TOUCHDOWN

The OBAN AIRPORT Newsletter Issue 4 Jan-Mar 2013

Latest From OBAN AIRPORT FEATURES

Latest From Oban Airport Welcome to the first Newsletter of 2013, On behalf of everyone at the Airport, we hope you all had a good Christmas and wish you all the best for the New Year. The last few weeks have seen a great deal of change INSIDE THIS ISSUE in weather with a huge amount of rain all around the country and although the West Coast has come through it fairly well, our thoughts go Biggest Aircraft out to all those who were badly affected. As I write this, the weather is fairly pleasant but the temperatures are starting to come down a bit. LE JOG Event The Islander Aircraft—A The change in temperatures have meant that most of us have been brief history subjected to the usual winter colds and flu. Ah well, its back to normal now and we are looking forward to the challenges that this year brings. Coll and it’s Airfields—A Last December (14th) the Airport was featured on Landward, BBC2 history of aviation on the (Scotland) , which displayed the scheduled services and yours truly. Isle of Coll However I was still sporting my ‘Movember’ look and was interviewed Local Businesses with Mexican-type facial hair. The show was extremely good and demonstrated how good the Air Service is to the Islands. Robert Burns In this Issue, we will be looking at some of the future developments Scottish Island Aerodromes around the area and what impact it may have on the Airport. We have also been sent an article about Aviation that has been present on the Isle View from the Tower of Coll for the last 80 years or so, which I found really interesting. We tackle some frequently asked questions which hopefully will explain more Breaktime about the type of Airport Operations. With our regular features of What’s On and View from the Tower, we hope you will enjoy this fourth installment of our increasingly popular Newsletter. Size of Plane at 2 Oban Airport Apologies to all who found the puzzle in issue 3 confusing. The printed

LE JOG Car version unfortunately missed some of the clues but we will try to do a 3 event better one this time around.

Airport 3 Information Tom Eddleston Winter Timetable 4 Station Manager

The BN Islander 5 Approaching Oban Airport Airfields of Coll 6

Colonsay 8 Brewery

Robert Burns 9

Scottish Island 10 Aerodromes

Breaktime 11

Page No 1 How Big a Plane at Oban Airport? Quite often we get asked the question;

“What’s the biggest Plane that can land at Oban?”

There is no easy answer to this as it depends on the type of flight, the aircraft performance and weight etc. In the UK, every Licensed Aerodrome is required to publish details about the physical characteristics of the Aerodrome so Airlines/Pilots can prepare flight plans prior to the journey. This is known as the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and every country has something similar. You can find details here for UK (http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php.html) and then search the aerodrome you wish to look at. During the Airport’s development, many things had to be considered including the Category that the Airport was going to publish. The dimensions relating to the Runway and Taxiways plus the wing span and outer wheels of the aircraft undercarriage gave the Airport a certain Code Number and Letter (Oban is 2C). In order to simplify, the code assigned to Oban Airport basically allows for a Runway length up to 1199m (2) and the aircraft wing span up to 35.99m with outer undercarriage up to 8.99m (C).

Flights that require the use of a Licensed Aerodrome will also be subject to Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) Category. This is a numerical value based on the length and width of an aircraft that can use the aerodrome. A formula called the Critical Area Concept is calculated which gives the amount of Fire Fighting water that is required to effectively deal with that size of aircraft. Generally the Category of the RFFS is based around the biggest aircraft that regularly use the Aerodrome. For Oban, it is Category 2 (9m to 11.99m long, cabin width only features at Category 3) based on the BN2 Islander (wingspan = 15m, length = 11m). In order to assist in potential future operations however, the RFFS at Oban do have the capability to upgrade to Category 3 should the need arise (aircraft length up to 17.99m).

