1
Irish Air Corps / RIP Steve Fogarty.
« on: July 24, 2007, 06:46:03 pm »
Just to say that long serving Air Corps photographer Steve Fogarty passed away today. "Darth" was a legend in his own lifetime and may he rest in peace.
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2
Foreign Air Forces / Air Shows (Read Only) / Message from Red 1, leader Red Arrows.
« on: June 11, 2007, 10:02:42 pm »
Hi all, the following is a message form the red arrows leader who has asked for it to be passed on among the aviation community:
Unfortunately, we had to cease our display twice during this last weekend
due to infringements of our Restricted Airspace, once at a display close to
Southampton and the other at the Cosford Air Show. Sadly, these
infringements occur every year and they present me with what can be a
potentially dangerous situation. These temporary areas are exactly that and
are applied for through the Department of Transport and are legally defined
under Civil Law. In effect we borrow the airspace for just 30 minutes so
that we can entertain audiences of up to 250,000 people. When I say borrow,
I mean that the airspace is owned by the UK, no individual owns it and that,
with regulation and agreement we all try to use this airspace safely.
The Red Arrows' restricted airspace is a zone 6 nautical miles in radius,
centred on the display datum, from ground level up to 8000 ft. We apply for
this airspace because the high energy, close formation aerobatic manoeuvres
flown by the Red Arrows means that the pilots are busy looking out for each
other and are unable to look out for other aircraft as well. Prior to each
display, we contact all of the local airfields to our display site reminding
them of the restrictions; also display organisers are also very pro-active
in highlighting any restrictions to other local airspace users.
Whilst the majority of civilian pilots are extremely professional in their
approach to flying, it is disappointing to me that the number of
infringements into the Reds' display airspace by light aircraft,
micro-lights and gliders appears to be on the increase. Should an
infringement occur during one of our displays, I will assess the situation
and in most cases terminate the display immediately. As Team Leader, safety
is my number one concern, that being safety of the spectators, and safety of
my pilots in the air. Obviously when this happens it is extremely
disappointing for the crowds who have paid to see the display, but, far
worse, the likelihood of a collision between intruders and nine fast jets is
extremely high - the risks simply aren't worth taking. I will always ask the
local Air Traffic Control unit to track the infringer and this information
is then passed to the Civil Aviation Authority for potential prosecution.
A point to note is that the Red Arrows' website should not be used as a
planning tool. The website is used to inform our fans and any interested
members of the public about the team and the Royal Air Force. It acts as a
focal point for news, photos and anything else that we can think but it most
definitely not a planning aid.
It is every pilot's responsibility to check the NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)
and be comprehensively briefed on all aspects of the airspace in which they
are intending to fly. Pilots must also consider the 'what ifs', what may
happen if they are forced into different airspace due to diversion or bad
weather. We do try to work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority and the
General Aviation communities and I have been very impressed by the work and
effort that goes into educating as many people as possible about sharing our
airspace safely.
All pilots' first port of call should be the AIS website http://www.ais.org.uk,
which has the definitive and legal restricted airspace information. You also
may like to try looking at the privately run website
http://www.flyontrack.co.uk. This very useful website highlights the simple
steps that any GA pilot, experienced or novice ought to take in preparing
for a flight, powered or otherwise! Try the link
http://www.flyontrack.co.uk/hntoi.asp as a great place to discover how not
to infringe restricted airspace.
Above all else, simply phoning the free phone AIS Information Line on 0500
354 802 can save you a lot of embarrassment or worse.
For the 50,000 plus crowd at Cosford this last weekend I am sure that I was
as frustrated and as disappointed as you were that we were unable to perform
our full routine. I hope that this message explains why we were unable to
continue with the display and goes someway to highlight to other pilots and
airspace users the reasons for and dangers of entering restricted airspace.
Please help each other by passing on the flight safety message. Thank you
for your continued support and here's to an enjoyable, rewarding and above
all else safe 2007 season.
