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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 November 2021

Thursday, 18 November 2021

Ceisteanna (220)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

220. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the reason the Air Corps Pilates PC9 aircraft is sent to Switzerland for inspections; if it relates to poor staffing levels in Casement Aerodrome; the cost of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56652/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavors to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily. The use of performance based maintenance contracts with original equipment manufacturers assists the Air Corps in keeping downtime of aircraft to the minimum and this is in line with international best practice.

It is currently the case that various aspects of aircraft maintenance are out-sourced by the Air Corps because the cost of in-house provision of such niche expertise and the specialist equipment required to certify airframes would be prohibitively expensive and not cost effective in the context of the number of airframes operated by the Air Corps.In relation to the Pilatus PC-9M aircraft fleet of 8 aircraft, I am advised by the military authorities that the aircraft are routinely sent to the original equipment manufacturer Pilatus, in Switzerland, in order to complete certain maintenance inputs. These are most commonly annual inspections concurrent with 300 flight hour interval checks. Approximately 50% to 60% of the PC-9M fleet of 8 aircraft are sent to Pilatus manufacturing facilities on an annual basis for this purpose.

Since the introduction of the aircraft type into service, the Air Corps has had a performance based contract with Pilatus for the logistical and technical support of its PC-9M fleet. Pilatus are therefore in a position to provide the fastest turnaround times for these inspections and have all the required expertise at hand. The cost of the maintenance varies between €50k and €100k per maintenance visit, depending on the work scope and defects uncovered during the aircraft inspections.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them to ensure that they can fulfil the roles assigned by Government.

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