Flying to Britain's LEAST USED AIRPORT

I took a flight to Britain's least used airport to find out how aviation keeps this tiny community connected with the outside world.
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[@hughie501]

Noel, at 12:10, if you pause the video you can clearly see the Community Garden through the second gate. Not only is it lovely and lush, it also has benches with lovely views where you could have eaten your lunch!

[@DaveP668]

I was on holiday in Oban last summer and saw these doing the trips to the islands. I have done the Oban-Colonsay- Islay ferry and I don't think the Colonsay local we were talking to would have been allowed to take the 'cargo' she had in her car on the plane. Three months of supplies from the Oban Aldi, Tesco and M&S! On small Scottish islands if you stay long enough you will quickly realise the person who unlocks the airport probably also checks the ferry tickets, serves in the shop, delivers the mail and cooks the breakfast in your B&B!

[@annamariefella8315]

I live in California and have never heard of these places, I went straight to a map and looked them up (including finding the roads you walked on). SO fascinating! Thanks again for sharing this with us so we can see a place we’d never see otherwise!

[@kevinbrewis6014]

I was in El Cohone airstrip a couple of year ago as my mate is an amateur pilot and needed some hours flying, he took us up around in a circle fot an hour, it was very good indeed.

[@Bozewani]

I won the state of new jersey in geography in 2004 and even I never heard of Oban and Coionsay

[@jimsteinway695]

@@Bozewani thanks for spelling it!

[@marcospark2803]

In USA you don't even study about Mexico or Canada, of course you don't know about UK.

[@jimsteinway695]

@@marcospark2803 that’s blatantly untrue. I grew up in Texas, and we studied Texas history as well as US history. We were thoroughly taught in the history of Mexico as it is intertwined with Texas history. How Mexico and Spain interacted. Mexico’s independence. And especially the bandits in the border area. Canada not so much outside the American revolution and how the French settled much of Canada and it’s interaction with Americans and the British. We also studied British history in college as far as its Naval Prowess and keeping Napoleon checked since he didn’t have the Navy Britain did. Especially when he was trying to get to his army in Egypt. We were taught Napoleon wasn’t exactly French since he was born in Corsica. We also were taught about the Royals and how the kings and queens of Europe were all related all the way to the Czars of Russia. I took a class on what it was like to be in the British forces back in the 1800’s , but where we really studied the UK was in the World Wars. So I don’t know where you got your degree in the US educational system but it doesn’t match what I’ve been taught. I’m sure there’s Londoners who don’t know about that airport either and I don’t believe that makes them ignorant.

[@Phiyedough]

I took my parents (who are sadly no longer with us) on a distillery tour of Islay. This video brought back happy memories of the region and the people there.

[@vixenator7657]

This is where my mum grew up before her and my dad married and immigrated to Canada 60 years ago. Never dreamed I would see it in a KZbin video on airports. That's part of the charm of your videos. I never know here you'll show up next. Keep up the great work!

[@royfearn4345]

Hell of a crosswind landing and take-off. Respect to the pilot.

[@nightw4tchman]

Happy to say I've used the least used airport in Scotland a number of times. I remember it being literally four slabs of concrete (painted white) and full of sheep, a nightmare to find. My great grandad built the old "terminal" building. It was more of a wooden hut than the current one.

[@bimoaa]

I love these kinds of videos where people travel to unexplored locations in their country. I'm Indonesian, so there is a lot of unknown places here. I'd really love to go explore the UK one day. Love your videos, keep it up man. Much love from Indonesia 🇮🇩🇮🇩

[@joriome30]

Oh Noel ! When I first opened this video , I thought you were wearing a very bad wig ! Love your vids. Feels like we could all be there , not just the wealthy . 🙏

[@shonen84]

Selamat tahun baru bro xD

[@rais1953]

The British Isles is also an archipelago though much smaller than Indonesia. Probably interesting because it's so different from Indonesia. I'm Australian, lived in Indonesia for several years when I was young and have travelled widely there - all over Java, and to Jambi, Bali, Banjarmasin, South and Central Sulawesi, NTB, Maluku, but there's so much I still haven't seen in Indonesia.

[@aheat3036]

@@rais1953 Well, if you’re Australian, then your flag is the Union Jack and your “Head of State” is the British monarch so you ought to travel to the British Isles like all good Aussies!

[@CherrrrBear]

I want to go to Indonesia so much! I’m American!

