Bernard J. Durkan
Question:55 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the regularity with which military aircraft are issued with a CoA; if this applies in the case of the Government jet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13316/03]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:56 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the way in which it has transpired that the Government jet had a mechanical failure during the period within which a valid CoA applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13317/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.
The Gulfstream IV aircraft when acquired in 1991 was accompanied by an appropriate airworthiness certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Authority. On delivery, the aircraft was placed on the military register. The Air Corps does not operate a certificate of airworthiness system directly analogous to some civil aviation regulators. Airworthiness for aircraft on the military register is assured by adherence to the maintenance management organisation exposition as issued and updated by GOC Air Corps.
In addition, the aircraft completes an annual inspection at the manufacturers facility. In this regard, the Gulfstream IV completed its last annual maintenance inspection at Gulfstream's maintenance facility in August 2002. When this maintenance input was complete, Gulfstream issued the aircraft with certificate of release to service. The aircraft recommenced operations in September 2002. The Gulfstream IV aircraft, as is the case with all aircraft, and equipment generally, suffers from occasional unscheduled unserviceability. When such unscheduled unserviceability occurs, it is dealt with in accordance with the Air Corps' approved maintenance publications. Such approved maintenance publications are a feature of all aircraft, and form an intrinsic part of the Air Corps approved maintenance programme for the Gulfstream IV.
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 48.