Remember that the weight of an aircraft can also play a vital role in operating at Oban. Each Aircraft Maneuvering Area has different strengths known as Pavement Classification Numbers (PCN) are applied. This effectively stops an aircraft that is too heavy landing on the runway and creating plough-lines rendering the runway unserviceable. Last consideration I am going to mention is the security aspect. The National Aviation Security Program (NASP) has considered that due to the weights and type of aircraft that are going to use Oban Airport, we don’t require a high level of security screening. This however does keep the number of passengers on a licensed flight to below 20.

Taking all of the above into consideration, the types of aircraft that can effectively use the Airport will be similar to the ones listed below. Cargo flights - well that’s another thing entirely and based on insurance requirements as well. One final thing, the Licence application process and details can be found on the Civil Aviation Authority website.

LET 410 like the one used on the Isle of DH6 Twin Otter like the one operated by Man by CityWing. This 19 Seat aircraft is Loganair. This 19 Seat aircraft is RFFS Cat RFFS Cat 3. 3. Both these aircraft are Cat 3. 19 seats and L=14.42m, Wingspan=19.48m L=15.77m, Wingspan=19.8m the pictures were of the aircraft when they IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is only a snapshot of the details regarding visited Oban previously. aircraft that can use Oban Airport. There is a lot more detail to arrive at the Aerodrome Category and more information can be found in CAP168 on the CAA website. The Beech 1900D (top picture) ultimate decision as to whether or not an aircraft would use Oban Airport would Dornier 228 (bottom picture) normally lie with the Pilot/Operator as they know the model of aircraft and the

What Price for Landing? Oban Airport has a list of charges that Our prices have been compared to can be found on the following website; many other similar sized aerodromes www.flyobanairport.co.uk Although and we have been found to be these are subject to review at present, competitive. Special Business Rates the price is based on the weight of the may be negotiated prior to operating. aircraft and rise through 500kg Landing Fees are paid to Argyll and increments. Bute Council within the Terminal Airport Information—For Pilots

Frequencies: Taxiways: Landing Fees 2012:

Alpha (A) for use by gliding club mainly Oban Information - 118.050 Bravo (B) to Light Aircraft Apron <1000kg - £11.55 DME - Ch42Y 110.55 Charlie (C) to Main Apron 1001kg to 1500kg =£17.38 NDB - 404.0 Echo (E) to Argyll Aero Club 1501kg to 2000kg =£23.10 Runway Foxtrot (F) to Argyll Aero Club 2001kg to 2500kg =£28.87 Dimensions: Golf (G) to Western Parking Area 2501kg to 3000kg =£40.37

Length = 1264m Width = 30m Fuel: See website for other fees and charges. Jet A1 and AVGAS supplied by TLC Ltd (24/7) RWY TORA TODA ASDA LDA CLEAR- RESA WAY Phone 07770 620988 to book fuel (Note this is not considered PPR) 01 1064m 1064m 1199m 1110m 199m 30m Fuel payments and landing fees to be 19 1141m 1141m 1193m 993m 122m 30m paid separately.

LE JOG (Lands End to John O’Groats)

On the evening of 4th December 2012, the Airport took on a slightly different role as hosts to the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (HERO). More than 30 cars of various ages (and sizes) took part in a timed trial which involved driving through a set course marked with traffic cones. The course proved quite challenging with many drivers unfamiliar with the airport layout. The staff at the airport donated their free time to assist as marshals for the event which was deemed as a great success. In fact, they have already requested a slot about the same day next year but slightly earlier. To quote from the HERO website ‘The test site at Oban Airfield is a new one for HERO, and following the successful running (on the airstrip no less) we plan to go back on future events.’ Interest was also voiced locally with the local newspaper coming along to see for themselves. Below are some of the pictures which are also found on their website http://www.heroevents.eu/ so take a look and see just how well these cars are put through their paces.

GLENFORSA AERODROME

The article we had planned to deliver on Glenforsa has been postponed until the next edi- tion of Touchdown. This is primarily due to the decision on what, if any improvements are going to be made to the grass airstrip on the Isle of Mull. The current status of the airstrip is Closed until further notice. During winter months, the local farmer has grazing rights on the airstrip and historically visitor numbers during this time are fairly low due to weather etc. We hope to do a full page article on Glenforsa by the time the next issue is published.

