Glenforsa Update
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: 18nm NE grice 28ft up
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Lurking
It's not. The track is not where AC are likely to be.
You surprise me. With the number of posts about the area I thought you would be intimate with it.
As you can see I'm not there, working again, pissed off!
DO
It's not. The track is not where AC are likely to be.
You surprise me. With the number of posts about the area I thought you would be intimate with it.
As you can see I'm not there, working again, pissed off!
DO
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Join Date: Mar 2007
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Glenforsa Optics
But no, that little bit of farm track is a definite hazard to flight safety, I'm told.
WW
Join Date: Dec 2007
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dont overfil, sorry I couldn't find an "irony" smilie for my last post.
Maybe it is the problem of the one (or is it two now?) helicopter landing spot? However, current webcam picci (1420Z) has lots of aircraft visible.
I'm not their either.
Maybe it is the problem of the one (or is it two now?) helicopter landing spot? However, current webcam picci (1420Z) has lots of aircraft visible.
I'm not their either.
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: BERKSHIRE
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Great photos can't wait to fly back for our annual visit.
I have just read some of critical posts re Glenforsa, what a load of plonkers.
GF is One of the best airfields in the UK. Those that don't like it or find their ego's writing cheques that their ability can't cash. Should just stop flying.
I am sure the skies will be alot safer without these moaning jessies!!
I have just read some of critical posts re Glenforsa, what a load of plonkers.
GF is One of the best airfields in the UK. Those that don't like it or find their ego's writing cheques that their ability can't cash. Should just stop flying.
I am sure the skies will be alot safer without these moaning jessies!!
Join Date: Jan 2004
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For those of you that used "Scottish info" 119.875 on the way there I hope you were happy with the service....my head was buzzing by the time my shift ended on saturday....great to see so many aircraft using the service.....hope you all had a great weekend.
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Glenforsa Airstrip
"One of the best airfields in the UK.
" To quote ROD1 and the Glenforsa Hotel manager/proprietor seems to agree on his website in which he says its a "superbly maintained grass strip over 730 metres in length".
Few would disagree - so lets hear it for Argyll and Bute Council and their airfield manager just for a change!
" To quote ROD1 and the Glenforsa Hotel manager/proprietor seems to agree on his website in which he says its a "superbly maintained grass strip over 730 metres in length". Few would disagree - so lets hear it for Argyll and Bute Council and their airfield manager just for a change!
Join Date: Apr 2003
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I get on fine with the airfield manager, Mull is a great place to visit and the hotel is excellent, but ABC strike me as a complete bunch of idiots who have wasted huge sums of tax payers money. By the way, which is the “Glenforsa Hotel manager/proprietor”?
Rod1
Rod1
Join Date: Nov 2001
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pppheeew...! thank goodness that little 5 pages of waffle is over about a frequency - i seriously cannot believe all i have just read - this is an un-licensed harefield for crying out loud - sea and avoid - low approach and go around if no response, check for surface, obstacles, livestock wind, turbulence, orientation etc then hook it round and get in there.......
so many people get all agitated and want full ATC service.... you seem to forget the buck stops with you P1 - normally sat in the front.....
Hey Brendan..... last time i came to see you - we had an SR20 coming in on finals at about 400ft when the 2 tornadoes dropped down over the hill right in front of him..... then god forbid - we jumped in your supercub and went round the coast then inland to the resevroir - and you even kindly let me fly a circuit in your cub from the back........... back soon bud..!
with a bit of luck you will have ful radar coverage and an ILS by then to make me warm cuddly and safe.....
so many people get all agitated and want full ATC service.... you seem to forget the buck stops with you P1 - normally sat in the front.....
Hey Brendan..... last time i came to see you - we had an SR20 coming in on finals at about 400ft when the 2 tornadoes dropped down over the hill right in front of him..... then god forbid - we jumped in your supercub and went round the coast then inland to the resevroir - and you even kindly let me fly a circuit in your cub from the back........... back soon bud..!
with a bit of luck you will have ful radar coverage and an ILS by then to make me warm cuddly and safe.....
