Derek McDowell
Question:93 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Defence if consideration has been given to establishing a training school for prospective Air Corps personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4669/02]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces 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 to complete officer training. The duration of the flying training course is approximately eighteen months and progresses from elementary and basic to advanced flying training. Cadets who suc cessfully complete their training are conferred with "wings" and commissioned as second-lieutenants in the Air Corps. All flying training for cadets is conducted at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
The military authorities advise that there are currently no plans to change the system whereby personnel are recruited for training as Air Corps pilot officers through the annual Defence Forces cadetship competition, as the cadetship competition is capable of satisfying foreseeable future Air Corps intake needs in this regard.
There are two cadet classes in training in the Air Corps. One class is in the Cadet School, Military College, Defence Forces Training Centre on basic military training and who are due to be commissioned in 2003. The second class are in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel undergoing flight training and are due to be commissioned this year. The cadetship competition for 2002 was recently advertised and 10 of these cadetships will be for Air Corps pilot cadets.
Question No. 94 answered with Question No. 61.
Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 33.
Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 50.
Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 56.