Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2017
697. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of air traffic controllers and pilots employed by the Air Corps from 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, by year and percentage change, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24445/17]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables:
Air Traffic Controllers
|
Year (31 Dec) |
Air Traffic Controllers |
Fully Qualified |
Partially Qualified |
% Change from previous to current year (total ATC) |
|
2013 |
17 |
9 |
8 |
0% |
|
2014 |
17 |
13 |
4 |
0% |
|
2015 |
17 |
14 |
3 |
0% |
|
2016 |
14 |
11 |
3 |
-18% |
|
2017 |
14 |
10 |
4 |
0% |
“Partially qualified” personnel refers to individuals who have completed, and passed all examinations relating to Aerodrome control only but require further training to permit them to perform the full range of duties.
|
Year (31 Dec) |
Pilots |
% Change from previous to current year |
|
2013 |
88 |
0% |
|
2014 |
82 |
-7% |
|
2015 |
81 |
-1% |
|
2016 |
81 |
0% |
|
2017 |
78 |
-4% |
Pilots
It is important to note that as well as pilot numbers, the experience level of pilots is a key variable in determining operational capability.
Every effort is being made to address the personnel requirements of the Air Corps. Actions are underway to return a full level of air traffic control services to the Air Corps. ATC training is taking place and options to ensure the longer term sustainability of ATC services in Baldonnel are being identified by an Air Traffic Control Working Group.
Four personnel will complete their Air Traffic Control training between May and September this year. The Air Corps is currently inducting a further Air Traffic Control Course, and it is anticipated that up to eight (8) will be selected for training, with the aim of qualifying in May 2018 and May 2019. A new NCO promotion competition, to fill the ranks of Sergeants and above, including those in the Air Corps, has also been launched.
These measures will facilitate a gradual extension of operational hours for air traffic control services in Baldonnel over the year as newly qualified personnel develop their expertise and with an anticipated return to full 24/7 service in early 2018.
In relation to pilot retention, the implementation of a range of proposals, including professional and personal development, working environment, operational deployments, career advancement and terms and conditions, designed to enhance retention of serving Air Corps pilots are being advanced by a civil military working group. In addition, the potential to attract back personnel who may have left the service is also being examined. A range of other measures are also being pursued, including:
- Increased Pilot Cadets in training
- Cadet Recruitment campaign underway
- Four personnel will complete Air Traffic Control (ATC) training between May and September 2017 and a further ATC course is being inducted
- Promotions including NCO vacancies in the Air Corps will be filled from the recently launched NCO promotion competition.
While these initiatives are underway, realistically it will take some time for a return to previous levels of capability in the Air Corps.