[@iaintaylor5585]

Went there a few years ago. Your accommodation on the island will pick you up at the airport. Colonsay Hotel is quite plush. There's an oyster farm on the island, so they are as fresh as you'll get anywhere.

[@derby1884]

2:20....love the little tuckshop at Oban Airport. Reasonable prices, too.

[@loveisall5520]

This is my favorite content of yours: where you don't just show another massive airliner flying. I'll never get to go to this beautiful island in person--but you've done next best!

[@BackpackerBen]

Just started watching your videos Noel! Great content. Scotland is incredible

[@massimomarrone640]

Thanks Noel for showing us those places where not many dare to explore.!The World is so Beautiful..You know that more than anybody can think about it. Happy New Year 2022 !!

[@marksanderson8827]

Quality, I reckon it could get addictive flying around on those little belters

[@phillipsiviter2024]

Those Islanders do a splendid job of keeping access to the islands open and connected but it’s not our shortest runway though.

[@ShortField]

501m is not short especially for the Islander. Have a look at my channel for some shorter stuff :-)

[@yeahyeahd]

love that so many stopped to offer you a ride! what a beautiful place to visit.

[@duncangrainge]

BTW, I’ve flown hundreds of times in the BN Islander and trilander. That engine noise is unforgettable.

[@andrewbarker4986]

What a skilled pilot and an interesting video.Thanks a lot.

[@lucascalma605]

Happy New Year dude! It's really nice to me that we're started the year 2022 by exploring an airport and a beautiful place with greenery and sheep I've never seen on your channel before, so for me, it's basically an affirmation that "New year means a new adventure!" BTW it feels like we're in a rural part of New Zealand BTW!

[@ac9110]

Another brilliant video Noel. Always a treat finding you've posted another one. As ever thanks for taking the time to film these.

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rafww2clipsyt342]

Sure is the most beautiful little town in Oban used to live there when I was young we had three houses one at kilmelford another at loch awe and another one but can’t remember. Lovely place to live😍

[@margodoyle3557]

I am 71 and never ever seen or tasted deep fried pizza or mars bar. Lived in Scotland my whole life!

[@narabdela]

Deep fried pizza, when you could have had beautifully fresh caught and cooked haddock.? I despair sometimes!

[@jakembakem8357]

I watched your video on the Least used airport in mainland USA. This was a immediate watch.

[@teazerfemi]

Happy new year great family, it's nice to be back with you Noel this new year, we are starting off on a very good note

[@Outandaboutwithpoggy]

Interesting video, used to fly using Britain Norman Islander aircraft to Isles of Scilly and back to St Just, the sounds of the engines, the cockpit, controls all bought memories flooding back, thanks for sharing, Mike

[@noelphilips]

Very cool

[@samarendradash4539]

Wow.This is rare, prized and priceless vedio indeed showcasing centuries old of history replete with serenity.Commendable and hats off to you for capturing the Virgin beauty.

[@rossmcadam6395]

Yey!!! long time subscriber here and get that hawf pizza crunchy down ye. Wee can a bru in the morning you'll be you sound! Had to adjust alot of auto correct there...

[@14723ian]

Just repeated this flight in Microsoft Flight Simulator in VR. Stunning scenery. Very tricky short runway at Colonsay (EGEY). Currently circumnavigating the UK in VR in a TBM-930. Started in Newcastle, been up to the Orkneys and presently at Prestwick. Love your videos.

[@joannharrington2279]

What a serene place and very beautiful. I can see why you enjoyed your walk into town. Flying there would be a nice outing for the day. Something different to do. As always safe flights.

[@TheMich36]

Amazing, cheers. So nice to see places like this. Thank you!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephenfriesen1062]

That is so cool. My hometown in Saskatchewan Canada is named after Colonsay.

[@randywade389]

Those flights looked like they were fun! Getting pushed around some, dipping and jumping! Woohoo! And the island looked wonderful.

[@Trevjanes]

Happy new year Noel. Can't believe you ate a Ginsters in Scotland. You need to try the Isles of Scilly helicopter service and have a proper pasty.

[@applefan87]

Love these flights and the small islands in Scotland. Was totally expecting Geoff Marshall to pop up all the way through though!

[@fredskronk]

Came here to say this. He should have had Geoff on.

[@twixieshores]

He declined because it wasn't a train even in the broadest sense of the word

[@adrianpeters2413]

@@twixieshores he was training for another video somewhere

[@stevenlow3036]

Fantastic video Noel, as always. The Islander is a great aircraft, ideal for such short hops. Glad to see that you enjoyed the local culinary delights, a treat rather than a staple of Scottish cuisine. keep up the good work. Wishing you blue skies and happy landings.