Page No 3

HEBRIDEAN AIR SERVICES WINTER TIMETABLE 28 OCTOBER 2012 — 30 MARCH 2013

From OBAN Depart Arrive MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN Note To COLONSAY 08:30 09:00   14:00 15:20   08:30 09:00  * * 14:45 15:15  * * To COLL 08:30 09:00   14:00 15:05   10:00 10:30  * * 13:15 13:45  * * To ISLAY 08:30 09:40   14:00 14:40   To TIREE 08:30 09:30   14:00 14:35   From COLL Depart Arrive MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN Note To TIREE 09:15 09:30   To OBAN 09:15 10:20   15:20 15:50   10:45 11:15  * * 14:00 14:30  * * From TIREE Depart Arrive MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN Note To COLL 14:50 15:05   To OBAN 09:45 10:20   14:50 15:50   From COLONSAY Depart Arrive MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN Note To ISLAY 09:15 09:40   To OBAN 09:15 10:35   15:35 16:05   09:15 09:45  * * 15:35 16:05  * * From ISLAY Depart Arrive MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN Note To COLONSAY 14:55 15:20   To OBAN 09:55 10:35   14:55 16:05  

* * - Services operate during School Term only and are available from Wednesday Prior to Date of Departure Bookings/Reservations 0845 805 7465 or online at www.hebrideanair.com

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BN2 ISLANDER The Britten Norman Islander was the brainchild of John Britten and Desmond Norman who started their aircraft company back in 1953. In 1963, design on the BN2 Islander began with the prototype first flown in 1965. Since then there has been many slight alterations to the design but retaining many of the features that has made it one of Europe’s best selling aircraft. With over 1250 aircraft built and sold throughout the world, The Islander has proved to be a versatile, and capable aircraft. In fact, Britten Norman is the UK’s only privately operated civil aircraft manufacturer. Although the Islander aircraft has been built under licence in other countries such as Romania, Belgium and the Philippines, it is estimated that around 750 of them are still in commercial use around the world.

Due to the aircraft’s short take off and landing characteristics, it is widely used in regions where there are remote communities either separated by sea, or by large areas of land inaccessible by road. Places such as the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and of course, here in Scotland all use the Islander Aircraft. In the Falkland Islands, there are remote communities who depend on the Falkland Island Government Air Service who operate a fleet of 5 Islanders to 29 destinations. Without these aircraft, the remote communities would be virtually ‘cut-off’. The Scottish Ambulance Service also used to operate the Islander for transport to the mainland of people requiring medical treatment.

The aircraft was however replaced with the ‘King Air’ about 2006. The latest model of Islanders are fitted with larger cargo doors and three bladed propellers as well as many updated cockpit instruments. The pictures below show the visual differences of the standard aircraft however, these aircraft have also been operated by the Military and have been renamed as the Defender. These are fitted with various equipment dependant on which role they are used for.

The images to the left show the distinct changes to the shape of the aircraft’s ‘nose’ from a rounded one to pointed. Both of these versions can be seen in operation at various places however it is usually said that the more rounded nose is an earlier version of the aircraft .

The images to the right show the difference between a turbine engine and a standard piston engine model. The turbine model has a distinctive air intake above the leading edge of the wing as seen in the picture. This model also demonstrates the three bladed propeller.

The aircraft has a strong following and due to it being exceptionally good at what it does, there are many companies around the world that provide engineering support to this aircraft. One of these is Cormack Aviation Services based in Cumbernauld, Nr Glasgow, Scotland. They have been in business for over 40 years provided excellent services to the Islander aircraft (http://www.cormackaircraft.com/). Check out their website for information on services provided including sales. With around 40 airline operators around the world still using this aircraft and more being built, I think the future looks good for this stalwart of commuter aviation. Whether its used for passengers, cargo, parachute drops or civil and military defence, the adaptability of the aircraft has rightly earned it the name, ‘Land Rover of the skies’.

