Transport Aircraft

So in short leave the Casa 295 MPA for what they got bought for

Today would be a good day for government press release to announce the purchase of A A320 as the new state jet and extra 2 casa 295 transports. The media would be to busy to run with it.

If only we had a C130. But if we are looking at bringing a new rating in. This will take time and a lot of training. So we should buy new. Rather than looking at old Tech we should be looking at what out EU partners are using. I know people will go crazy at suggesting a A400. But it ticks so many boxes. Easy to skip due on production. Probably get EU support on finance. Has partner countries to support us on maintenance. EU supply chain. Can move a massive load of kit. While being built we can have crew in UK/Germany or France training and getting rated. If we say it is too big for our requirements. Who knows what the future will be like. Luxemberg has 1 unit and Belgium has 6 with another on order.

The Vampires and Provosts were new from the factory, as were the Alouettes and three out of four Doves. During the 1930s quite a few types (e.g. Ansons, Gladiators, Lysanders) were bought new as well. I would say that it was really only during the wartime and immediate post-war period that a lot of hand-me-downs of various types were acquired. In more recent times the Magisters were of course "pre-owned" too.

The current gang in government is probably thinks we still have them in the air

Any idea how Leo & Co travelled to the US for St Patrick’s Day events?

Is it the end of the road for Air Corps Hems? The HSE are tendering for a 3 base solution.

But the Air Corps can not tender. What they can do is put a business case forward to the government to provide the service similar to what they did for SAR but that is down to the government of the day and if they will fund it.

Interesting this new HEMS service and fixed wing air Ambo is only 48 months. That seams very short for the level of investment a company has to put in. The fixed wing tender also says to be based at a dublin airport. More business for Weston?

The wording for the Midlands base suggests it could be based somewhere like Athboy Airfield.

They are also very brave in the wording ofvthe tender mentioning value for money for the Midlands and Northwest bases. Local reps would see that as saying are the people of Midlands Northwest not worth saving

Its not worth much on the resale market if its certification isn't kept current.

Someone has to fly it off the island eventually.

100%

In fact the best way to do it would be to announce a whole hape of big stuff all at once. The tankies are already at the limit of indignation.

Interesting comment about the government jet!

https://m.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/from-240000-salary-to-the-government-jet-all-the-perks-simon-harris-will-enjoy-as-taoiseach/a1182329706.html

optics…

Can’t see him wanting to make it a priority anymore than anyone else has since the Gulfstream was sold off. And frankly if he is willing to push a bit more in defence there’s plenty above that.

Stop being such a pedant Dohvolle. I, and I'm sure others, are sick of it.

Ah now, it's a term used widely by the media - everyone from the smallest regional to the IT uses the term. No-one here made it up out of thin air. You may have a point in calling it 'lazy journalism' but having a go at people out for using the term is a little strong…..