipation!!
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Yes it has been filled, by a guy who is a retired aerodrome manager from a regional airport in England - Paul K did tell me which one but I've forgotten.
NS
NS