It's a good defence if you can prove that what was said is true. Which bit of the story do you claim is untrue?

The only thing I can see is the "legally necessary checking in of all personnel going airside" bit. Not sure where the law says that but it may well be covered under ICAO Annex 17, which is part of the Chicago Convention, to which the UK is a signatory.

The bit about sabotage is unproven AFIK but it's a reasonable assumption in the circumstances.

Oban
 

Would you care to explain the 'reasonable assumption'

As far as I'm aware, the Oban fire crew were having problems with the machine for a couple of weeks before they discovered a plastic bag in the fuel tank.

The 'sabotage' story was released at the same time as another false story that attempted to blame TLC for the Councils failure to obtain a licence for Oban, Coll and Colonsay.

I had hoped that with the departure of Mr Jackson, this kind of nonsense would cease and we could all move on.

WW

Oh dear! I wasn't intending to get drawn into the politics.

My understanding is that a plastic bag in the fuel tank proved to be the cause of the problem. Plastic bags don't generally climb into fuel tanks of their own volition so it would not be unreasonable to suppose that someone with malicous intent put it there. I'll await with interest the writ for libel issued by "persons unknown" against the author claiming that "persons unknown" have been subjected to "ridicule, hatred, scorn or contempt of others" as a result of the article. Should be an interesting case!

I'm just asking dan design why he thinks the article's libellous.

Well all I can say is visiting Oban Airport was a very pleasant experience mainly due to the fantastic service from Paul at TLC. Not many airports that refuel your aircraft while using their offices to make yourself a cup of Tea and eating their Jammy Dodgers. The place would die if it wasn't for him.
ATC need a bit of training but the ground handling was superb.

The Lochnell Arms Hotel, 5 min walk from the Airport was the biggest disappointment of our tour of the Western Isles. 8 of us walked there to have lunch, but after seeing the litter and tons of Ciggy Buts on piled up on the floor around the picnic tables and the Fireplace full of old toilet rolls and crisp bags we decided not to risk it.

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Shame because it is in a lovely location. How it deserves 3 stars from the Scottish Tourist board is beyond me.

Plockton had an interesting windshear approach. COL was empty as was TIRE. But the scenery is the best in the world.

Reminded me of the Billie Connolly tour of New Zealand as he flew down a Loch and exclaimed. "Look at the view its fantastic just like Scotland, only not as Good!"

It goes without saying that Glenforsa is the Jewel. Great food in the Glenforsa Hotel and a Pilot freiendly enviroment.
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Nice photos Ken, sounds and looks like you guys had a good trip.

The Gorrilla sent me a photo very similar to the last one you posted. The main difference, his was a photo of a pint of ale on the same Yak-52's wing. I guess you're more refined with bottles of red wine.;)

If the machine had just been away to the coachmakers it is likely that the poly bag got in there.

They cover the fuel hole with a poly bag and a rubber band to protect the rubber seals etc while painting. Unfortunatly when they cook the paint the tank heats and vents then when it cools it sucks the bag in.

The caps are like hens teeth to get a new one if yours is nicked. Its not unknow to stick a tesco bag in the hole to stop it venting when driving down the motorway. It usually doesn't matter because the fuel strainer catches it.

It could have been in there for years. After a fuel tank split I had fag ends poly bags and a tampon!!!! dumped out the bottom But I do know what they used the tampon for.

Hoping to visit this weekend weather permiting, will certaintly not bother with the Lochnell Arms Hotel, sounds like a "trailer park trash" bar!

Although the Loch Nell Arms is nothing special its adequate and meets most folks needs for a quick bite to eat and good value.

Its only a short walk from the airfield and the Sunday carvery lunch is excellent value.

Just got back from Glenforsa & Oban, both fields are open, and very friendly, Brendan and Ally at Glenforsa are the best 'Mine hosts', Scallops & Pork belly fantastic. Paul Keegan of TLC at Oban was ready to serve with a smile and the guys on the radio were very helpful.

It looks as though most of the previos Cr-p has left and all people involved at ground level just keen to move on and get lives.

On another note, Jura airstrip, is in reasonable condition but has some fairly deep ruts created by motor vehicles in the centre of the runway. I will find a way of posting photos.

That's great that it all seems to be getting back to normal. So get up and visit. No excuses now!

[QUOTE][
Although the Loch Nell Arms is nothing special its adequate and meets most folks needs for a quick bite to eat and good value.

Its only a short walk from the airfield and the Sunday carvery lunch is excellent value.
/QUOTE]

Popped in there this weekend just to see if was as bad suggested!

It was! The butt mountain is still there and the place was a tip. If they can't keep the bar clean what are the kitchens like? We also walked out!

Wouldn't eat there if you paid me. Had Salmonella once, it wasn't fun!

i flew into Oban on Monday, a beautiful bank holiday. the strip was just fantastic and i taxied to the terminal door. the guys on the radio were very helpful and accommodating. security was pretty non existent with people coming and going freely. a very pleasant experience and my first time flying companions were suitably impressed. it doesn't get much better.

The trip to the Loch Nell Arms was not quite as successful being under staffed on a busy Monday holiday, however it did the trick.

You must try it.

Coll
 

Word on the town is that Coll runway has been very busy over the past week with unidentified aircraft. Certainly not Highland Airways, probably more GA.

Glenforsa can now be discussed here:

Glenforsa Update

Argyll Air Service Timetable Posted
 

'Highland Aiways' has posted its timetable for the long awaited service to the islands, link below:

http://www.highlandairways.co.uk/cgi...imetables.html

....rumoured to start later this month following the CAA's airfield inspections this week.

Good to see that the timetables are as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

Original reason for flight "so local children can use the services to get to school."

So flights on a Monday AFTER school starts and no flights on a Friday or at the weekend. Just "scholar flights" as an extra thing. What? Why not design the timetable to be useful in the first place.

Good oh. Exactly who are these timetables aimed at? Tourists? Nope. Council staff to allow them to do a days work and get home the same day? Just. School kids? Nope.

If you only have one crew and one aircraft, then you are somewhat limited.

And obviously this is the summer timetable - none of the times will be achievable in the winter months. Since there is only one aircraft and one pilot, will he/she be rushing north or east for maintenance on Fridays?

Hah, and 20-odd kids on Coll and not enough seats on the one aircraft!

The stuff of Whisky Galore!

As someone who actually wished to use the service I cannot believe how poorly the timetable has been thought out.

The main benefit of the flights was to allow a link up to the Tiree airservice to Glasgow. They have failed miserably since there is not one day that you can fly from Coll to Tiree and on to Glasgow.

The other benefit of the flights was to be able to go to anf from on a Friday evening - great for weekends. There are no flights on a Friday.

I shall be writing a strongly worded letter to Head of Operational Services at Argyll and Bute Council and the most suitable person at Highland Airways.

Oban, Coll & Colonsay Loony Toons
 

Good luck with that mate:ugh:

WW