Oban/Glenforsa News
 

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u...g?t=1208444909

WW

CWW,

Thanks for posting that.

As there is little real news from ABC, can you confirm that Glenforsa and Oban are operating normally?


3Y

I was in Oban two days ago and it seemed to operating pretty normally, flew over Glenforsa as well - it was covered in sheep!

Any news on who is going to replace the gentleman?

Rod1

Oban and Glenforsa open?
 

There have several aircraft into Glenforsa this week, we have had lots of dry, sunny weather so tht the runway is in very good shape.

GF

Oban and Glenforsa
 

Anyone know why the original thread was pulled?


GF

Maybe because it was so huge that most of us lost the will to live when reading it? :)

Yes, and I'll quote one of our senior PPRuNe Admins:

The original thread had drifted far from the original aspects of whether Oban was open for GA or not. It had become a thread solely consisting of the two sides baiting each other and addressing personal issues rather than those of GA. At the end of its life it added nothing to Private Flying, and as nothing new concerning GA operations at Oban was forthcoming, we put it to sleep.

This new thread will be similarly managed, but from the start. Factual reports on developments at Oban, as they affect GA, are welcome. User reports on their experiences when using Oban are welcome. Press cuttings on news concerning Oban, its licencing status, and any other news associated with the airfield and its operators and services are welcome (provided appropriate copyright acknowledgements made). Questions from those wishing to use Oban are welcome, as are the answers. Views on the impact of developments, or what users would like to see happen regarding the future of the airfield, are also welcome.

Posts indulging in 'Paul Keegan vs Peter Jackson' type battles which become personal, as witnessed on the other thread, will fall under the 'tit for tat sniping' banner. We've seen enough on PPRuNe to know about the conflict which exists between the various parties in the Council and at TLC. We've seen various posters champion their favourite side in the conflict. And it was going no where, except around in circles.

Let's keep the focus on Oban and GA, not individuals.

Oban and Glenforsa
 

Yes, but for those of us who's livelyhoods and flying have been disrupted for the last couple of years by this debacle, we still need to keep abreast of events via the only source of information available (pprune).

GF

Colonsay News
 

From this week's Corncrake Magazine:

Oban Loony Toons
 

http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/images/download/3202702News ReleaseArgyll and Bute Council, Kilmory, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8RT, Tel: 01546 604276, Fax: 01546 604346, E-Mail: [email protected], Web: www.argyll-bute.gov.uk Issue Date: 18/04/2008Press Release ID: PR210/2008 PLANS FOR ARGYLL AIRFIELDS MOVE FORWARDArgyll and Bute Council is moving forward with the licensing process for its three airfields, with visits from CAA inspectors due to take place during the week beginning 12 May.

All the civil engineering, buildings and physical issues at the airfields are now resolved, and although there are still some outstanding legal issues between the Council and TLC Ltd, these are expected to be resolved soon, or else the council will seek an alternative way of operating from the CAA.

Argyll and Bute Council’s Transportation Spokesperson, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, said: “Things are moving forward nicely, and we are now able to clearly see a successful conclusion to the project, which will see scheduled flights from Oban to Coll, Colonsay and Tiree through a contract with Highland Airways and support from the Scottish Government.

“These flights will allow school pupils from the islands to spend weekends with their families and provide a fast alternative to the existing ferry services for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

Councillor MacIntyre also paid tribute to the Project Development Manager, Peter Jackson, who is leaving to take up a new post elsewhere. Councillor MacIntyre said: “The Council would not have managed to take the project this far without Peter’s input, and, on behalf of the Council, I would like to offer him our sincere thanks and wish him well in his future career.”

The post of Development Manager is expected to be filled shortly. Issued by Aileen Maclennan on 18/04/2008 09:39:55

TLC Response
 

PRESS RELEASE - Argyll Air Services - 21 April 2008

From

Total Logistics Concepts (TLC) Aviation Support, ObanAirport.

Managing Director of TLC Paul Keegan says in response to A&BC’s press release of 18 April 2008:

“TLC are pleased that despite running years behind the original planned service start date, the council has continued optimism for the implementation of scheduled services to the islands of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree from Oban. The huge sums of money spent on the project, nearly £9M to date, demand no less.

