Information, if flying to Oban

[G Wilson]

Worth a trip over to the west coast, friendly and helpful everytime.

Regards
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Information issued to locals.


Following the successful CAA licensing of Oban Airport in mid June there are a few changes to operations that require highlighting to ensure continued compliance with the Rules of the Air Regulations 2007. These are detailed in the current ‘Rules of the Air Regulations 2007’ in particular rules 2, 5, 8, 17, 38, 40, 41, 42, 45. As Licensed aerodromes, Oban, Coll and Colonsay are required to operate in accordance with:
· The relevant parts of CAP 168 ‘Licensing of Aerodromes’.
· The procedures detailed in the relevant aerodrome manuals.
Note 1: The Aerodrome Manuals have been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority and procedures contained therein are mandatory. All operating staff have access to a copy of the Aerodrome Manual.
Oban Information
Oban Airport now has an active Flight Information Service Unit instead of the previous air ground service. During notified hours of operation this is identified by the radio call sign “Oban Information.” Further information regarding the slight changes in RT procedures can be found in the latest edition of CAP413.
One notable change is in relation to the movement of aircraft, people and vehicles on the aerodrome.
Firstly aircraft shall not taxi on the apron or manoeuvring area without the permission of the flight information service unit. All aircraft must request taxi information from “Oban Information” before moving on the aerodrome. For practical reasons this does not include aircraft being moved within areas of ground leased by the local based flying clubs.
Any vehicle permitted airside may only move on the manoeuvring area having received instruction from the Flight Information Service Unit.
Additionally access of persons on the manoeuvring area is only permitted after gaining permission from the Flight Information Service Unit. To further enhance airside safety Hi visibility clothing must be worn at all times when airside. Pilots or flight crew may escort people who have no Hi visibility clothing directly to or from their aircraft.

Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ)
An ATZ is active at Oban and extends 2 nautical miles in radius and 2000 feet from the midpoint of the runway. Aircraft shall not enter, take off or land within the ATZ unless they have obtained information from the Flight Information Service Unit to enable safe flight within the ATZ. Outside the ATZ passing aircraft are welcome to participate in the Flight Information Service, however all pilots are reminded that the normal Cat G airspace rules are applicable as aircraft outside the ATZ may not be in communication with Oban Flight Information Service.


PPR
All aerodromes operated by Argyll and Bute council are strictly PPR; any pilot wishing to use the facilities must obtain permission prior to departure for their destination aerodrome.
PPR for Oban, Coll and Colonsay may be obtained by contacting Oban Airport on 01631 710910 or in person when booking out during notified opening hours. Glenforsa PPR should initially be requested from Mr D Howitt on 01680 300 402. If it is not possible to contact Mr Howitt requests for PPR should then be directed to Oban Airport on 01631 710 910. Requests for PPR via radio will not be accepted.
PPR will not be given for aircraft wishing to use Coll or Colonsay if the time of arrival or departure coincides with the scheduled air services.
PPR for visiting aircraft will not be granted if time of departure or time of arrival is outside notified opening hours. (Oban Airport)

“Out of hours” use
Although presently under review, use of Oban, Coll and Colonsay aerodromes out with notified opening hours is currently restricted to flying clubs based at Oban Airport and organisations providing lifeline or emergency services to the island communities.
Oban Airport is secured to prevent unauthorised access when Argyll and Bute council employees are not on duty, only persons with approved access arrangements will be permitted on the airport during unmanned hours.
Oban Airport (EGEO) useful information:

FISU NAVAIDS RUNWAY 01 19
Oban Information118.050 Mhz NDB 404khz (OBN) TORA 1064m 1141m
TORA 1064m 1141m
DME 110.55Mhz Ch 42Y (OBA) ASDA 1199m 1193m
LDA 1110m 993m

Circuits for runway 19 are right hand.


Colonsay Aerodrome (EGEY) useful information:

FISU RUNWAY 11 27
Colonsay Radio123.800 Mhz TORA 501m 501m
TORA 501m 501m
ASDA 501m 501m
LDA 501m 501m

‘Colonsay Radio’ is normally only manned during scheduled aircraft times.


Coll Aerodrome (EGEL) useful information

FISU RUNWAY 02 20
Coll Radio125.000 Mhz TORA 500m 500m
TORA 500m 500m
ASDA 500m 500m
LDA 500m 500m

‘Coll Radio’ is normally only manned during scheduled aircraft times.


Glenforsa (unlicensed aerodrome) useful information

FISU RUNWAY 07-25
Glenforsa Radio120.800 Mhz Length 780m
Width 28m

‘Glenforsa Radio’ 120.800Mhz (A/G service may be available; you will be advised when requesting PPR.)



Additional Information
Additional Information on the licensed aerodromes can be obtained in the AIP and through NOTAMs:
www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php.html

[Brian Hope]

Great to know that the usability and informailty of yet another airfield has been so wonderfully enhanced - I think not. How long before the friendly and helpful microlight club and the gliders are shuffled off out of it in the name of progress?