Ivor Callely
Question:122 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the number of pilots in training with the Air Corps; if he will give a breakdown of the aircraft used and their location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4718/00]
Written Answers. - Air Corps Strength.
There are two cadet classes in training in the Air Corps – one class of 13 in the cadet school, military college, Defence Forces Training Centre on basic military training and the second class of eleven in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel on flight training. Air Corps cadets undergo six months basic military orientation in the cadet school before reporting to the Air Corps to commence flying training and complete officer training. The duration of the flying training course is approximately 18 months and successful cadets are conferred with "wings" and commissioned as Second-Lieutenants in the Air Corps.
The flying training course is divided into three phases – elementary, basic and advanced. The aircraft used on the elementary and basic phases is the Marchetti. Training for the advanced phase is carried on both the Gazelle helicopter and the Beechcraft.
All flying training is conducted at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
Ivor Callely
Question:123 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the number of trainees and pilots in service with the Air Corps in each of the years from 1989 to 1999; the percentage of personnel which left; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4719/00]
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. I am having the information compiled and I will write to the Deputy as soon as it is available.