The fundamental issues with licensing the airfields, especially Oban, have been made clear to the council some time ago by the CAA. The matter of the lack of garaging for the Oban fire vehicle, while not yet resolved and a basic licensing condition should eventually be sorted, though not without further additional expense. The council’s inability to correct its obvious management failings has been the major obstacle in moving forward with licensing. Undoubtedly the early departure of the council’s Development Manager will assist negotiations with the CAA.

It is with regret we notice the council’s continued attempts to divert attention from their project failures to date by pursuing fruitless legal actions against this company. Hopefully their recent court defeats, funded entirely by council taxpayer’s money, will let them understand the pointlessness of pursuing harassment tactics in the courts, where the rule of law always applies.

Once more I can assure the council of TLC’s complete commitment to assist them with positive and constructive comment using our widely acknowledged experience in order to bring their project to a workable conclusion.”


L. Paul Keegan

21 April 2008

Paul

L Paul Keegan
Total Logistics Concepts
Aviation Support
Oban Airport
North Connel
Oban

Reference Oban
 

It would be nice to be reassured that no undue pressure has been placed on Pprune by any organisation or individual that would influence what is allowed to appear on this this thread.

I note that the original long running thread on the subject of Oban has been completely removed.



GF

I can assure you that there has been no presure from outside to close the thread.

The thread was closed whilst I was away in Canada recently by one of our admins here. Although I done everything possible to keep the original open and be fair with it, I believe the decision to close the original was the right one.

This thread has already been moderated extensively to just keep postings here to do with news concerning Oban.

You won't believe this but we have even been accused of encouraging scurrilous postings!!!!!!

Even worse is the fact that we have also been blamed for the departure of PJ and we must be held accountable!!!! How about that for a laugh! ;)

Reference Oban Etc
 

Who by?

GF

The GA community is very close-knit in the UK. I know a lot of people both here in the UK as well as abroad.

Rumours start, word gets around and I get to know quite a bit of what is happening about most things.

Again, it is a small world, and people have to be careful what they say and to who they say it to.....

Re: Oban
 

Is'nt that why we have Pprune?

I think has Pprune provided a valuable service in preventing the odious Mr Jackson from carrying out his Machiavellian subterfuge outwith the public gaze.

I do believe that this was a definite factor in his early departure.

Many thanks

Glenforsa Flyer

Argyll Air Service News
 

Argyll's planned air service still stalled

Posted by John Patrick on 25 April 2008 at 3:57pm
← Previous Post | Next Post → View Blog Posts

The Civil Aviation Authority remains unable to grant a licence to the Council for scheduled flights from Oban to the isles of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree. All the physical issues are resolved but the legal stand-off between the Council and Total Logistics Concepts (TLC), the fuel supplier based at the airstrip, continues.

This situation has seen admitted forced entry and damage to the site periphery; an act of potentially lethal sabotage by person unknown to the fuel supply of the strip’s fire engine, refusals to comply with the legally necessary checking in of all personnel going airside at the strip and threats of legal action on both sides.

The fire engine sabotage led to a scene worthy of Dad’s Army. With a private plane coming in for an emergency landing with its undercarriage auto-release seized, the fire crew, unable to start the engine of the appliance, attended the scene in a pick up truck and a minibus, wielding domestic fire extinguishers. Luckily the pilot managed to lower the gear manually - or farce could have become tragedy caused by someone quite deliberately.

Read the full story at For Argyll.com

Glenforsa Yaketeers
 

Lots of flying at Glenforsa and Oban at the weekend, including a contingent from White Waltham.

Good to see.:D

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u...rothers-1.jpg?

WW

For Argyll.com
 

I read the article on this AIE (the local enterprise board) sponsored site - seemed even more libellous than anything written on the last late lamented Oban thread :=.

Am suprised the monitors have not deleted CAM LOBE's post.

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.

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/DSCF0513.jpg

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.
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/DSCF0422.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...DSCF0466-1.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/CIMG1948.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/DSCF0461.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/DSCF0448.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/CIMG1927.jpg
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/g...o/DSCF0543.jpg
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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