Topics

31

Aviation News / RNZAF Aermacchi jets - out of storage?

« on: April 03, 2010, 02:56:27 am »

I came across this article which suggests the possible re-introduction of the (currently stored) fleet of 17 x Aermacchi jets into the RNZAF orbat...

Interestingly, according to the article, the jets are currently regularly flown to keep them operational?!

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10545947

32

Aviation News / U.S. Coast Guard, RNZAF AW109 - AFM April 2010

« on: March 07, 2010, 12:42:55 am »

There is an excellent 11-page feature on the U.S. Coast Guard in the current (April 2010) edition of AFM.
Interesting to see that the USCG use a large fleet of Dauphins (Dolphins). Page 74 shows an armed Dolphin with side-mounted machine gun in use. 

__________

Page 29 of the same edition also carries an article and pic about the new RNZAF AW109. New Zealand has ordered 5 x AW109's for use in the transport and light utility role to replace their 45-yr old Bell 47G Sioux helicopters.

The article states that these new helis will also undertake SAR, aeromedical evacuation, disaster response and surveillance missions in support of NZ govt departments.

33

Aviation News / RNZAF 'Red Checkers' CT4-Trainer Fatal Crash

« on: January 15, 2010, 05:26:42 pm »

A Royal New Zealand 'Red Checkers' CT4-Trainer crashed near Ohakea AFB, North Island yesterday fatally injuring the pilot, 32-yr old Squadron Leader Nick Cree.

More here...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/national/3231571/Pilot-gave-life-100-per-cent

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/national/3234534/Pilot-doused-burning-plane-wreck

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_-4i7YPrAIbM/ScWaGkoDCuI/AAAAAAAAAgY/msMfLCwmGGM/DSC_7205.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_-4i7YPrAIbM/ScWZ-mKc3fI/AAAAAAAAAew/s5byoT8G7gw/DSC_7172.JPG

34

Irish Air Corps / Sell Govt Jet - buy transport aircraft

« on: January 13, 2010, 10:26:14 pm »

The current issue of 'Flying In Ireland' carries a small article which states that the govt has no current plans to sell either of the govt jets. (Somebody must have raised a Dail question, I havent seen the full article yet)

To me it would make so much sense to sell one of the jets and purchase the likes of a CASA 235 or 295 in it's place. (I think a C130 would be ideal, but a CASA would be more appropriate given potential usage and experience re maintenance).

Such a transport aircraft could provide the DF's with the following -

- Transport capability

- Multi-Engine Training
i.e. allow multi-engine training for potential CASA Maritime pilots (and therefore free up the two current CASA's for patrols instead of training)

- Participation in foreign missions
 e.g. delivery of troops and supplies, and even (highlighted by the tragic events in Haiti) deliver humanitarian aid and Rescue teams to disaster zones.

I know this has been discussed here before, but if the possibility of selling one of the govt jets is even been considered, surely this is the time to push for a transport aircraft as its replacement.


Its only a pity the original AC Casa No '250' wasnt purchased outright when its lease expired in 1995, and used for transport and training duties. Apparently it was offered to the govt for c.$2 million (later sold to Chile for $5 million).

35

Air Corps News / AFM Jan 10 - PC-9 Crash

« on: January 13, 2010, 10:10:34 pm »

The January 2010 issue of Air Forces Monthly carries a half-page article about the preliminary report of PC-9 '265' crash. Page 90.

36

Air Corps News / RTE News 9-1-10 AW139

« on: January 10, 2010, 11:10:11 pm »

RTE News tonight carried a report and footage of an AC AW139 delivering feed for a farmer and his livestock stranded on an island in Galway. Footage showed a grateful farmer shanking hands with an AC crew member.

37

Irish Air Corps / IAC Vampire etc at Collins Barracks

« on: September 03, 2009, 09:07:09 pm »

Well I finally made a visit to the National Museum Collins Barracks today!
(Strange how we often travel the world and visit all sorts of museums, yet often take ages to visit stuff literally 'on our doorsteps' ?!)

I was impressed with the Vampire and Magister display ...and ofcourse the Army vehicles display. A lot of planning and thought went into the various military displays, and well done to all involved.

A couple of questions ...

