Air Corps to collect Irish citizens from Libya

gizmo555 · 22-02-2011 10:03PM #1

Reported on RTE TV news tonight (Feb 22) - two Air Corps aircraft en route to Libya via Malta right now. Good to see these aircraft and military personnel being used on a mission with the aim of actually protecting Irish citizens, instead of flying self-important politicans around in the style they'd like to become accustomed to. Here's hoping they and all their passengers have a safe journey!

Air Corps to collect Irish citizens

Nine Air Corps personnel are to fly from Baldonnel Airport tonight to bring home 40 Irish citizens from Libya.

Two planes will leave for Malta where they will wait for an opportunity tomorrow to fly to Libya to pick up the group.

Morpheus · 22-02-2011 10:44PM

you are probably talking about the learjet?

well for your information, it is used not just for politicians but also as an air ambulance and they have ALSO pulled one of only two aircraft we have in ireland equipped for a role in maritime Search And Rescue topcover and maritime surveillance, to send on a humanitarian mission as we dont have the requisite aircraft (non navalised CASA's or C130's) and the learjet.

lets wish them Gods speed on their mission and hope that there is no problem with the sole remaining CASA in its role and that all our sailors and fishermen have safe voyages tonight and wont require any assistance.

Topper Harley01 · 22-02-2011 11:12PM

Strange how the anti-Defence Force wallys are nowhere to be seen when missions like this are announced....

blondie83 · 22-02-2011 11:24PM

Morphéus wrote: »

...they have ALSO pulled one of only two aircraft we have in ireland equipped for a role in maritime Search And Rescue topcover and maritime surveillance, to send on a humanitarian mission as we dont have the requisite aircraft (non navalised CASA's or C130's) and the learjet.

lets wish them Gods speed on their mission and hope that there is no problem with the sole remaining CASA in its role and that all our sailors and fishermen have safe voyages tonight and wont require any assistance.

The sailors and fisherman deserve the assistance if in need, but so do the Irish people stuck in Libya too. One Casa for each would seem fair to my mind! I used to travel in Africa every now and again with work, and it's re-assuring to think that if there had been trouble, the government would have helped me to get out. Safe home to them all

OS119 · 22-02-2011 11:36PM

Topper Harley01 wrote: »

Strange how the anti-Defence Force wallys are nowhere to be seen when missions like this are announced....

not being nasty, but this isn't a defence issue - everyone else is sending chartered airliners to Malta and Italy to wait for the opening of a safe hole in Libyian airspace. the IAC aircraft will only land in Libya in those chartered airliners can land in Libya - if things get nasty, or the Libyans refuse permission for those aircraft to land, then the CASA and the LearJet will stay in Malta.

the military contingencies for evacuating foreign nationals from Libya in the event of either a complete collapse of the state, or directly against the wishes on what passes for the Libyan government, do not include LearJets or Maritime Patrol Aircraft without Defensive Aids Suites.

there are only three potential reasons the IG is sending these aircraft: electioneering by a fag-end government on the brink of electoral death, the IG deciding it was cheaper to send these two aircraft than piggy-back onto another EU nations charter flights, or the Charter companies believing that the IG's cheque will bounce.

if we were talking about a pair of INS OPV's going to a Libyan dock with weapons loaded and orders to evacuate Irish citizens that included the words 'all neccesary measures' then you'd be right, but this is not that situation.

Steyr · 23-02-2011 12:16AM

CASA CN235 "Charlie253" and The Learjet 45 "258" have been dispatched. The Luftwaffe is also considering this plan and France is sending 3 Aircraft to Tripoli.

Steyr · 23-02-2011 12:38AM

I see HMS Cumberland is enroute too.

35BB30055C0845B28AB68E218F5563CE-0000336624-0002184155-00585L-B6817E73EDF242EBB1E10AAD371FC67E.jpg

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8341690/Libya-trapped-Britain-to-send-a-Royal-Navy-frigate-to-Libyan-waters.html

By Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent

William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, said that as the Libyan state was collapsing it was necessary to have a military component to the rescue efforts. Foreign Office diplomats were trying to get permission last night for the chartered plane to land.

