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TOUCHDOWN

The OBAN AIRPORT Newsletter Issue 1 May/Jun 2012

If you are reading this article, congratulations, you have just put your

hands on the first Newsletter to be published by Oban Airport. It is our

intention to inform you about our wonderful facility and all it has to offer.

Why not learn a little bit about the history associated with the Airport and

how it has been developed into the premier hub for West Coast Aviation

in Scotland. For those who want to fly in to visit us, we will explain the

procedures and hopefully dispel the myths. Find out about any

promotions and events that may be taking place and get involved by

letting us know what you think.

Since being appointed as Station Manager back in August 2011, I have

overseen some changes to the terminal building that I hope will enrich

your time spent at the Airport. With some additional changes due soon,

we hope to provide a facility where you can enjoy a coffee/tea/snack in a

relaxing atmosphere with superb views across the sea to the Isle of Mull.

Whether you are flying in, or driving by, a warm welcome awaits from our

staff who will be on hand to help whenever possible. Browse through the

Terminal at some of the items that are on show and take away a

souvenir of your visit.

Whether your visit to Oban Airport is business or pleasure, we know you

will enjoy what we have to offer here. The stunning scenery from this

location has people returning year after year so why not join them and

take away some wonderful memories. On behalf of the team at Oban

Airport, I look forward to seeing you soon and trust you will find this

newsletter extremely useful and informative.

Tom Eddleston

Station Manager

Welcome to OBAN AIRPORT

FEATURES

We take a look at what

facilities are available at

the Airport.

Taking a trip down

memory lane with a

short history about the

Airport

We look at some of the

Airport’s rules and

explain why we have

them.

The future of what’s in

store for visitors.

We will get the latest

from the Tower

Find out what’s

happening and when

with our very own

What’s On column.

Take a tour of our

pictures in Gallery and

check out our

competition.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Facilities! What

Facilities? 2

Brief History 2

So why do I

need PPR? 2

Hi-Vis Safety 2

Airport

Information 3

Gallery 4

View from the

Tower 5

What’s On 5

Competition 6 Oban Airport Terminal Building

Facilities! What Facilities?

The facilities on offer at Oban Airport are limited but for

the size of the Airport, they are second to none.

Just as important, is the ability to obtain fuel such as Jet

A1 and AVGAS from Total Logistics Concepts (TLC Ltd)

based here at the Airport. Other facilities include:

1. Tea/Coffee/Snack area

2. Flight Planning equipment and chart

3. Tourist Information

4. Fully Equipped Conference/Meeting Room

availability (up to 12 Persons)

5. Fire Extinguisher Training (booking required)

6. Free Parking

7. Wheelchair assistance

But to name a few. Also why not take a look at our

display units which showcase items available for sale or

simply sit back and either watch TV or the stunning

scenery on offer. Phone to ask about any special

requirements you may have.

Many Aerodromes throughout the UK advertise as strictly PPR

however there are slight differences between them. Here at

Oban Airport, we require PPR for a few reasons and I will

explain why. When Oban Airport was developed, the areas that

were planned for the positioning of aircraft were quite small

and only certain parts were given a fuel resistant coating and

drainage into an interceptor. Because of that, we try to plan

ahead and if an aircraft is not taking fuel, we may park them

accordingly (off the fuel-resistant surface). We also like to know

when you are due in so we can carry out any necessary

overdue actions should you not arrive in a reasonable amount

of time after your ETA.

During the development phase of the Aerodrome, PPR had to

be quite lengthy due to ongoing works, all we ask now is that

you give us a call before you set off as most do anyway to get

a weather check. You will be asked various questions but it is

all due to forward planning of our available space. PPR is not

recommended by radio due to the length of radio use.

PPR Tel No 01631 710910 or

Email obanairport@argyll-bute.gov.uk

www.flyobanairport.co.uk

So Why do I need to PPR?

A few people have asked about the need to wear HI-Vis clothing when moving on the

Aerodrome. Whilst some see it as more ‘safety gone mad’, others just wear it out of familiarity

with other places they visit which have similar requirements. With the compact parking areas that

we have here at Oban Airport, it doesn’t take long for the area to be full of aircraft and people.

We therefore ask pilots to request startup in order for the Duty FISO to observe the area and

ensure it is safe. As long as one person within your party is wearing some Hi-vis clothing, it

makes it much easier to see. We must also remember that the Apron could have passengers not

familiar with apron activity making their way to the terminal building. During quieter periods, the

risk is obviously reduced however to avoid any uncertainty, Hi-vis should be worn when Airside.