Page No 5 COll’S AVIATION HISTORY Coll’s Five Airports If the splashdown in the 1920s of an RAF seaplane may be ignored, Coll’s experience of aircraft and airports began in June 1933 when a de Havilland Fox Moth touched down on Breacacha sands. It belonged to Midland and Scottish Air Ferries and was its way out from Renfrew to Stornoway on an exploratory flight. Breacacha was used for more flights in the years that followed, including the first air ambulance visit. The 1936 grouse season was just days old when a young gillie was accidentally shot in the foot. Word of this reached Captain J A Hankins who was on the Isle of Skye with his three-engined Spartan Cruiser Mk II. Hankins flew south to Coll and, while waiting for the patient, he was photographed with Dorothy Stewart of Breacacha. The outbreak of hostilities in 1939 effectively dictated the need for an airfield that was independent of tides and a stretch of grass near Ben Feall was chosen for an Emergency Landing Ground. To act as a marker, a large stone nearby had an RAF roundel painted on top, and a bolt was cemented onto it for attaching a windsock — the flaky and rusty remnants are still there to this day. After the war, the use of Feall continued for air ambulance flights and with the graceful Dragon Rapide becoming the main aircraft. In 1948 the airstrip was mentioned in the Nature Notes section of the Scotsman newspaper: Perhaps the finest sight of all is the carpet of wild geranium which covers the machair sloping down to the white sands of the Traigh Feall. The emergency landing strip is here, and surely nowhere else do aircraft touch down on a sward so starred with flowers. Feall became an alternative airstrip for the Rapide when a grass strip at Totronald was established. Totronald was used by the Rapide and by the four-engined de Havilland Heron in the 1950s on air ambulance visits. The Heron visits ceased after an incident in 1957. An aircraft which was out on a familiarisation flight was landing in a cross-wind and slithered towards a ditch, damaging the undercarriage and starboard engines but fortunately with no crew injuries. It was thought worthy of repair and four old ‘Fergies’ (the ubiquitous grey Ferguson tractors) were called on to tow it to Breacacha for removal by landing craft, eventually to arrive back at the manufacturers in Hatfield. It was to fly again for more than two decades. In the 1960s, the authorities were trying to improve air services and a scheme known as Operation Military Aid to the Community brought new airfields to remote locations. It was Coll’s turn in 1968/69 for army engineers to carry out upgrading work at Totronald. This allowed Loganair to operate a scheduled service in the early 1970s from Glasgow, using the Islander aircraft. There was no terminal building, no radio communications, no security checks, no baggage carousel, etc. There was though a wind sock and a tractor -hauled fire pump – oh, and an under-wing shelter from the rain! Totronald was soon returned to wings with feathers and about 1975 a stretch of ground at Ballard became airport number four, although use of this strip was limited to the air ambulance, to some charter flights and to the occasional private aircraft. In November 2005, £6 million of funding was approved for new airfields on Coll and on Colonsay, plus improvements at Oban. The aim of the local authority was to provide a service for island pupils who attended Oban High School and to let them have more weekends at home. On Coll, the construction work involved the moving of thousands of tons of runway material from the pier at Arinagour. The west end road soon became virtually impassable due to the pounding it took from heavy lorries, and the damage and the repair work became something of a saga in the press, as did the matter of licensing airfields. Seemingly not content to wait for an official opening, some enthusiastic private fliers were soon arriving to add ‘Coll International’ to their flying log and observed, in comparison with Ballard’s grass strip, “a completely different orientation - now north/south as opposed to east/west.” They also noted that it is not near “civilisation” and that “mobile reception is virtually zero” – adding “it is therefore useful to pre-arrange transport or to arrive with a folding bicycle.” It was during 2008 that it was licensed for scheduled services, and on Monday 16th June of that year the first such flight to Coll for over three decades landed, carrying a BBC cameraman and reporter, and it did feature on the evening news.

