Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
344. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current total strength of Air Corps personnel; and if he will provide a breakdown of the number of qualified military pilots, cadet pilots in training, qualified military aircraft maintenance technicians, qualified military avionics technicians and military apprentices in training of both aforementioned disciplines. [10844/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Air Corps, as at 1 March 2023, is 706 whole time equivalent personnel.
The table below shows the breakdown requested.
|
Personnel Stream |
Strength as at 01/03/2023 |
|
Qualified pilots |
96 |
|
Cadets currently completing military training* |
14 |
|
Young officers in pilot training |
8 |
|
Qualified Military Aircraft Technicians |
175 |
|
Qualified Military Avionics Technicians |
29 |
|
Apprentice Military Aircraft Technicians |
62 |
*Cadets are scheduled to commence their Pilot Wings course once they graduate as Officers.
A Military Aircraft Technician (MAT) is an individual who has qualified from an Air Corps apprenticeship, or a direct entrant deemed to have the appropriate qualifications to work on aircraft in the various maintenance roles. Personnel in these roles cover the broad range of disciplines within the Air Corps e.g. avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics, crew leaders, and aircraft inspectors.
All MATs are employed in the maintenance of aircraft. At any one time, they may be employed in any of the broad range of maintenance disciplines, be in training, or serving overseas. The total number of qualified MATs is therefore inclusive of those who may be assigned to avionics duties, or any of the other disciplines, at any one time.
As outlined, there is a strong training pipeline for MATs consisting of 62 apprentices. Of these apprentices, 19 are undergoing basic military training. The remaining 43 are undergoing their qualification process and will, on successful completion, be streamed into rotary, fixed-wing or avionics technician categories.
