The January Event will be a "Hogmanay Run" through the Western Highlands in three legs. (Legs 1 & 2 count towards this month's star, leg 3 is optional but takes in some impressive scenery along the Great Glen.)

Leg 1 starts by taking off from Glasgow and heading along most of the length of Loch Lomand before flying cross country to North Connel/Oban. Those so inclined may wish to take a short taxi ride to Oban itself to stock-up at the distillery there.

Leg 2 continues from Oban northwards to the small strip at Plockton (The nearest airfield in FSX to the Isle of Skye.). Again those wishing to may replenish their supplies of Drambuie.

For those who have the time, the final leg takes us from Plockton to Inverness, firstly flying East to re-join the great Glen at Fort Augustus before flying the length of Loch Ness to Inverness. (I was informed many years ago that if we now consume our supplies and then take a bus ride back along Loch Ness we are guaranteed to spot the monster!)

The event may be flown on any day in January, however in the spirit of Hogmanay it should ideally be flown on Thursday 1st January!

I would advise that if you do want to fly with other members during the event then log onto Teamspeak on Thursday 1st at 1930z (1930 Local), or if that is too early in the year on Thursday 15th at 1930z (1930 Local).

Any aircraft can be flown in this event as long as it is within the EASA GA category, however it might be worth considering the practicalities of landing at North Connel, where if winds dictate r/w 19 to be in use the approach is over a ridge that obscures sight of the runway on a long final! (Real world pilot's comment "..and we used runway 19 which involves a relatively short final approach due to high ground.")

You will also need to consider the practicalities of landing at Plockton (02/20 597m of Asphalt).

1. Glasgow to North Connel/Oban

   At 80 knots this leg should take about 42 minutes.
   Your flight plan for the legs should show:

   • Departure = EGPF
   • Destination = EGEO
   • Route = EGPF to EGEO Via GLASGOW ALEXANDRIA, Tarbet, Ardgartan, Cairndow, Inveraray, Fraoch Eilean
   • Comments = /V/ DAYLIGHT / CIX VFR CLUB /

2. Oban to Plockton

   At 80 knots this leg should take about 56 minutes
   Your flight plan for the legs should show:

   • Departure = EGEO
   • Destination = UK10
   • Route = EGEO to UK10 Via Fort William, Arisaig, Skye Bridge
   • Comments = /V/ DAYLIGHT / CIX VFR CLUB /

3. Plockton to Inverness

   At 80 knots this leg should take about 56 minutes
   Your flight plan for the legs should show:

   • Departure = UK10
   • Destination = EGPE
   • Route = UK10 to EGPE Via Dornie, Sheil Bridge, Loch Clunie Dam, A87, Invergarry, INVERNESS DORES
   • Comments = /V/ DAYLIGHT / CIX VFR CLUB /

At the time of publishing this event plan, ATC has not been confirmed.

Take care not to let our Teamspeak chat cut across ATC. Stop any conversation immediately the R/T comes alive, then continue if "he wasn't talking to us". This is difficult because when transmitting on Teamspeak you can't hear the R/T. So be brief on Teamspeak, and be aware that ATC might be trying to get through. If anyone hears an R/T message which seems to be being ignored, just say "ATC is calling G-CIXN" if you have identified the callsign, or "ATC is calling us" which is a cue for everyone to be quiet on Teamspeak until ATC call again (which they will). Remember too that if asked to "Stand By" by ATC, you do not reply - not even "Roger", but simply wait until you are called again.

Remember also that there are several different ATC frequencies in use, and you may not be able to hear when communications are taking place. Make sure you have set and know how to use a Teamspeak mute switch.