Transport Aircraft

Stovepipe · 23-03-2021 11:51pm

They tried to get former mechs back but only a few took up the offer. The terms were less than sparkling,to say the least, to immerse yourself in Military bull**** all over again, so people stayed away in droves. If they offered jobs as civvy B1/B2 mechs, they'd fill the place in the morning.

roadmaster · 24-03-2021 12:32am

Stovepipe wrote: »

They tried to get former mechs back but only a few took up the offer. The terms were less than sparkling,to say the least, to immerse yourself in Military bull**** all over again, so people stayed away in droves. If they offered jobs as civvy B1/B2 mechs, they'd fill the place in the morning.

Considering the current aviation problems why will penot go back. Is it the money or the way other ranks treat them?

Stovepipe · 24-03-2021 10:31am

A Type Rated B1 or B2 engineer can make EU 70 k outside. Why would he bother taking military grief for less money and a rigid hierarchy to deal with, when he has all the autonomy he needs?

jonnybigwallet · 11-05-2021 7:18am

I wonder if the AC bought a couple of them Basler T67 aircraft would they be useful for parachute training and resupply of overseas contingents? Tis a jolly robust machine and even incuse by a branch of the US military today. Might be a le to source the donor DC3 in Ireland?

Stovepipe · 11-05-2021 9:41am

the tailwheel is old hat and the lack of a ramp is not acceptable. Not a hope.

Larbre34 · 11-05-2021 1:11pm

Yeah ideal, a couple of Dakotas, perfect.

We can even specify them in 1940s colour scheme and the old bi-colour roundel. Might even get some lad to dress up as a cranky Airborne Colonel and threaten to take St Mere Eglise from the Nazis.

Stovepipe · 11-05-2021 2:13pm

The Basler T67 is actually a very good and capable aircraft but its very much a niche aircraft; light cargo,parachuting, rough field operations. The Air Corps wouldnt touch it with a bargepole.

jonnybigwallet · 11-05-2021 3:30pm

You are correct Stovepipe. First class machine. 5 foot fuselage stretch, new pointy nose housing brand new avionics kit and mods to the wing tips to improve efficiency. And brand new turbo prop engines. Jolly good all round refit and comes with an approved zero hours airframe warranty.

sparky42 · 03-06-2021 9:50pm

Larbre34 wrote: »

There are political reasons both Portugal and Hungary are taking on Embraers.

I can't see Ireland acquiring anything outside of the EU defence stable for years to come.

I still think the best option for our needs is an A320/1 with modular interior fit-out, wet leased in these bargain times, is most suitable for our needs for the foreseeable future.

Although an A400M would be a great asset.

Speaking of the Embraers, Brazil is cutting their order putting more pressure on the company.

Larbre34 · 04-06-2021 1:37am

sparky42 wrote: »

Speaking of the Embraers, Brazil is cutting their order putting more pressure on the company.

While at the same time expressing desire to double its Saab Gripen order, to 70. A clear symbol of the Bolsonaro mentality.

jonnybigwallet · 04-06-2021 12:30pm

Great opportunity for the AC to place an order for a couple of them KC390'S and not have to get to the back of a long queue for delivery...probably cop a good deal as well to get some production ramped up to previous expected levels.

Larbre34 · 04-06-2021 1:38pm

Ever tried a career in second hand car sales Jonny?

These airframes won't be idle seeking buyers, they're built to order. And they still cost as much per unit as one P60 OPV, so no, the AC won't be going around kicking tyres anytime soon.

Psychlops · 04-06-2021 9:14pm

jonnybigwallet wrote: »

Great opportunity for the AC to place an order for a couple of them KC390'S and not have to get to the back of a long queue for delivery...probably cop a good deal as well to get some production ramped up to previous expected levels.

And with what pilots to fly them?

04-06-2021 10:07pm

Spotted this in Ken Foxe tweets today. A minor story about installation of some kind of defensive system and the debate over whether we need it.

https://www.thestory.ie/2021/06/03/department-of-defence-sensitivities-over-installation-of-defensive-aid-suites-in-order-for-two-new-e110-million-aircraft/

However, the Department were at pains to say this was not confirmation that the two maritime patrol aircraft might be used in “possible future deployments to conflict zones”.

Yes they are expensive aircraft but they are only buying two and they will have a very very long lifespan so surely cover all the bases when you are buying them.

sparky42 · 04-06-2021 10:14pm

Topgear on Dave wrote: »

Spotted this in Ken Foxe tweets today. A minor story about installation of some kind of defensive system and the debate over whether we need it.

https://www.thestory.ie/2021/06/03/department-of-defence-sensitivities-over-installation-of-defensive-aid-suites-in-order-for-two-new-e110-million-aircraft/

Yes they are expensive aircraft but they are only buying two and they will have a very very long lifespan so surely cover all the bases when you are buying them.

Not just the debate about needing them, but the fact DOD felt the need to tell the DF that this shouldn’t mean they will be used in areas where they might need defensive suits... :rolleyes:
First the minister has made it clear he’d like to see the AC operate outside of the EEZ and second these planes are going to be around for 20+ years, did it occurs to them that maybe in that period we might start being a bit more grown up in defence?