Mr Hague said British nationals in Libya were facing "significant difficulties" in leaving the country. He said HMS Cumberland would be sent to international waters near Libya to assist and added: "We are making arrangements of a charter plane to travel to Libya in the next 48 hours. We are urgently seeking landing clearances and permissions from the Libyan government."

Officials expressed concern for the safety of a group of Britons trapped in a compound in the centre of Benghazi, Libya's second city. Nigel Hornby, 44, one of dozens stranded at Arab Gulf Oil's compound, said it had been under intermittent attack from looters since Saturday night. "The compound is in the middle of Benghazi just yards away from an army base that was bombed. Locals living in flats across the way have taken refuge there after being threatened by people with machetes," said Mr Hornby's partner, Kathleen. "Its very dangerous. Armed men have already invaded once on Saturday night but they managed to get them out without any shots being fired."

Mark Cooper, an oil consultant, said there were thousands of British engineers and technicians stuck in Libya, scattered in small work camps all over the desert south-east of Tripoli. One man based at a desert camp said the situation was becoming increasingly unstable.

Another Briton who left Libya yesterday said mercenaries were driving through the streets of Tripoli at night shooting "anything that moves". Many trying to free the violence are getting stuck in Tripoli airport, where they are running out of food and water, and the "riot"-like atmosphere has led to police threatening to open fire on the crowds.

cson · 23-02-2011 12:48AM

Gotta say, the cockpit of the CASA doesn't look that comfy for such a long spin!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24101413@N03/3443118672/

Local-womanizer · 23-02-2011 01:32AM

Hopefully should anything arise in Irish waters the British will send a few aircraft over to lend a hand.

As far as this is concerned,its great to see they are willing to go in to get our citizens out of hot-spots.

Tbh I can't see our government claiming much in the way of plaudits for this,I dunno but its something about the DF that it seems they don't get involved in all the political bs when it comes to things like this,they seem to be genuinely there for the people,same with the Air Ambulance work. Any political agenda seems to be absent from their work.

Good stuff,keep it up!

Manic Moran · 23-02-2011 04:41AM

I wonder if there isn't anything to be said for a forced landing. Just land two C-130s at Tripoli airport. One empty, one full of troops. Load C-130 with civilians, both leave.

NTM

Morpheus · 23-02-2011 08:55AM

Local-womanizer wrote: »

Hopefully should anything arise in Irish waters the British will send a few aircraft over to lend a hand.

As far as this is concerned,its great to see they are willing to go in to get our citizens out of hot-spots.

Tbh I can't see our government claiming much in the way of plaudits for this,I dunno but its something about the DF that it seems they don't get involved in all the political bs when it comes to things like this,they seem to be genuinely there for the people,same with the Air Ambulance work. Any political agenda seems to be absent from their work.

Good stuff,keep it up!

the DF dont have a political agenda, thats their whole point of existence.

as for the british helping us? unless they send some C130's they cant, they have retired the entire Nimrod fleet (i believe?)

we "shouldnt" need their help so long as we can keep the sole remaining CASA flying and mary harney doesnt need it to airlift her down country to open a pub.

Tabnabs · 23-02-2011 09:27AM

DFPO has confirmed that both aircraft are on standby in Valetta.

Regarding the UK SAR as backup, I understand that they are using coast guard aircraft and a RAF C-130.

TBH, I'd say the clock is ticking in Valetta and there is a backup plan in place when the deadline expires.

Donny5 · 23-02-2011 09:37AM

Morphéus wrote: »

we "shouldnt" need their help so long as we can keep the sole remaining CASA flying and mary harney doesnt need it to airlift her down country to open a pub.

Or one of the CASAs goes on fire.

Tabnabs · 23-02-2011 09:41AM

Donny5 wrote: »

Or one of the CASAs goes on fire.

what a random thing to say?

