Are there any details on this "infringement"?
Different posts appear to say he infringed the active runway, others that it was the ATZ. Some say 'by inches'.
Which was it? And how did it occur?
Did he then go on to land at Blackpool or did he route around and land elsewhere.
Factual details of the case seem few and far between - perhaps if we knew a bit more there might be less wild speculation.

I do, if the situation warrants it.


It should be rare, but treating ATC as an unquestionable authority is poor airmanship IMHO.

I know someone who was rated exceptional during RAF flying training. Flew close formation with him on JPs and he was incredible.

He got chopped for his lack of officer qualities.

Its more than poling skills make a good pilot.............

Joel Tobias
 

I'm not going to comment about this incident as I know nothing about it other than what is posted here. I suspect that there is some journalistic license and sensationalism, but can't be certain. What I can comment on with certainty is Joel Tobias.

I first met Joel about fifteen years ago when I was a freelance Helicopter pilot and instructor. He got my number from a friend as he wanted to learn more about helicopter flying. At the time he was an inexperienced PPL(H) pilot who was a little frustrated that his flying was often curtailed by the vagueries of the British weather. This contact lead to over 100 hours of advanced flying training in many disciplines including his night rating, mountain flying, instrument flying and bad weather appreciation. We flew throughout the UK over several years; he simply wanted to experience what helicopter flying had to offer and to improve his own skills and knowledge. I was always impressed by his preparation and enthusiasm which surpassed many of the 'professional' pilots with whom I've worked over the years.

A self-made man and success story in business he was, and still is, generous to a fault. I know of many occasions when he has given his time, and his helicopter freely to others less financially fortunate than himself. On one such occasion, a helicopter landing at a school in Manchester for a friend's son's school project required a CAA congested area approval. Joel had the professionalism, and in-depth knowledge of rules and procedures that he organised the approval without prompting. (I have flown with many PPLs over the years, and this knowledge and adherence to procedure is not that common).

Sure, Joel has his faults. Who hasn't? He could be accused of being 'a bit flash' which is borne out by some of the photos posted on this thread. Notwithstanding, I am happy that my client-customer relationship had developed into a long standing friendship.

If you're reading this Joel, don't listen to all the bollocks and sour grapes. I'm sure if this incident is anything like what is portrayed here, you'll be the biggest critic of all.

JJ

Totally agree with you DB but that is nothing to do with my post. IF he had been prosecuted for arguing I wouldnt have posted. I posted because he had been prosecuted for something totally different. The rant has nothing to do with the story, it is just sloppy journalism and opportunism. I am commenting on the decision to prosecutor for an ATZ infringement. Nothing more

And there I was, thinking the OBN (Order of the Brown Nose) was clearly in Helibabes hands when up pops Jelly to snatch it,:)

UK AIP extract for Blackpool :
Aerodrome is PPR to all flights, both arrivals and departures. PPR may be obtained by telephoning Blackpool ATC on 01253-472527. Alternatively PPR may be obtained by e-mail to [email protected]. Filing a flight plan is an acceptable means of compliance.

Press report says "Miss Tolley had not been aware of the incoming flight yet when she tried to ask Tobias to wait etc....."

I wonder if that was because Mr.T hadn't notified them as required or was it an ATC or Aerodrome Ops cock-up ?

Perhaps his punishment , instead of a fine, should have been to spend a day or two in Blackpool ATC so he actually understands that they are not there just for him.

All the Joel fanboys coming out of the woodwork making an embarrassment of themselves :*

You wouldn't expect anyone to behave like this whilst doing their weekly shop in Aldi (or is it Waitrose?), so why is it acceptable in the air?

World needs less of these types of people.

Cannot believe I wasted 10 minutes of my life reading the replies to this post. Why is this actually a thing.

No surely Lidel or M&S? Despite what has been said, he basically f***ed up in a moment of temper, take the punishment, pay your dues and move on! As for how much money and how flamboyant he is that is not really relevant to the thread, unless he used the classic statement “Do you not know who I am!”