Join Date: Mar 2000
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I've got to agree with Jetscream 32 about this.
So there's a frequency that isn't always manned. So there's military traffic around not talking and so what that the approach can get a wee bit interesting.
All sounds like a normal day in the Scottish FIR to me.
When around hills, keep your eyes peeled for fast pointy things or even slightly slower blunter things. If no-one is talking, go over the top of field and use your eyes and judgement about what's going on.
To be totally honest I find most A/G operators to be more of a hindrance than a help, usually as they try to control what's going on instead of just giving out information. There are obviously exceptions, but as a general rule, when I haven't got a response from an A/G station, then I treat it as a good thing!
Also agree with Pheel, the grass looks far too long. In some piccies it almost seems to be reaching prop tip level. Would the airfield "manager" care to be handed a bill for prop wear? It's amazing how quickly that can happen, especially if you have a wooden prop.
Texas, you are a bitter individual. ABC haven't exactly covered themselves with glory when it comes to aviation projects. I also seem to remember some very odd decisions at Glenforsa, such as being closed for an unuseable soggy runway. Fair enough if true, but it was like a bowling green, or the "strategic placing" of fencing purely to inconvienience one person.
Petty minded rubbish that has no business in aviation. If the airfield "manager" (of a grass strip!
) and ABC think that sort of thing is alright, then I suggest they leave the business of flying aeroplanes to the adults.
Enough grumbling, Glenforsa is a great place to visit thanks to it's stunning location. The fact you can get a friendly welcome and decent meal make it a must visit. It's one of the far too few places where you actually have a decent reason for visiting, rather than just another name in a logbook and another rubbish bacon sarnie in a portacabin.
Go and visit, you won't regret it.
So there's a frequency that isn't always manned. So there's military traffic around not talking and so what that the approach can get a wee bit interesting.
All sounds like a normal day in the Scottish FIR to me.
When around hills, keep your eyes peeled for fast pointy things or even slightly slower blunter things. If no-one is talking, go over the top of field and use your eyes and judgement about what's going on.
To be totally honest I find most A/G operators to be more of a hindrance than a help, usually as they try to control what's going on instead of just giving out information. There are obviously exceptions, but as a general rule, when I haven't got a response from an A/G station, then I treat it as a good thing!
Also agree with Pheel, the grass looks far too long. In some piccies it almost seems to be reaching prop tip level. Would the airfield "manager" care to be handed a bill for prop wear? It's amazing how quickly that can happen, especially if you have a wooden prop.
Texas, you are a bitter individual. ABC haven't exactly covered themselves with glory when it comes to aviation projects. I also seem to remember some very odd decisions at Glenforsa, such as being closed for an unuseable soggy runway. Fair enough if true, but it was like a bowling green, or the "strategic placing" of fencing purely to inconvienience one person.
Petty minded rubbish that has no business in aviation. If the airfield "manager" (of a grass strip!
) and ABC think that sort of thing is alright, then I suggest they leave the business of flying aeroplanes to the adults.Enough grumbling, Glenforsa is a great place to visit thanks to it's stunning location. The fact you can get a friendly welcome and decent meal make it a must visit. It's one of the far too few places where you actually have a decent reason for visiting, rather than just another name in a logbook and another rubbish bacon sarnie in a portacabin.
Go and visit, you won't regret it.
Join Date: May 2008
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42nd Fly-in Weekend
Recently returned from the fly-in weekend. Superb weather, beautiful grass, lots of planes, and nice to have a proper radio radio frequency at last and a licensed controller using it very efficiently. Well done Glenforsa! Oban very helpful also!
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Licensed controllers ... ?
Far better to have a controller in the cockpit methinks. 
keeps the skies much safer ... and it's more fun for the ATCO !
I think Air/Ground Service precludes giving ATC instructions such as 'report baseleg', "route to final "and suchlike. Easy mistakes to make, but 'over-controlling' shouldn't really happen. I thought it was very useful to have someone on freq on the ground directing parking slots.