[@radjrjbd97]

Loved the tour of this little island and village. Enjoy your videos

[@eaubert1]

Crikey! Witnessing the approach of the little "banana plane" in those winds, I would have said: "Change of plans; I'm staying on this island for the rest of my life!"

[@JonGreen_UK]

Well, there’s always the ferry…if you don’t get seasick…second thoughts, island life looks pretty good!

[@malahammer]

Perfect landing though!

[@eaubert1]

@@JonGreen_UK .... well, fair enough.

[@studiosoftmorecambe6879]

Many of the pilots flying those aircraft are ex military and a bit of wind doesn't phase them. You are safer in one of those planes than in your Saturday night taxi home from the pub.

[@JonGreen_UK]

@@studiosoftmorecambe6879 Read that with my pilot's head on; thought, "That's a blooming long taxi!"

[@happyhermit2022]

Have a great 2022 and thank you for great content 👍

[@simonbattersby2481]

What a landing that BN Islander made - piloting nerves of steel very much on display. You were very lucky to get fine weather on your walk into Scalasaig & back.

[@adeejinnz]

So interesting! Thank you.

[@PlanesTrainsEverything]

I caught that little plane between Oban and Tiree a few years ago and it was brilliant fun. Another fine video, showing Scotland's four seasons in one day. Hey, never ever drink Tennent's Lager. It's poor quality attracts copious consumption by people who sit in parks all day... if you get my drift. Keep up the great work with these superb videos. :-)

[@anthonywarrener1881]

Thank you for a great review ! Wonderful to see Colonsay from the air, and what a splendid aircraft Hebridean use for that flight. A very happy new year to you.

[@hardman478]

It always makes me smile when Noel wears an Atlanta Braves shirt. Also deep fried pizza sounds like something you’d find in my neck of the woods in the southern United States.

[@keithphilbin3054]

Phew, glad you got back to Oban. This reminded me so much of The Wickerman 😄

[@josiejo6898]

I landed at Barra island one time, and you land on the cockle shells on the beach. Such a gorgeous place in the summer when the sea makes it looks like a mediterranean island.

[@sambharr]

Helluva pilot. Fighting those gusting crosswinds. Full aileron on take off! Good job!

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

Hi Noël from Spain and Happy New Year. At least you had a runway which is more than you get at Barra. But on Barra you used to get a bus around the island, i don't know if it still runs.

[@aarifmawani3881]

I really love the small towns. Awesome. Keep on sharing such small town destinations.

[@ronnieronaldo889]

What a way to start a vlog, can of Tennants and a deep fried pizza supper!! Great one as always and glad you where wrapped up for the trip 😂

[@johnoakes6772]

It appeared to me a very pleasant and interesting place to visit when next in UK. Lovely and you could feel the warm atmosphere from the people you interacted with albeit the cool climate. Thank you

[@pilliman]

Used to skydive out of one of these back in the 1980's. From a small airstrip at Englefield near Reading. Good to see one flying, brings back memories!

[@blairguinea6811]

Great vid Noel, thank you

[@stanislavkostarnov2157]

strangely enough, it seems, traditionally the capital of Colonsay as a Gaelic kingdom (which it once was) was Kilchattan (slightly north of the airport, the other direction from the one you went)... Sgalasaig seems to have become prominent later, when big steam ships (and later the modern ferries) could not use the city of traditional beaching at Port Mòr which had been previously the main route to the island. residents slowly gravitated towards that side of the island, which gained a post office, school, and later a resident doctor...

[@johndare3576]

Really enjoyed this video. I like it when you do a little bit of travel vlogging as well as the av geek stuff. It makes for a more interesting and informative video. Although the flight looks great ,I would take the ferry. The return ticket is only £15.60, the journey takes about 2.5 hours and the views are stunning.

[@JamboNICO]

Happy New year Noel. Glad you enjoyed the pizza crunch! Keep the great content coming.

[@malcolmrowe1794]

I love those Islander aircraft. I've flown a lot on them and their larger sister, the Trilander, between Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney. Real flying.

[@mikeggera]

Noel: great video and wonderful content as usual. You can make the videos more interesting by showing the plaque in the cemetery (10:22) so that it could be read, just like you did for the plaque at 9:22. Also, occasional mentioning the time of day would be helpful. I imagine that Colonsay gets only a few hours of sunlight at this time of year. I was wondering what time it was as you walked around the island. I was disappointed that you didn't talk to any of the locals, sort of like you did when you visited Nebraska. I would've loved to hear a really thick Scottish accent! Great job as always. Your content is more entertaining than 99% of what is on TV in the USA.