Squadron Leader Jas Hawker
Red 1
Unfortunately, we had to cease our display twice during this last weekend
due to infringements of our Restricted Airspace, once at a display close to
Southampton and the other at the Cosford Air Show. Sadly, these
infringements occur every year and they present me with what can be a
potentially dangerous situation. These temporary areas are exactly that and
are applied for through the Department of Transport and are legally defined
under Civil Law. In effect we borrow the airspace for just 30 minutes so
that we can entertain audiences of up to 250,000 people. When I say borrow,
I mean that the airspace is owned by the UK, no individual owns it and that,
with regulation and agreement we all try to use this airspace safely.
The Red Arrows' restricted airspace is a zone 6 nautical miles in radius,
centred on the display datum, from ground level up to 8000 ft. We apply for
this airspace because the high energy, close formation aerobatic manoeuvres
flown by the Red Arrows means that the pilots are busy looking out for each
other and are unable to look out for other aircraft as well. Prior to each
display, we contact all of the local airfields to our display site reminding
them of the restrictions; also display organisers are also very pro-active
in highlighting any restrictions to other local airspace users.
Whilst the majority of civilian pilots are extremely professional in their
approach to flying, it is disappointing to me that the number of
infringements into the Reds' display airspace by light aircraft,
micro-lights and gliders appears to be on the increase. Should an
infringement occur during one of our displays, I will assess the situation
and in most cases terminate the display immediately. As Team Leader, safety
is my number one concern, that being safety of the spectators, and safety of
my pilots in the air. Obviously when this happens it is extremely
disappointing for the crowds who have paid to see the display, but, far
worse, the likelihood of a collision between intruders and nine fast jets is
extremely high - the risks simply aren't worth taking. I will always ask the
local Air Traffic Control unit to track the infringer and this information
is then passed to the Civil Aviation Authority for potential prosecution.
A point to note is that the Red Arrows' website should not be used as a
planning tool. The website is used to inform our fans and any interested
members of the public about the team and the Royal Air Force. It acts as a
focal point for news, photos and anything else that we can think but it most
definitely not a planning aid.
It is every pilot's responsibility to check the NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen)
and be comprehensively briefed on all aspects of the airspace in which they
are intending to fly. Pilots must also consider the 'what ifs', what may
happen if they are forced into different airspace due to diversion or bad
weather. We do try to work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority and the
General Aviation communities and I have been very impressed by the work and
effort that goes into educating as many people as possible about sharing our
airspace safely.
All pilots' first port of call should be the AIS website http://www.ais.org.uk,
which has the definitive and legal restricted airspace information. You also
may like to try looking at the privately run website
http://www.flyontrack.co.uk. This very useful website highlights the simple
steps that any GA pilot, experienced or novice ought to take in preparing
for a flight, powered or otherwise! Try the link
http://www.flyontrack.co.uk/hntoi.asp as a great place to discover how not
to infringe restricted airspace.
Above all else, simply phoning the free phone AIS Information Line on 0500
354 802 can save you a lot of embarrassment or worse.
For the 50,000 plus crowd at Cosford this last weekend I am sure that I was
as frustrated and as disappointed as you were that we were unable to perform
our full routine. I hope that this message explains why we were unable to
continue with the display and goes someway to highlight to other pilots and
airspace users the reasons for and dangers of entering restricted airspace.
Please help each other by passing on the flight safety message. Thank you
for your continued support and here's to an enjoyable, rewarding and above
all else safe 2007 season.
Squadron Leader Jas Hawker
Red 1
3
Air Corps Apprentice Contact Page / Martin Flanagan R.I.P
« on: March 16, 2007, 03:36:40 pm »
Just to inform all members of the 55th class that Martin Flanegan was laid to rest on Wed's. He passed away suddenly last weekend and will be sadly missed by his classmates and friends. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
4
Aviation Photography / Tips and Tricks
« on: June 22, 2006, 11:15:26 pm »
If I can recall from a previous post somebody was asking about setting the light meter on their camera for taking shots of fast moving aircraft at airshows. Seen as its Salthill on Sunday a couple of tips for those of you new to the game. A previous post suggested that you put the camera on spot reading for this but if I may suggest you put it on area and adjust your exposure compensation to suit. +1(ish) stop for dark aircraft against a lighter background (keep this in mind if taking shots of the likes of the solo Hawk on sunday!!) and -1(ish) stop for say a white aircraft e.g the aer arran ATR. Or you can always set your file type to RAW and work on the exposure on photoshop!!