04-06-2021 10:31pm

Now, now, maybe the folks in the department are worried they will come back to the office after a bank holiday to find out the DF have invaded Russia in their absence over the long weekend. The DF is like that.

Grown up? Why? Our magical shield of neutrality will protect us.

sparky42 · 04-06-2021 10:38pm

Topgear on Dave wrote: »

Now, now, maybe the folks in the department are worried they will come back to the office after a bank holiday to find out the DC have invaded Russia in their absence over the long weekend. The DF is like that.

Grown up? Why? Our magical shield of neutrality will protect us.

Hey, the DF will leave a note before hand...
And of course the magic neutrality will continue, now excuse us while we spend another week with the HSE IT systems fecked and hope other major systems like the ESB are in better shape...

roadmaster · 05-06-2021 9:34am

They should have told the DOD they need the defence aids because since brexit the British fishermen in the Irish Sea have become very hostile and starring throwing fish at them when they do low passes!

Larbre34 · 05-06-2021 6:57pm

sparky42 wrote: »

Hey, the DF will leave a note before hand...
And of course the magic neutrality will continue, now excuse us while we spend another week with the HSE IT systems fecked and hope other major systems like the ESB are in better shape...

You're not wrong, but to my mind the greatest chaos would be caused if the social welfare system was brought down.

murf · 08-06-2021 12:56pm

Larbre34 wrote: »

You're not wrong, but to my mind the greatest chaos would be caused if the social welfare system was brought down.

Nothing causes panic more than "In that case, we can't run payroll".

Stovepipe · 16-06-2021 4:50am

Psychlops wrote: »

And with what pilots to fly them?

No shortage of pilots anywhere and the KC 390 is no harder than any Embraer to fly or operate. It's built by a very experienced company and existing pilots could convert onto type in a matter of weeks. If the AC wanted pilots to fly any transport type, you could do it in very short order. When it suits them, the DoD and the AC can pull out all the stops.

sparky42 · 16-06-2021 11:52am

Stovepipe wrote: »

No shortage of pilots anywhere and the KC 390 is no harder than any Embraer to fly or operate. It's built by a very experienced company and existing pilots could convert onto type in a matter of weeks. If the AC wanted pilots to fly any transport type, you could do it in very short order. When it suits them, the DoD and the AC can pull out all the stops.

Have you seen the take up for trying to get AC staff back or the new direct entry program?

roadmaster · 16-06-2021 2:45pm

sparky42 wrote: »

Have you seen the take up for trying to get AC staff back or the new direct entry program?

In fairness i think thats to do more with the T&Cs. If they dangled a big enoght carrot they would get them. We are going to be out of this covid nightmare soon and you will have aer lingus a330s doing bucket and spade runs and airline staff all over the world will be in high demand again, so most personal are just waiting for normallity to return rather than join the air corps at the bottom

Stovepipe · 16-06-2021 4:23pm

sparky42 wrote: »

Have you seen the take up for trying to get AC staff back or the new direct entry program?

I saw it and it's a disgrace. They want industry professionals (Cat A/B1/Degree) to join at the lowest possible pay scale and rank and then spend 16 weeks on infantry training to become 3 stars??!! After all the effort it takes to pass all the exams and build experience,work hard in an airline, keep learning,keep grafting and then be expected to join at the very bottom,when they should be brought in as civvy contractors and paid appropriately? Clearly not thought through.

ohnonotgmail · 17-06-2021 10:47am

Stovepipe wrote: »

I saw it and it's a disgrace. They want industry professionals (Cat A/B1/Degree) to join at the lowest possible pay scale and rank and then spend 16 weeks on infantry training to become 3 stars??!! After all the effort it takes to pass all the exams and build experience,work hard in an airline, keep learning,keep grafting and then be expected to join at the very bottom,when they should be brought in as civvy contractors and paid appropriately? Clearly not thought through.

They should create a Warrant Officer rank and bring them in at that.

Stovepipe · 17-06-2021 4:08pm

ohnonotgmail wrote: »

They should create a Warrant Officer rank and bring them in at that.

Just bring them in as civilian contractors. Every arm of the Civil Service does it, why should the AC be different? The Army has done it for decades.

Flinty997 · 17-06-2021 9:35pm

Air America maybe...

roadmaster · 16-08-2021 10:14am

I wonder is Mr coveney on the phone this morning to Airbus asking if the two spare transport casas parked up in seville still for sale?

Larbre34 · 16-08-2021 12:01pm

Even one would do.

But yeah, Minister for Foreign Affairs bemoans Irish citizens being stuck in Saigon, sorry Kabul, amid a fast moving Western policy catastrophe. If only he had the ear of the Minister for Defence to ask why the State doesn't have even one long range transport aircraft for just such eventualities!

Farce. As always.

ohnonotgmail · 16-08-2021 1:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117761329#Comment_117761329

would it not be easier to get them on a plane belonging to another EU member?

Transport Aircraft

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