[@duncangrainge]

Happy new year to you and the whole family Noel. I’m really looking forward to your adventures during 2022.

[@Cpr1234]

Love it that someone recognised you just as you were about to board

[@reecedickinson9831]

Excellent video noel. A few years ago, the least used international airport in the uk was Teesside international. Flight have picked up now but it’s worth a visit you’ll love it. Be sure to try out a traditional Teesside Chicken Parmo. delicious.

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

What an honor: Noel is recognized, BY A PILOT, at UK's least used airport. Salute. (and got to talk airplane nerd stuff with him.)

[@vyomakeshaconsultancy3406]

Wonderful start to 2022 Noel the short flight to UK's last used airport is an eye opener for tourists to try out

[@grahamboosey9753]

Great video Noel, love seeing these kinds of places, also very jealous of your dinner, looks incredible!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@blairedwards6025]

Happy New Year Noel. Have seen that aircraft often while staying at the caravan site at the north end of the runway. Battered pizza? Always thought our Scottish delicacy was a deep fried mars bar! By the way they’re delicious! Looking forward to travelling the world again with you in 2022. Kind regards from Scotland. Blair.

[@Brettski_1234]

Battered Pizza appears to be only in Scotland while deep fried mars bars are available in other places including Australia

[@blairedwards6025]

Hi Brett, the other delicacy which I’ve only seen here and even then only in certain parts is a red pudding. In Fife you can have them as an alternative to white, black or haggis

[@raym8377]

It looked like the plane was hovering with the head wind when it was coming in to pick you up. Fascinating video! Good job. Good walk.

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jostaiii]

I love it when you explore the local shops on your travels such as in this tiny town!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@conniedavis3553]

I have watched a LOT of Noel's videos but I think this is my favorite, by far🙂

[@alix5704]

I think I would take that trip! Beautiful area of the world. Thanks for showing us lesser-known places in the British Isles.

[@cpritchett2098]

Thanks for another uniquely entertaining video. The fact that the pilot recognized you says everything about why I like this channel.

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lookinup22]

Love the G number G-HEBS. What beautiful scenery and the Islander really makes you realize you're flying! Love it.

[@noelphilips]

It really is!

[@michelcalloch9875]

Hello Noel Beautiful view you trip, the first the year Take care See,ya

[@noelphilips]

Many thanks

[@itzwill007]

Happy new year! Amazing video and happy to see that you went to this island. As apart of the Macfie's (Who used to live on the island a long time ago) it's really cool that you went there and visited the island!

[@ianstroughair4795]

Happy new year Noel. Every nice video.. I really enjoy your commentary as is so informative. Ihope you will continue to publish these for the coming future. Very well done !!!!!!! All the best Ian Stroughair.

[@ABPhotography1]

Great video Noel!, now you have to do the 17min Kirkwall to North Ronaldsay flight on Orkney, the new Airport hut has a toilet and there's the Bird Observatory next door for a refreshment and also the Lighthouse at the other end of the Island. There is a bus service, unless the old chap that ran it has retired.

[@lewistookey7552]

If everyone had a shot for every time Noel says 'colonsay' we'd all be fissed as a part 😂😂

[@KevinJones-qp9er]

Another great video Noel , absolutely love putting your you tube channels on Sundays to see we're you've been , here's to a great year I hope for you 👍

[@noelphilips]

Much appreciated!

[@jamesbrook16]

Crime rate of 1 based on 8 years X 120 population = 1 per 960 of population. That may be quite high. 1 crime of over 1,000 per year… I thought haggis was Scotland’s traditional dish! Have you tried it? - gorgeous! Though next time I’m in Scotland I will have to try the deep fried pizza. We went to ‘Dornoch International Airport’ on a very rainy December day - not to fly but to do some ‘aircraft spotting’ - we saw one - sat in a big puddle in a field. Great video.

[@DaleAsh]

Very nice! Cheers from Atlanta! Go Braves!

[@jonclassical2024]

Beautiful area, really cool island...not wild about single pilot in a commercial twin, especially marginal morning weather on departure....of course, you could hop in right seat! The flight was total fun though, VFR, drive and dive landings. Happy New Year!