For those who think that full over-control is required in every acre of sky I would suggest you visit Strathallan Fly-in and watch 80 aircraft depart in the space of an hour, with no A/G operator, no AFISO or no controller. And it works.
For those departing Strathallan, I would suggest you all get transponders and switch them on ... then the compliants about radar clutter from the controllers at Scottish might highlight one of the dafter consuquences of the CAAs drive to impose Mode S
Mull was a truly superb weekend and the airfield was in tip-top condition. Thanks to all (and that includes DH, BW, PK and the RT operator from Popham). Take a bow y'all
Thnak you and cya soon
keeps the skies much safer ... and it's more fun for the ATCO !I think Air/Ground Service precludes giving ATC instructions such as 'report baseleg', "route to final "and suchlike. Easy mistakes to make, but 'over-controlling' shouldn't really happen. I thought it was very useful to have someone on freq on the ground directing parking slots.
For those who think that full over-control is required in every acre of sky I would suggest you visit Strathallan Fly-in and watch 80 aircraft depart in the space of an hour, with no A/G operator, no AFISO or no controller. And it works.
For those departing Strathallan, I would suggest you all get transponders and switch them on ... then the compliants about radar clutter from the controllers at Scottish might highlight one of the dafter consuquences of the CAAs drive to impose Mode S
Mull was a truly superb weekend and the airfield was in tip-top condition. Thanks to all (and that includes DH, BW, PK and the RT operator from Popham). Take a bow y'all
Thnak you and cya soon
Join Date: May 2008
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I used the term "licensed controller" because one does have to have a licence to use even an A/G and it has to be signed by the controlling authority that owns the actual radio station. Do not confuse this with a "licensed/unlicensed airfield". I was talking to the "Popham man" using the Glenforsa Radio and he certainlly had the required licence to operate that radio. The other two people using the A/G were also "licensed" to use it. Without a signed "A/G (or higher) licence" no-one would be able use Glenforsa Radio. As I understand it the frequency 120.800 was only finalised one week before the fly-in but Scottish 119.87 knew about it and gave it to me before I got to Oban.
On the subject of Gleforsa Radio sometimes being unmanned, this happens a lot at small airfields where they cannot justify having someone on the radio 27/7 and 9 hours a day. If you don't have an ATZ then you can't stop military (or any other) planes coming close - it's all down to see and be seen. I read in Pooleys before I set out that Glenforsa was "Strictly PPR" and therefore the "special event (the fly-in)" was given to me before I left. The discussion about who or what "controls" who is not a subject for the Glenforsa Forum. I personally liked the ADVICE given to me on the radio.
On the subject of Gleforsa Radio sometimes being unmanned, this happens a lot at small airfields where they cannot justify having someone on the radio 27/7 and 9 hours a day. If you don't have an ATZ then you can't stop military (or any other) planes coming close - it's all down to see and be seen. I read in Pooleys before I set out that Glenforsa was "Strictly PPR" and therefore the "special event (the fly-in)" was given to me before I left. The discussion about who or what "controls" who is not a subject for the Glenforsa Forum. I personally liked the ADVICE given to me on the radio.
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Licenced is one thing, but using the word "controller" when talking about an A/G station is very misleading.
"Advice" hmm, a very grey area, but the A/G operator should confine themselves to simply giving out information and all the decisions based on it are yours.
"Advice" hmm, a very grey area, but the A/G operator should confine themselves to simply giving out information and all the decisions based on it are yours.
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I monitor the Oban and Glenforsa Forums all the time and I have never seen fit to get involved with some of “discussion” that has been going on.
I have been flying to Glenforsa for over twenty years and have assisted as A/G at the fly-ins for some time. Now that Glenforsa has a formal radio (and a proper aerial) from an A/G point of view it was nice to be able to hear aircraft coming down the Sound of Mull rather than when they were just visual with field. I fully agree with a former post here (“COMMENT”) that the subject of “A/G control” is not for this forum.