Article and photos kindly sent in by Mr E McGee

COLL’S 5 AIRPORTS

Touchdown would like to thank Mr McGee and all those who were involved in the article. If you wish to send photos or articles for inclusion into Touchdown please keep file sizes to below 1mb and preferably in jpeg format (jpg). Written articles in word or pdf. Articles/photos can be sent to [email protected] or address at rear of newsletter. Items can be returned as necessary on request. Please bear in mind any copyright material must be done with Page No 7 owners permission.

LOCAL FEATURES COLONSAY BREWERY Referred to as the Smallest Island in the world with it’s own Brewery, Colonsay has demonstrated it can hold its own within the industry. Producing about 1700 bottles each production cycle, the beer is transported to mainland for retail and was recently sold in Aldi stores. With an Island population of around 120, selling any goods to the mainland is necessary and there is no doubt that much work was done when it came to the marketing and planning. The building was also built with a small shop for visitors where you can purchase any of the three beers produced along with other merchandise including souvenirs. The ‘5-Barrel Brewery’ currently produces 3 types of beer;

Colonsay Lager - 4.4 % Things move slowly on this island – which suits our lager down to the ground. The rich and full flavour of this thirst quenching drink is down to its unusually long fermentation. Whether it’s the salt in the sea air that blows through the brewery, or the quality of the water – we’re not sure – but we think you will agree there is something special about this lager.

Colonsay 80/- Ale - 4.2% A traditional Scottish Ale brewed for export. In the old days ales were taxed in shillings per barrel depending on the strength – so this malty and flavoursome ale is at the higher end of traditional beer strengths. Some claim to find a hint of smoke in 80/- ales – our slightly peaty water may well bring that out more – discover for yourself.

Colonsay IPA - 3.9% Everyone knows the history of India Pale Ale so I’ll not trouble you with it again. What you get with this beer is a pale colour to reflect the malt type, but lots of hop and citrus and character to make this a pint to be savoured.

IS IT TIME FOR A TREAT Why not treat yourself to some of the finest handmade chocolates around and take a visit to Oban Chocolate Company. Situated on the sea front in Oban with views across the bay to Kerrera, you can watch the chocolate being made as well as buy some of your favourites. Also take a seat in the coffee lounge and relax in the surroundings. THE OBAN DISTILLERY

Nestled in the centre of Oban is The Oban Distillery built in 1794 even before the town. The distillery is one of the small- est in Scotland and predominantly produces a 14 year old malt whisky said to be between a smoky dry to a lighter sweeter malt. The building is equipped with a visitor centre and tours of the distillery can be organised. Like most Whis- ky producers, exports are very important and I was particularly pleased to have photographed a bottle of Oban Whisky in a shop window on Main Street Gibraltar.

View from the Tower

Frequency 118.050

Hope everyone has had a Merry Xmas and best wishes for the New Year from the Tower. Firstly a big well done to our latest

member of the fraternity, John MacDonald who successfully passed his FISO Validation and can now operate in the Tower unsupervised. You may remember John from his photo with celebrities in issue 3. The expected changes within the trade have now begun with the introduction of CAP 797 to replace the

outdated material in CAP 410. This came into force in January and as a result CAP 427 is also expected to change following consultation. Meetings are going ahead later this month to drive the changes forward. Of course not forgetting that EASA will be having an impact as they effectively become Law in 2014.

We are looking forward to a challenging year ahead and

hopefully we will see various improvements in Met information and facilities as well as other developments.

B Millar (SFISO) ROBERT BURNS (1759—1796)

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever; Ae fareweel, and then for ever! Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee. Who shall say that Fortune grieves him, While the star of hope she leaves him? Me, nae cheerful twinkle lights me; Dark despair around benights me.