Morpheus · 23-02-2011 10:02AM

Tabnabs wrote: »

what a random thing to say?

not really, theres been at least two cases of inflight engine shutdowns due to smoke or fire warnings in the last 6 months or so.

http://www.the-kingdom.ie/news/mheyeyeyoj/

This is one of the reasons why I feel we need more aircraft of this size and nature. they can be used to support overseas missions that we so often find ourselves part of. particularly the C130 which can do rough strip landings similiar to conditions we wouldve encountered in chad.

another days work, just hope all goes according to plan, a lot of scared irish people trying to get out of the place.

Tabnabs · 23-02-2011 10:04AM

Apologies, had forgotten all about the fire incident.

gizmo555 · 23-02-2011 11:16AM

Morphéus wrote: »

you are probably talking about the learjet?

well for your information, it is used not just for politicians but also as an air ambulance

So far as I could see on the TV news last night, the jet was the only aircraft shown. Notwithstanding occasional air ambulance use, its principal raison d'etre is as an air taxi for government ministers. Even the Air Corps spokesman on RTE radio this morning referred to it as the "government jet".

In the present economic situation, when the likely incoming government is promising to introduce car pooling for ministers, it'll have to go.

I stand corrected on the CASA.

Fratton Fred · 23-02-2011 12:04PM

Steyr wrote: »

I see HMS Cumberland is enroute too.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8341690/Libya-trapped-Britain-to-send-a-Royal-Navy-frigate-to-Libyan-waters.html

By Damien McElroy, Foreign Affairs Correspondent

William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, said that as the Libyan state was collapsing it was necessary to have a military component to the rescue efforts. Foreign Office diplomats were trying to get permission last night for the chartered plane to land.

Mr Hague said British nationals in Libya were facing "significant difficulties" in leaving the country. He said HMS Cumberland would be sent to international waters near Libya to assist and added: "We are making arrangements of a charter plane to travel to Libya in the next 48 hours. We are urgently seeking landing clearances and permissions from the Libyan government."

Officials expressed concern for the safety of a group of Britons trapped in a compound in the centre of Benghazi, Libya's second city. Nigel Hornby, 44, one of dozens stranded at Arab Gulf Oil's compound, said it had been under intermittent attack from looters since Saturday night. "The compound is in the middle of Benghazi just yards away from an army base that was bombed. Locals living in flats across the way have taken refuge there after being threatened by people with machetes," said Mr Hornby's partner, Kathleen. "Its very dangerous. Armed men have already invaded once on Saturday night but they managed to get them out without any shots being fired."

Mark Cooper, an oil consultant, said there were thousands of British engineers and technicians stuck in Libya, scattered in small work camps all over the desert south-east of Tripoli. One man based at a desert camp said the situation was becoming increasingly unstable.

Another Briton who left Libya yesterday said mercenaries were driving through the streets of Tripoli at night shooting "anything that moves". Many trying to free the violence are getting stuck in Tripoli airport, where they are running out of food and water, and the "riot"-like atmosphere has led to police threatening to open fire on the crowds.

Wait til the RN sends an aircraft carrier, that'll scare them.........

source · 23-02-2011 12:10PM

gizmo555 wrote: »

So far as I could see on the TV news last night, the jet was the only aircraft shown. Notwithstanding occasional air ambulance use, its principal raison d'etre is as an air taxi for government ministers. Even the Air Corps spokesman on RTE radio this morning referred to it as the "government jet".

In the present economic situation, when the likely incoming government is promising to introduce car pooling for ministers, it'll have to go.

I stand corrected on the CASA.

It is attached to the MATS, or Ministerial Air Transport Squadron. So while it might do Air ambulance service. It's primary role is indeed ferrying ministers around the world.

BEASTERLY · 23-02-2011 12:52PM

foinse wrote: »

It is attached to the MATS, or Ministerial Air Transport Squadron. So while it might do Air ambulance service. It's primary role is indeed ferrying ministers around the world.

Which is also something that needs to be done.

I mean what are they suppose to say ''Can you please put that urgent meeting about the banking collapse off till next monday cause thats the next available ryanair flight to brussels with any places left.'':rolleyes:

Plus, nowadays we would probaly hear about it if any minister was making stupid non-essential flight in it. But it has been in the papers a good bit recently for air ambulance work.