Also, Appeture priority will give you the best results with fast jets and shutter priority(or appeture if you shut it down enough!) at approx 1/200th of a sec(if you have a steady hand) for props and helis. This stops the dreaded frozen prop/blade which makes the aircraft look like its about to fall out of the sky.
Good hunting!!!
Also, Appeture priority will give you the best results with fast jets and shutter priority(or appeture if you shut it down enough!) at approx 1/200th of a sec(if you have a steady hand) for props and helis. This stops the dreaded frozen prop/blade which makes the aircraft look like its about to fall out of the sky.
Good hunting!!!
5
Air Corps News / Sale of Dauphins
« on: June 16, 2006, 09:56:35 pm »
I see that theres a piece in tonights Evening Herald about the sale of our Dauphins. All it says is that a company has put forward an offer to buy them and the gazzelle and that the government will be making a decision on the sale in the the next couple of weeks. Anybody know any further info??
6
Irish Air Corps / F-15's
« on: May 30, 2006, 08:36:00 pm »
An eight ship formation of U.S ANG F-15's passed off the south coast aprrox 17.20 this evening enroute to Lakenheath, according to a friend listening in to the airwaves. Dont know how close they actaully came to the south coast though, anyone down that way see contrails???
7
Irish Air Corps / Aircorps at national museum.
« on: April 30, 2006, 06:31:57 pm »
I know its been mentioned in another post but the Vampire and Miles Magister for the national museum are being put in place over the next few days. It'll be a shame to see them go but at the same time will be great that everyone from locals to tourists will be able to see a part of our aviation past. A lot of people probably dont know we had such aircraft in past service.
9
Irish Air Corps / Large Helis over city?!
« on: December 10, 2005, 12:13:13 pm »
Anyone know what the pair of helis were that flew over Dublin City this morning?? I heard what I thought was an S-61 but couldnt see it from my window and my elderly neighbour has just told me that it was a pair of Helis and the lead was smaller than the second one which was quite large and looked grey. Now my neigbour is quite old so dont take this as gospel. They were heading from a approx NW-SE across the city.
Nothing came into the don before I left yesterday evening.
Nothing came into the don before I left yesterday evening.
10
Foreign Air Forces / Air Shows (Read Only) / RAF Valley aviation society photo-call.
« on: August 02, 2005, 02:00:39 pm »
This event will take place on Thurs 11 Aug and our PC-9's and AIII's are due to attend along with aircraft from all over europe (and Japan!! USAF F-15's from Kadena airbase on a bit of a world tour!!). B1B lancer is also due to do a flyby .
11
Air Corps News / UFO'S Over Dublin!
« on: July 23, 2005, 03:52:24 pm »
I know its slightly off topic(Aircorps) but in todays Evening Herald theres a report about the increasing sightings of unknown A/C, and other UFO's over the east coast. This article pays particular attention to a recent event which took place on June 30th at 01.50hrs over Dublin which invovled 11 unknown radar returns at EIDW which appeared at various locations around the city and suburbs. A pilot said he seen green and red lights moving erratically over Santry,Malahide and finglas(GASU heli maybe???) and that they reported it to ATC before having a near miss with an object that caused turbulance and the TCAS to warn of an impending collision before shooting off "like lightning". The pilot also estimated that the object was 30ft long and 10 feet high making it oval in appearance. Intresting stuff guys!!
Frank, how about starting up a thread about this sort of stuff??? The pilots want to remain anonymous for obvious reasons so maybe people could share stories here??
I know some people totally rubbish this subject but it doesnt have to be all about little green men with ray guns, after all these objects/craft that were seen accelerating to warp speed in june had red and green lights, which suggests terrestrial origin. Black ops along the east coast anyone??
Frank, how about starting up a thread about this sort of stuff??? The pilots want to remain anonymous for obvious reasons so maybe people could share stories here??