I'll ne'er blame my partial fancy, Naething could resist my Nancy: But to see her was to love her; Love but her, and love for ever. Had we never lov'd sae kindly, Had we never lov'd sae blindly, Never met-or never parted, We had ne'er been broken-hearted.

Fare-thee-weel, thou first and fairest! Fare-thee-weel, thou best and dearest! Thine be ilka joy and treasure, Peace, Enjoyment, Love and Pleasure! Ae fond kiss, and then we sever! Ae fareweel alas, for ever! Deep in heart-wrung tears I'll pledge thee, Warring sighs and groans I'll wage thee

LORN FARMERS & CRAFTERS MARKET

Kintaline Farm Plant & Poultry Centre, Kintaline Mill Farm, Oban PA37 1QS - Every First and Third Thursday of the month.

In The Next Issue Of Touchdown January 2013 Europe: How different is flying in the UK to View from Local Businesses Glenforsa Aerodrome: Feature on the other places. popular island airfield

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ISLAND AIRSTRIPS OF SCOTLAND

Listed Below is a list of most of the airstrips located around the Islands off the Coast of Scotland. We have listed those in the far North, and West only.

PLACE ISLAND PLACE ISLAND

Unst Unst Shetland Stornoway Stornoway

Fetlar Fetlar Shetland Benbecula Benbecula

Scatsta Shetlands Broadford Skye

Outer Skerries Outer Skerries Barra Barra

Whalsay Whalsay Shetlands Coll Coll

Papa Stour Papa Stour Glenforsa Mull

Lerwick/Tingwall Shetlands Tiree Tiree

Foula Foula Shetlands Colonsay Colonsay

Sumburgh Shetlands Islay Islay

Fair Isle Fair Isle Gigha Gigha

North Ronaldsay Orkney Isles

Papa Westray Orkney Isles

Westray Orkney Isles

Sanday Orkney Isles

Eday Orkney Isles

Stronsay Orkney Isles

Kirkwall Orkney Isles Kingarth Bute

Flotta Isle Orkney Isles Jura Jura

Hoy/Longhope Orkney Isles Arran Arran

NOTE: Some of these airstrips may be private land and may be no longer suitable for Aviation use. Please check with the land owner before flying into these islands. Airports highlighted in Green are Licenced Aerodromes with the CAA and can be found in the UK AIP.

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 www.flyobanairport.co.uk

Twitter (twitter.com/obanairport)

Facebook (Support Oban Airport)

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

Below are 10 questions about Issue 4 of the Touchdown Newsletter. Try to answer all of them if you can. BREWERY 1. How many airfields has there been on the Isle of BURNS Coll? WORDSEARCH COLL 2. What is the RFFS Category at Oban? COLONSAY HERO 3. How many cars attended the LE JOG event at Oban Find the words on the right in the Airport? table below ISLANDER OBAN 4. How many bottles of beer are produced at Colonsay RUNWAY Brewery on each production cycle? TOWER 5. CAP 410 is to be replaced with CAP ……… ?

6. Who was John Britten’s partner in business? N Z D N L K K F B A Z Y B O M C A M U U U U C Q R A E R Z Q 7. What year was the Islander prototype first flown? R V B K W D Z H N S E E M G V 8. What Aircraft suffered an undercarriage collapse on U E A O K H J D N C H W H K D the Isle of Coll? N H M V E D Y O O W Y K E U M 9. What year was Robert Burns born? W K I N I S L A N D E R D R D 10. At RFFS Category 3, what is the length of aircraft A H R E W O T E P N W M W P Y that falls within this category? Y L P L C L L M M N B U P P S S V L B M L A E U U S T T E K OBAN AIRPORT I H S R I D W H R N L U V Z T G Z B F B L I N M A L F G K S North Connel G G P V X L S V B T O M D B L Argyll T M Q X S Q M X N C C Q P X R W P M T N B W J L H P F K J T PA37 1SW W I B H N O C L S F N F M B P Tel 01631 710910

Email [email protected]

www.flyobanairport.co.uk

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