- IIRC, a Fouga was on display in the courtyard for a period after the Viking ship was removed, how long was the Fouga there, and which Fouga was it?

- Are there any plans to add some info, pics, etc re the IAC's/DF current aircraft/equipment ?

38

Aviation Waffle / Fouga's to fly again!

« on: August 16, 2009, 04:43:30 pm »

According to this months 'Air Forces Monthly' the Lebanese Defence Forces are to take four of their six Fouga Magisters from storage and restore them to airworthy condition. The Magisters were purchased during the period 1966 to 1975...and were in use until c.1995. The intention is to use the Magisters as primary jet trainers. 

The photo which accompanies the article shows a Magister in a hangar, alongside Vampire and Hunter jets.

39

Irish Air Corps / New AC display team?

« on: July 02, 2009, 01:48:08 am »

Are there any signs of a new AC display team forming?
..or re-forming the 'Silver Swallows'?

Speaking of which, if/when a new team is put together, should they adopt a new name or retain the 'Silver Swallows' title?


I saw the RAAF 'Roulettes' Display Team (who use PC-9's) display in Oz back in 2004, and came across this postcard pic tonight which got me thinking about this topic.

40

Air Corps News / 'Rescue' - RTE documentary

« on: April 05, 2009, 12:33:16 am »

A new documentary series will be aired on RTE 1, starting on Sunday 5-4-09 at 7.30pm.
Entitled 'Rescue', it will feature rescues carried out by Ireland's Emergency Services. No doubt the Air Corps will feature throughout the series.

41

Shameless Promotion / 'Ireland and World Aviation' book - swop or sell?

« on: March 09, 2009, 08:56:37 pm »

Hi guys!

I was just doing a bit of a spring clean and have decided to part with an Irish aviation book 'Ireland and World Aviation - The complete story' Compiled by Liam M. Skinner and Tom Cranitch.

I'm not sure of the year of printing (I doesn't list it anywhere in the book?), but judging by the six-digit Dublin phone numbers listed in various adverts in the book (and 'telex' numbers:D) I'm guessing it dates from the mid-to late '80's. The foreword is by An Taoiseach, Charles J Haughey.

The book is paperback, 184 pages and in excellent condition. Colour covers with the remainder mostly black and white. Includes 13 pages on 'Military Aviation in Ireland'. 

I thought I would mention it to you guys before I post it on eBay or elsewhere.
I'm open to offers, or would consider a swop for Air Corps prints or patches.

Silver.

42

Irish Air Corps / Making one of the Fougas airworthy again?

« on: January 28, 2009, 09:47:11 pm »

What would be involved in making one of the Fougas airworthy again?

I saw a photo earlier of '220' flying over Bal' during the 75th anniversary celebrations (1997), and just thought how great it would be to see one of the Fougas flying again at future airshows!

We often see aircraft in far worse shape than the Fougas being restored, so I'm wondering would it be possible for, say a team from the AC museum to make one airworthy again as a solo display aircraft?

43

Irish Air Corps / Silver Swallows - revival ?

« on: January 28, 2009, 09:39:24 pm »

Now that the PC-9's have been well 'settled in', has there been any talk of re-forming the Silver Swallows aerobatic display team?

44

Irish Air Corps / Low viz markings for helis?

« on: November 17, 2008, 09:03:59 pm »

Are there any plans to put low-viz markings on the AC helis?

I'm thinking specifically of 'AIR CORPS' in low-viz black on the tail booms.

I saw a pic of an AW139 today in 'Flying In Ireland' and thought that it looked a bit plain with just the roundel for identification.
Plus actually putting 'AIR CORPS' might, (and I stress MIGHT), lead to reporters calling them 'Air Corps' instead of 'Army' helicopters?!

45

Irish Aviation History / Air Corps Spitfire Mk9 '163' history page

« on: August 25, 2008, 10:06:23 pm »

Hi Folks,

I just came across this interesting page about the history of ex-IAC Spitfire '163'.

It includes current photos of her ....and a nice colour print of the various colour schemes she wore since her IAC days began in 1950. (N.B. the author acknowledges that some details in the colour print are not accurate enough....he's planning an up-dated print soon).

http://www.airport-data.com/articles/view/Spitfire-Mk9-TE308-History-N308WK;58.html