I know some people totally rubbish this subject but it doesnt have to be all about little green men with ray guns, after all these objects/craft that were seen accelerating to warp speed in june had red and green lights, which suggests terrestrial origin. Black ops along the east coast anyone??
12
Irish Air Corps / This weeks visitors
« on: May 25, 2005, 12:15:15 pm »
Been a busy couple of days on the dons small ramp. On Monday we had a Citation XL picking up some VIP, along with two King Airs of "Flight Precision" one of which is over untill today calibrating the dons ATC and Nav equipment (along with our new ILS(not operational for general use yet!), bout time we went all weather). The other came over with a maintenance crew after the calibration a/c went U/S.
Last night a Sweedish C-130 paid a visit until this morning.
I know its nothing to get exited about but we dont get out much out here,LOL!!
Last night a Sweedish C-130 paid a visit until this morning.
I know its nothing to get exited about but we dont get out much out here,LOL!!
13
Foreign Air Forces / Air Shows (Read Only) / RAF Valley
« on: May 07, 2005, 12:42:13 pm »
Anyone intrested in seeing all the RAF's display aircraft for 2005 in one place should check out RAF Valleys family day on June 1st. The Aircorps may be sending stuff to Valley either then our at another Aviation day in August.
The Family day is strictly "Families" unlike our Aircorps ones but one of the guys here in the don has been at Valley quite a lot and tells me there is plenty of "Spotters" sites located around the base perimeter(The RAF know how to take care of Spotters unlike here).
I believe that everything from the Grob tudor to the Typhoon will display and of course topped off by the Red's.
Its only sixty miles away guys, and a day trip on the ferry is only €20 if you can arrange transport at the far end as Valley is 9 miles from Hollyhead!!
Anyway just a thought!!??
The Family day is strictly "Families" unlike our Aircorps ones but one of the guys here in the don has been at Valley quite a lot and tells me there is plenty of "Spotters" sites located around the base perimeter(The RAF know how to take care of Spotters unlike here).
I believe that everything from the Grob tudor to the Typhoon will display and of course topped off by the Red's.
Its only sixty miles away guys, and a day trip on the ferry is only €20 if you can arrange transport at the far end as Valley is 9 miles from Hollyhead!!
Anyway just a thought!!??
14
Irish Air Corps / Visitors
« on: March 16, 2005, 05:16:36 pm »
Been a fairly busy week for visitors in the Don.
So far , 2 RN Merlins, 2 Belgian SF-260's, and 1+1 US Navy C-9's!
They were all on Nav Ex's or crew rests, YEH ROIGHT!!
With the week thats in it I dont think so. There were a fair few sore heads this mornin around one of the C-9's!!
So far , 2 RN Merlins, 2 Belgian SF-260's, and 1+1 US Navy C-9's!
They were all on Nav Ex's or crew rests, YEH ROIGHT!!
With the week thats in it I dont think so. There were a fair few sore heads this mornin around one of the C-9's!!
15
Irish Air Corps / RAF/Air Corps mission
« on: January 01, 2005, 12:35:12 pm »
Happy New year to you all!!
2005 got off to a busy start here in the Don when a Swiss climber went missing in Kerry. The search was so vast that the RAF mountain rescue team were drafted in with their dogs from Wales. The Sea King that dropped them off came in on cue amid the fireworks of the city just after midnight. It dropped off the team and their dogs who then flew on to Cork(?) by CASA.Dont know how they went on from there??
Goes to show that while all the civvies were revelling away that the Aircorps and our RAF buddies were still on the ball to help yet another lost soul.
Dont think they found the guy as yet, lets hope hes safe as it would be tragic to be the first statistic of '05.
2005 got off to a busy start here in the Don when a Swiss climber went missing in Kerry. The search was so vast that the RAF mountain rescue team were drafted in with their dogs from Wales. The Sea King that dropped them off came in on cue amid the fireworks of the city just after midnight. It dropped off the team and their dogs who then flew on to Cork(?) by CASA.Dont know how they went on from there??
Goes to show that while all the civvies were revelling away that the Aircorps and our RAF buddies were still on the ball to help yet another lost soul.
Dont think they found the guy as yet, lets hope hes safe as it would be tragic to be the first statistic of '05.