HI-VIS and the Safety Culture

Originally a series of 3 potato fields, the site was developed by the RAF during WW2 as a forward

operating base in support of the Atlantic Convoys and the Flying Boat Base at Oban itself. Hawker

Henley’s, Tiger Moths, Supermarine Walrus, Avro Ansons were all among the first aircraft to use the

Airfield regularly. Visitors included Mustangs, Hurricanes and Bristol Blenheims. A story involving

3 Hurricanes from 516 Squadron that were sent to RAF Connel Ferry (as it was then known) to

take part in an exercise in preparation for the D’Day landings ended in disaster. Bad weather had

closed in and of the 3 aircraft, one had a forced landed near Stirling Castle, one crashed on the

Isle of Coll and one crashed on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Towards the end of the war, the

Airfield was used as a base for No. 302 Ferry Training Unit and shortly after the war the Airfield

was De-commissioned. A Vickers Wellington was the last wartime movement at RAF Connel

Ferry. It continued to be used as an airfield regularly until the 1960’s when taken over by the

Oban Burgh Council who for a short time in 1967 had flights to Mull and Glasgow operated by

Loganair. During the mid 1990’s the airfield was primarily run for weekend and business flyers until the

development of Argyll and The Isles Air Services which required the Airport to be Licensed by the CAA in

order to operate a scheduled service to the Isles of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree.

Read ‘Royal Air Force Connel Ferry’ by Neil Owen for more

Brief History of Oban Airport

Page No 3

Airport Information—For Pilots

Frequencies:

Oban Information

- 118.050 DME - Ch42Y 110.55

NDB - 404.0

Runway

Dimensions:

Length = 1264m

Width = 30m

The Airport has a scheduled service to one of the

following Islands 6 days of the week:

Coll Colonsay

Tiree Islay

The service is operated by

Hebridean Air Services and booking can be made

by phone (0845 8057465) or online at

www.hebrideanair.com

You could also book a scenic pleasure flight using Fly

Scenic Scotland who will be operating on various

days throughout the summer. Phone them on 01236

734672 or visit them on

www.flyscenicscotland.co.uk

Fancy taking control of your very own aircraft? Why

not contact Border Air Training who regularly visit us

to carry out pilot training in one of their aircraft. For

more details contact them on 01236 734672 or 01228

573490. Visit them on

www.borderairtraining.com

Oban Airport is open 7 days a week for other visitors

opening times vary so check for details by phoning

01631 710910

The Airport is looking to expand on recent developments and

there is already a plan to remove the vending machines and

replace them with a counter service for Tea/Coffee and light

snacks.

The Fees and charges are going to be looked at with a view to

some significant changes for 2013. As these have to be agreed

by committee, there are no details at this time but they will be

published as soon as they are available.

We are also looking to expand our Fire Training within the

coming months offering a wider range of standard and bespoke

training within the industry.

A marketing strategy is currently underway to help spread the

word about the service.

We are going to be in possession of some cycles which will be

for use on the new cycle path that runs all the way up to Fort

William (bikes must be returned to Oban Airport though!).

There will also be some advertised events to look out for.

Fire Extinguisher

Training

General Information Future Improvements

RWY TORA TODA ASDA LDA CLEAR-

WAY

RESA

01 1064m 1064m 1199m 1110m 199m 30m

19 1141m 1141m 1193m 993m 122m 30m

Taxiways:

Alpha (A) for use by gliding club mainly

Bravo (B) to Light Aircraft Apron

Charlie (C) to Main Apron

Echo (E) to Argyll Aero Club

Foxtrot (F) to Argyll Aero Club

Golf (G) to Western Parking Area

Fuel:

Jet A1 and AVGAS supplied by TLC Ltd

(24/7)

Phone 07770 620988 to book fuel (Note

this is not considered PPR)

Fuel payments and landing fees to be

paid separately.

Landing Fees 2012:

<1000kg - £11.55

1001kg to 1500kg =£17.38

1501kg to 2000kg =£23.10

2001kg to 2500kg =£28.87

2501kg to 3000kg =£40.37

See website for other fees

and charges.

