Glenforsa Update

[Glenforsa Flyer]

Glenforsa Radio

Safetycom seemed to be adequete most of the time.

Safety Com was introduced specificly for Airfields like Glenforsa where pilots are perfectly capable of arriving and departing safely, without being 'controlled'.


GF

[Lurking123]

Are we slipping into a personality driven discussion again? Personally I have dealt with DH when he has been fantastic and, at other times, I can only wish I had the opportunity to start on the nectar as early as him. Regardless, Glenforsa is not a difficult strip. Any of the info we require is not likely to change by the minute. Are there sheep, is it waterlogged, has the grass been cut, can I have PPR? That is about as much as we need to know. After that, safetycom, unmanned A/G or, God forbid, no R/T is fine. Let's not create a storm in this particular teacup.

[fisbangwollop]

An point of interest regarding safety comm can be read here

http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/1615/safetycom_review.pdf

[fisbangwollop]

Use of SAFETYCOM: Ground Stations
21. There is no ground station associated with SAFETYCOM and no ground stations have been licensed to operate on the frequency. Use of 135.475 MHz is restricted to transmissions from aircraft. However, the phraseology in a small number of transmissions recorded on the frequency, e.g. use of words such as ‘clear’, suggested either incorrect phraseology or the presence of a ground station on the frequency. Pilots must avoid using the word ‘clear’ on SAFETYCOM, as other pilots may understand this, incorrectly, as a clearance.

[S205-18F]

Glenforsa is not a difficult strip.

Sorry Lurking but I cant agree with you as there is a wind direction (from over the hill possibly N.W.) which makes the strip almost unusable!!! I have seen the 2 wind socks pointing towards each other so some form of updated ground information is a real life saver!

[Lurking123]

I have seen the 2 wind socks pointing towards each other so some form of updated ground information is a real life saver!

What, like two windsocks? Maybe someone should put a third at the midpoint (Didn't the hotel used to have a small one just next to where Brendan parked his Cub?) I'm not trying to being flippant, I too have had an interesting time with wacky winds at Glenforsa. But, unless the chap on the ground is Brendan and you get the sound of silence as he sucks his teeth confirming that the windsock aren't lying..............

[Glenforsa Flyer]

Glenforsa Topics

there is a wind direction (from over the hill possibly N.W.) which makes the strip almost unusable!!!

When the wind is from the South there is a rotor effect caused by the trees and buildings as you would expect.

Depending on the wind strength, the effect can range from 'Hmm interesting' to 'character building' but as a based pilot operating a Cub from Glenforsa, I have rarely found it 'unusable'.

I would strongly advise that visiting pilots obtain local information from someone who has actually flown an aircraft, thereby avoiding lurid tales of 'The Wind of Death' and 'Flocks of Killer Geese' etc that may cause pilots to disregard relevant information that may be of some use to them.

Paul Keegan at Oban is one source I would recommend.

I have seen the 2 wind socks pointing towards each other so some form of updated ground information is a real life saver!

I couldn't agree more, as long as you can be confident of the quality of said information.

GF

[S205-18F]

After all is said and done Glenforsa is one of my favourite strips! It cant be beaten for views and tranquility and the hospitality! Well worth a visit comes HIGHLY recommended!

[Lurking123]

I wholeheartedly agree, Glenforsa is at the very top of my favourite airstrip list. With proper planning and sound preparation, the whole area should be a "must do" for any PPL.

[Rod1]

I have just flown the Wife to Mull for our anniversary weekend. Two people, overnight bags and lots of fuel. 625 nm, at an average ground speed of 125.2kn (from start of t/o run to end of landing run). Total fuel used 75.5l (15.1 lph) (26l was avgas, rest mogas). The longest leg was from Oban to the strip in Staffordshire, 2:15 B on to B off.

We both really enjoyed it and it did not cost a fortune. I highly recommend the Glenforsa Hotel and both airfields (Mull and Oban). Thanks to all.

Rod1

[Capt Whisky Whisky]

Censored Postings

While in agreement that pointless and/or false and slanderous postings should be removed from these threads, those containing information that could effect the safety of airfield users should be considered more carefully before deletion.

IMHO

WW

[BRL]

Works both ways. If the information in some posts is safety critical then surely the poster should post only that information nothing else.

[Capt Whisky Whisky]

Glenforsa Optics

If the information in some posts is safety critical

Clearly, the deleted post contained some 'safety critical' information.

i.e. a 'critical component' of the airfield is prone to malfunction and likely to produce erroneous and contradictory information that could prove hazardous to airfield users.

So how do you decide what parts of the post should be considered pertinant and what parts just plain nasty?

WW

[Lurking123]

CWW, why don't you take you discussion off line with a mod rather than try to create additional mischief here?

[Capt Whisky Whisky]

Glenforsa Optics

additional mischief ?

It was a genuine enquiry as to how the moderators decide what should or should not be considered suitable for inclusion.

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one interested in the subject, but I am prepared to be corrected.

WW

[flybymike]

I have to agree that CWW is making a very important point. I can appreciate the sensitivity of the issue, but found the allegation, if true, to be extremely alarming and worrying. I have personally come to grief before now as a result of erroneous and contradictory information of exactly this type from just such a "critical component" on an airfield.

[Lurking123]

I'm trying to sit on the fence here, but if someone made such allegations about you on an open forum, how would you feel? If there is a problem, has anyone formally approached ABC to voice their concerns? If not, the discussion doesn't deserve space on this forum.

[BRL]

This is a hard one to answer. Those who actually seen the post will know what I mean.

For those who did not see it, then a serious allegation was made about an individual on these forums.

At this moment in time I can't go into too much detail, (for legal reasons) but I believe I have done the right thing here in this circumstance.

CWW, The law decides how I edit/delete posts. As someone else has mentioned, please feel free to PM me (as my email is down) and we can discuss this further if you like.

Now, can we get this thread back on track about all things Glenforsa please.....?

[Capt Whisky Whisky]

Glenforsa Optics

If there is a problem, has anyone formally approached ABC to voice their concerns?

Yes they have, but then again, many persons voiced their concerns to ABC regarding Peter Jackson.

One pilot, alarmed by the confusion caused by the recent radio fiasco at Glenforsa, was told by the 'Airfield Manager' that he would be banned from Glenforsa if he made a complaint.

Unless you have actually experienced the sheer arrogance of this shower, you will probably find it difficult to comprehend.

WW

[connel flyer]

Radio at Glenforsa what radio

I totally agree cww. Confused and a little apprehensive on the take off roll am i going to meet a c130 on the climb out not god at all but DH seemed to think this was fine. Asked DH what time the Herc's were due answer was not sure they phoned on mobile couldn't hear them properly possible 6ish asked the frequency they would be on he said 120.80 and everybody else on safety. I thought great its 1755 now and am heading home. this could be interesting god was with me that day never seen them but i tell u my eyes were scanning like a man possessed my passenger got the just of all this and i could tell he was very apprehensive and he had every rite to be. A bloody shambles. is this normal practice? I don't think.

Well that shall due for an opening post

happy landings