Shetland / Western Isles trip

[gasax]

The point about Scatsta's 'business' needs to be put in context. It is the 4th busiest Scotland airport (28th in the UK). But the vast majority of its traffic flies from 0700 to 1900, unlike the rest of the airports which have much longer opening hours.

So during the day - which is of course when a VFR flight would occur, you will encounter Scatsta's traffic. Not a problem in itself but it is worth remembering that for all the bleakness and emptiness of the islands - the sky is fair humming with oil related activity.

[Hyperborean]

UKpaxman. You are forgetting the equally tragic Chinook crash. Also in my time there I recall several fairly substantial mishaps. Another 748, a Cessna (303 IIRC) and a Heron all of which wiped off various bits of u/c at Sumburgh but were repaired and flown out; a Twin Com at Scatsta prior to it reopening which had to be road transported out, plus a couple more a a less spectacular nature. I can also recall a couple of helo blade strike incidents, rather scary. Nevertheless your basic point is well made the only wreck adjacent to an Island strip in my time was the 111 (Heinkel variety ) which lay on Fair Isle until the strip was realigned in the early 70s. There were also a couple of high ground wrecks; a Catalina on Yell, a Mossie above the Clift Sound and a few barely recognisable bits of what I believe was a Hudson on Mossy Hill. The only wreck near a runway which I can think of latterly was the Potez which came to grief at Sumburgh and which the fire service used for training, this was taken away by an enthusiast a few years ago.
All of which should not deter a visit by a well prepared PPL in a light aircraft. At the end of the day, the axiom that "All aeroplanes bite fools," can be applied to flying in any part of the Highlands and Islands. Treat the trip with respect, be prepared to wait out bad weather and enjoy the experience,

[Droopystop]

All things are relative and I am sure that some busy GA airfields are busier than Scatsta in terms of numbers of movements. My point is don't assume that Scatsta is the sleepy hollow you might expect.

[10W]

It is the 4th busiest Scotland airport (28th in the UK).

Not according to the CAA for 2009. It was 8th busiest in Scotland and 44th busiest in the UK.

UK CAA Aircraft Movements Report 2009

The point about expecting it to be busier than you might imagine is a valid one however.

[Spotthedog]

Scatsta

Last year on our PA28 trip to Unst we rang Scatsta to see if we could land there on the way. They were really helpful and tried to accommodate but the timing didn't work out in the end. On that particular day they didn't have enough parking space for us in the morning due full complement of helicopters, but the afternoon would have been ok to visit.

Their approach service en route to Unst was fantastic and extremely reassuring in that rather remote corner of the world.

[Ringway Flyer]

Barra

We had an excellent week based at Oban a few years ago and went to Barra amongst a good few others. We arrived at Barra OK, landed on 33 and parked up. It was windy, but it wasn't an issue. A Twin Otter departed just before we did and I noticed that he was quite a bit to the right of the centre line of the runway. I found out why when I found a large puddle in the middle of the 33 on my take off run. It knocked a good 10 knots off my speed. Fortunately it was the only one, and I managed to get off with the stall warner bleating, followed by a turn to the right to avoid the NDB mast.... Another puddle and things could have been very different! So if we go there again, the technique will be to back-track the full length of the runway to see what the condition is.

Plockton is another character building place too, but I'll let you discover that one yourself. Oh and the windsocks at Mull - they often indicate different directions at each end of the strip....

Enjoy! RF

[flybymike]

Plockton is another character building place too,

In any particular respect? I have not flown in there, but plan to this summer.

[dont overfil]

579 metres uphill on 02 with rising ground and trees on the go around. The ground around the threshold is much lower. It's OK so long as the wind is not too strong.
Remember to avoid R610A. It is often busy with fast jets even outside its notamed activity times.
Fabulous destination on a nice day. Have lunch outside under the palm trees. Honesty box for landing fees.
DO.

[flybymike]

Many thanks . Sounds a bit like the Northerly go around at Oban!

[drambuster]

A great base if you're touring the Western Isles is the Glenforsa Hotel on Mull:

Isle of Mull_ Glenforsa Hotel

If the weather is bad then there is no better place to be stuck than their bar ! (or you can hire a car to explore a wonderful island).

I have been up there in Apr/May for the last six years and it has been without doubt the best flying in the UK. 90% of days were flyable and 100% of it was great fun.

You need to keep diverts and fuel in mind at all times as there is the possibility of rolling sea fog coming in quite fast ( called the Haar). It is more frequent on the east coast but I have seen it once on the west coast and it is an amazing sight:

BBC - Weather Centre - Features - Understanding Weather - Scottish Weather (Part Two)

So long as you have a back-up plan you will be fine (i.e divert to Prestwick, Oban, Islay etc). Always keep 'Scottish' tuned and you will have the best support service in the UK at your side.

Have a great trip . . ... .

[Ringway Flyer]

Plockton

We were on 20 and the problem, with quite a stiff breeze, was the downdraught about 1/4 of a mile out. Not wishing to hit the 250' cliff face, a burst of power meant that we arrived too fast... But after couple of go-arounds and we mastered it.

We walked down the road to find Civilization and discovered a railway station that was also a café. We spent an enjoyable hour sitting at a table on the platform, watching the local trains come and go whilst enjoying our lunch!

Definitely worth a visit, especially on a nice summer day.

RF

[Will88]

Remember to avoid R610A. It is often busy with fast jets even outside its notamed activity times.

That goes for pretty much the whole of the Highlands, I wouldn't make too massive an effort to avoid it outside the notified times.