Vol. 387 No. 7
asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that three recent sea and air missions have been carried out with the one operational Dauphin helicopter with only one engine working; if such missions are not potentially very dangerous for both crew and those to be rescued; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
166.
asked the Minister for Defence the reason that out of three Dauphin helicopters purchased for use by the Air Corps there is only one operational at present which has only one of its two engines in operation; if this situation will be improved in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Limerick West): I propose to Take Questions Nos. 164 and 166 together.
The mandatory operating limitations specified in the Dauphin Helicopter Flight Manual prohibit intentional single-engine flight. These procedures have been and are being strictly complied with by the Air Corps.
The average daily serviceability rate for Dauphin helicopters for January 1989 was 2.4. The figure for February is not yet available.