Oban Airport Gallery Page

Aerial View of the Airport taken from the east

and looking out toward Ardmucknish Bay. Tralee

beach can be seen at the top right of the picture

and the A828 road to Fort William is at the

bottom right. Two Helipads (H1 and H2) can be

seen with the main apron in a slightly reddish

colour in the centre of the picture.

The Hebridean Air Services BN2 Islander after just

arriving at Oban Airport. The bags are unloaded and

taken to the terminal but on the occasions when the

weather is nice and sunny, some of the passengers

can collect just outside the aircraft.

G-HEBS is just one of the Islanders that operate and

is currently the only one with the yellow paint finish.

The front of the Terminal Building as you approach

by car from the main road after navigating the

roundabout. The bottom of the tower can be seen in

the foreground and the main Terminal entrance to

the right of the picture. Adjacent to the main

entrance just out of shot, is a free car park for

approximately 30 cars. A bus service operates to/

from Oban at regular intervals.

The Fire Training Simulator which is used for

a variety of training and is positioned to the

south of the Aerodrome on a concrete area

once used for a Hangar during WWII. In

keeping with the environmental issues and

concerns, it is LPG operated and therefore

does not produce volumes of black smoke.

The simulator is also used to train the Fire

Crews who operate at the Aerodromes on the

Isle of Coll and the Isle of Colonsay

Page No 5

On Saturday 2 Jun 2012, Connel Flying Club are

hosting a ‘fly-in’ where a special rate of £5 landing

fee has been agreed. To register your interest and

obtain more details, contact the club by emailing;

connelflyingclub@yahoo.co.uk

The Airport is showcasing items made on the Isle

of Colonsay and are situated in a display cabinet

within the airport. The company is Hebridean Isles

Trading and you can view them on the internet at;

www.island-at-the-edge.co.uk and check out

their goods.

Tiree Music Festival is due to be held on the 21st

and 22nd July 2012 and has a range of popular

artists (see poster right).

Islay Air Show - 14th July 2012. An annual air

show featuring a variety of display’s and different

Aircraft.

Lorn Farmers and Crafters Market at Kintaline

Farm Plant & Poultry Centre, Kintaline Mill Farm,

Oban, PA37 1QS

Every first and third Thursday of the month.

View from the Tower

What’s On

The Air Traffic Service (ATS) provided at Oban Airport is a

Flight Information Service Unit (FISU) offering a Basic

Service. In the next issues of this newsletter, the Senior

FISO (person responsible for the tower operations) will

give us an insight into any events or changes that may be

happening. As a member of the FISO Association, we are

able to discuss the practicalities of any subsequent

proposals by the CAA or EASA and we are also heavily

involved in consultations regarding new CAP documents.

The Duty FISO’s have received various communications

from aircraft 40 miles away, to overflying Heavy Jets of the

kind that cross the Atlantic. All our FISO’s are validated

regularly by the CAA and on occasions get some strange

requests. The tower itself is equipped with some

technology used at much bigger Airports but can feel a

lonely place when the westerly wind is blowing around the

gantry.

Frequency 118.050

In The Next Issue Of Touchdown Meet the team that operates out of Oban

Airport including the Fire Crew, FISO and

Administration/Reception.

We will take a look at the destinations from

Oban Airport and see what’s there including

a feature on one of them.

View from the Tower will include the lat-

est information available from the FISU.

July 2012

OBAN AIRPORT

North Connel

Argyll

PA37 1SW

Tel 01631 710910

Email obanairport@argyll-bute.gov.uk

www.flyobanairport.co.uk

We welcome any feedback about our Airports including this newsletter. If you have any questions

or wish to talk about any of the articles in this newsletter please indicate the issue number and

date so your query can be dealt with as soon as possible.

Also you can follow us at the following locations

Twitter (twitter.com/obanairport)

Facebook (Support Oban Airport)

If you are interested in advertising in Touchdown, contact the airport for a quote.

flyobanairport.co.uk

SO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE!

Look at the picture to the right and let us

know what location is shown. All correct

answers will be put into a raffle and the

winner will be sent a goody bag with

some souvenir items.

In order to enter this competition, simply

send your answer complete with name

and address to:

Photo Location

Oban Airport

North Connel

Argyll

PA37 1SW

Or email obanairport@argyll-bute.gov.uk

and enter Photo Location in the subject

header

Winner will be notified by email or post.

Goodies will be sent to address supplied

Managers decision is final

Try to be as accurate as you can with location in order to be in with a chance