The subject of “advice” is interesting and I believe relevant to Glenforsa.
Wherever I fly, especially if I have not been to the location, I always phone first and get any PPR, any local conditions, or “advice” over the telephone. If conditions alter in any way en-route I am very happy to receive further “advice” from ANY radio that may affect any decisions I might have previously made. The local people have the experience relevant to their airfield and they generally do know best.
Over the last fly-in weekend over 90 aircraft came and went during the time the radio was manned (08:45 – 17:30). There were also numerous movements outside those times. Only one aircraft came in using an incorrect frequency and we received numerous compliments regarding the service given. Several aircraft asked for “Flight Information Service” and this was refused as we are A/G. Several aircraft asked for “Clearance to Take off” and this was not given, again as we are A/G. If an aircraft asked if there was anything on finals, they were “advised” that there was “nothing seen to affect”. The “advisory” wind was given over the radio using our experience of what tends to be somewhat tricky short final conditions when the wind at Glenforsa has a southerly component. The “advisory” QFE give was based on a serviceable aircraft altimeter on the airfield. On several occasions, Scottish telephoned because they had “lost contact” with an aircraft inbound to Glenforsa and we were able to tell them the exact time the plane had landed or departed. This is also not part of an A/G service.
I have worked as Popham A/G for many years and do not see anything wrong with giving such “advisory” information on A/G, especially at Glenforsa, a place that many people have not visited before. This is a Professional Pilot Forum, I like to give out on the radio what I would like to hear myself but agree that the final decision to do anything as P1 at Glenforsa is entirely up to me!
I have been flying to Glenforsa for over twenty years and have assisted as A/G at the fly-ins for some time. Now that Glenforsa has a formal radio (and a proper aerial) from an A/G point of view it was nice to be able to hear aircraft coming down the Sound of Mull rather than when they were just visual with field. I fully agree with a former post here (“COMMENT”) that the subject of “A/G control” is not for this forum.
The subject of “advice” is interesting and I believe relevant to Glenforsa.
Wherever I fly, especially if I have not been to the location, I always phone first and get any PPR, any local conditions, or “advice” over the telephone. If conditions alter in any way en-route I am very happy to receive further “advice” from ANY radio that may affect any decisions I might have previously made. The local people have the experience relevant to their airfield and they generally do know best.
Over the last fly-in weekend over 90 aircraft came and went during the time the radio was manned (08:45 – 17:30). There were also numerous movements outside those times. Only one aircraft came in using an incorrect frequency and we received numerous compliments regarding the service given. Several aircraft asked for “Flight Information Service” and this was refused as we are A/G. Several aircraft asked for “Clearance to Take off” and this was not given, again as we are A/G. If an aircraft asked if there was anything on finals, they were “advised” that there was “nothing seen to affect”. The “advisory” wind was given over the radio using our experience of what tends to be somewhat tricky short final conditions when the wind at Glenforsa has a southerly component. The “advisory” QFE give was based on a serviceable aircraft altimeter on the airfield. On several occasions, Scottish telephoned because they had “lost contact” with an aircraft inbound to Glenforsa and we were able to tell them the exact time the plane had landed or departed. This is also not part of an A/G service.
I have worked as Popham A/G for many years and do not see anything wrong with giving such “advisory” information on A/G, especially at Glenforsa, a place that many people have not visited before. This is a Professional Pilot Forum, I like to give out on the radio what I would like to hear myself but agree that the final decision to do anything as P1 at Glenforsa is entirely up to me!
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Quote"
For those departing Strathallan, I would suggest you all get transponders and switch them on ... then the compliants about radar clutter from the controllers at Scottish might highlight one of the dafter consuquences of the CAAs drive to impose Mode S "unquote
I guess you will not be on duty then????
For those departing Strathallan, I would suggest you all get transponders and switch them on ... then the compliants about radar clutter from the controllers at Scottish might highlight one of the dafter consuquences of the CAAs drive to impose Mode S "unquote
I guess you will not be on duty then????