Tabnabs · 23-02-2011 12:53PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQVYTFopW8M

Taken last night

cson · 23-02-2011 12:55PM

gizmo555 wrote: »

In the present economic situation, when the likely incoming government is promising to introduce car pooling for ministers, it'll have to go.

I'd disagree. We should be able to justify and sustain a Learjet 45 tbqh. The Gulfstream should go, yes. But we should definitely be keeping the Lear.

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Wait til the RN sends an aircraft carrier, that'll scare them.........

Pity there's no aircraft on them

punchdrunk · 23-02-2011 01:00PM

Tabnabs wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQVYTFopW8M

Taken last night

there really was no need for them to put the audio track on that

Tabnabs · 23-02-2011 01:26PM

I believe they call it - propaganda

BrianD · 23-02-2011 01:30PM

blondie83 wrote: »

The sailors and fisherman deserve the assistance if in need, but so do the Irish people stuck in Libya too. One Casa for each would seem fair to my mind! I used to travel in Africa every now and again with work, and it's re-assuring to think that if there had been trouble, the government would have helped me to get out. Safe home to them all

Raises an interesting question. Most people who work in many middle eastern countries do so tax free.

I presume that the state will send a bill?

I'm also curious as to why the state is doing this for the first time ever.

gizmo555 · 23-02-2011 01:46PM

BEASTERLY wrote: »

Which is also something that needs to be done.

I mean what are they suppose to say ''Can you please put that urgent meeting about the banking collapse off till next monday cause thats the next available ryanair flight to brussels with any places left.'':rolleyes:

These types of meeting are almost never unscheduled, even in an emergency. You will recall, for example, when the bank guarantee was introduced in September 2008, it was not preceded by a meeting, any urgent discussions with other European politicians were done by phone.

Can you give any actual example of an emergency unscheduled meeting which ministers could only have reached by use of the government jet?

BEASTERLY wrote: »

Plus, nowadays we would probaly hear about it if any minister was making stupid non-essential flight in it.

Indeed: Irish minister Noel Dempsey : I was wrong to take State jet to Derry

cson wrote: »

I'd disagree. We should be able to justify and sustain a Learjet 45 tbqh. The Gulfstream should go, yes. But we should definitely be keeping the Lear.

Why? Every Sunday there are ads in the paper for fractional executive jet leases. Why, for example, wouldn't that work?

Topper Harley01 · 23-02-2011 02:49PM

there really was no need for them to put the audio track on that

Agreed-it's so bloody cheesy. Every damn 'action' clip on youtube has that fecking tune. :rolleyes:

Fratton Fred · 23-02-2011 04:10PM

cson wrote: »

Pity there's no aircraft on them

My attempt at sarcasm obviously failed

cyrusdvirus · 23-02-2011 04:34PM

cson wrote: »

Gotta say, the cockpit of the CASA doesn't look that comfy for such a long spin!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/24101413@N03/3443118672/

i dunno what the flight time to Valetta would be, but i'd say it'd not be too much longer than an average maritime patrol??

Manic Moran · 23-02-2011 04:58PM

Even the Air Corps spokesman on RTE radio this morning referred to it as the "government jet".

Technically, that should go without saying. Is it not the only government owned jet-powered aircraft of any type? Unless one of the Fougas or Vampires is still in flyable condition, I guess. (I'm assuming the other BizJet is gone now?)

gizmo555 wrote: »

Why? Every Sunday there are ads in the paper for fractional executive jet leases. Why, for example, wouldn't that work?

Painting the State Symbol on it every time they chartered it would get annoying.
4:18-5:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86esr4t7WLE

NTM

Steyr · 23-02-2011 05:09PM

Morphéus wrote: »

not really, theres been at least two cases of inflight engine shutdowns due to smoke or fire warnings in the last 6 months or so.

And it was always 252 with "issues", guess thats why 253 went over to Valetta.

Air Corps to collect Irish citizens from Libya

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