OMAGH AIR CADETS VISIT THE IRISH AIR CORPS

Cadets and staff from Omagh Squadron Air Cadets visited Casement Aerodrome in Dublin, and were made extremely welcome by the Irish Air Corps.  The visit was organised by the Squadron Detachment Commander, Pilot Officer Graham Dodds, in conjunction with Captain Peter Smith from the Irish Air Corps. The Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) very kindly sponsored the visit.

The group visited various aircraft and departments on the base and were entertained to lunch in the mess.  They also got to meet the birds of prey which the Air Corps use to prevent bird strikes on the airfield.

The cadets and staff all had an excellent time and wish to extend their sincere thanks to both the Irish Air Corps personnel and to RAFA for making it possible.

The photo above shows the cadets with the Agusta Westland AW139 helicopter.

Below:  Cadets get to meet the birds of prey:

 

Below left: The team get to look around the Learjet 45;  below right:  Captain Peter Smith is presented with a cadet clock:

 

The Air Corps is the air component of the Permanent Defence Forces, based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin. Today, approximately 750 men and women serve in the Air Corps, each making a unique and significant contribution to fulfilling the roles, both primary and secondary as assigned by government.

The Air Corps has recently completed a major fleet upgrade programme whereby many of its older aircraft have been replaced by modern, state of the art military aircraft. This in turn has allowed for increased efficiency, increased output and significant improved capabilities.

The Air Corps currently operates 17 fixed wing aircraft and 10 rotary wing aircraft along with two simulators; a PC-9M and a multi-crew trainer.