[@isfet5149]

I love videos like this! Thanks for the content mate!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brentsummers7377]

Excellent report reminded me of the one you did in the USA featuring the Essential Air Service. BTW the little island at 4:02 would be perfect for the Queen to use as a home for a certain member of her family.

[@winni223]

As a photographer I'd love to come to an island like this for a week. Exploring untouched nature and terrific views would be nice!

[@studiosoftmorecambe6879]

Don't limit yourself to a single island, you need a small motorhome and explore many of the Hebrides - We did a road trip in 2003 and it is was an experience never to forget.

[@kawangkwok5262]

Really enjoy the least used airports video. Like the Denver ;east used airport video, and also this one. Take a journey to this beautiful island? Nah, I enjoy you doing these crazy flights so I don't have to haha

[@pen4tenn]

Very nice video. We had our first visit to UK this past summer. I loved all the countries I love the countryside of Scotland. We visited Kirkwall Orkney Island but we missed out on Colonsay. Back a few years ago US used 130s as refueling planes-- I am not sure if that is their job any longer. Nice you had a chance to see one.

[@sueKay]

Oban is one of my favourite places. I go there three or four times a year! In fact I stayed in that same Premier Inn in November! I also walked out to Connel and watched a couple of little planes take off from the airport perimeter. There's a ton to do in Oban and the surrounding area despite how small the town is. If you're looking for ideas for videos in Scotland there's the Loch Lomond Seaplane which isn't scheduled flights, but sightseeing trips only but still pretty cool.

[@bexhillbob]

You were on the Oban quayside and could have had the most amazing seafood from the stall there, but you went for deep fried pizza! Bad choice. The seafood stall is amazing.

[@judyriddle7195]

I wonder if you could make a “drinking” game out of how many times you said Collinsay? Love your videos, Noel. Happy New Year!

[@gaminghq4675]

Happy new year Noel. I have been on this plane in the summer flying on Hebridean air. I luckily got to sit in the ‘First officers’ seat throughout the flight and had a chat with the pilot. Great experience and would highly recommend.

[@enginerum428]

Hope this year is the best year for the channel! Can't wait!

[@williamhigham6230]

Thanks, Noel, as always a very interesting video. Looks like an enjoyable flight and island.

[@noelphilips]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joycefinn5403]

I would absolutely take this flight. Thanks Noel, for sharing you videos, they are so much fun!

[@noelphilips]

Glad you like them!

[@garybroadhurst3548]

Noel, when you get your PPL, you MUST go and do some flying in Scotland. I remember renting a Pa.38 from Highland Aviation in Inverness and flying down to Oban, amongst other places. You already know the scenery is amazing, but be respectful of the terrain and weather and do some hours with an instructor with local knowledge, particularly of maneuvering in the mountains. As you passed the C130s it reminded me of passing a Nimrod while heading SW along Loch Ness on the way to Oban - a very cool and memorable moment.

[@noelphilips]

I have my PPL 😊 I’m hoping to head up to Scotland this year.

[@mlk50002009]

Cool video as always Noel, love the shirt! Go Braves!

[@Elvis402]

These are the videos i love. Keep up the good work, and happy new year and stuff from Norway!

[@richardnei]

Great Video! It’s lovely seeing these tiny airports and how they serve the local community with vital links to the mainland. I stayed in Oban last Summer - it’s a beautiful town! ✈️

[@davidgunnar8569]

Fond memories flying in that region, on a hang glider from White Corrie's, down Gen Coe over the Five Sisters and on to the loch and bridge. One time I soared the Ben to the south of the bridge and glided down the coast towards Oban. My pal flew in convergence over the sealoch and on almost to the coast facing Mull. The retrievals (in an age before mobiles) were also epic adventures.

[@LB1973]

It wasn't you that randomly landed on spean bridge golf course one day back in around 1990 was it

[@davidgunnar8569]

@@LB1973 not guilty of that one

[@traceygriffiths8919]

Love your videos.. so easy to watch.. and your commentary is so interesting x

[@noelphilips]

Thank you so much!

[@JISJ1964]

Hi Noel! I have seen some of your films, espescially these about small airfields and don´t know if you have tried the three airfields of the Aran Islands west of Galway, I myself have visited the islands but via ships and It would be interesting to hear a knowing person talking about the airstrips too.This film was really interesting!

[@steveross2786]

Just want to say a big thank you to Noel you and your Videos made the bout of Covid I had bearable thanks once again and keep up the excellent work . Thanks

[@paulbuchanan4824]

Another really informative video. Looking forward to Noel's adventures in 2022