An Cosantóir

An Cosantóir March & April Issue 2022

An Cosantóir the official magazine of the Irish Defence Forces and Reserve Defence Forces.

Issue link: https://digital.jmpublishing.ie/i/1467451

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29 A HISTORY OF THE IRISH AIR CORPS TECHNICAL TRAINING SCHOOL The Technical Training School The delivery of technical education is continuously evolving and the need to compete to attract suitably qualified candidates to fulfil the demanding roles in aircraft engineering and maintenance, requires a constant re-evaluation of modes of instruction and training delivery. Accordingly, as part of a reorganisa- tion in 2004 the Apprentice School was renamed the Irish Air Corps Technical Training School, reflecting this rapidly changing world of further and advanced education in general and technical education in particular. In 2012 The Technical Training School entered into a partnership with Dublin Institute of Technology, Bolton Street, now part of the Technological Universi- ty of Dublin, to deliver a program of education and training which would see graduates of the Technical Training School being awarded the Level 7 degree of Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Military Aviation Technology in addition to a recognised apprenticeship. Since the establishment of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2002 the training of aviation apprentices has radically changed in Europe. EASA pursuant to its mandate to promote the highest common standards of safety in civil aviation, has developed a common training syllabus and certifi- cation procedures for the licencing of technical personnel working in aviation and technical training organisations that produce them. In 2017 The Technical Training School succeeded in gaining accreditation as an EASA Part 147 Maintenance Training and Examination Organisation, allowing the Air Corps to offer EASA Part 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence for the following categories, B1.1 Aeroplanes Turbine, B1.3 Helicopter Turbine and B2 Avionics, which are recognised throughout Europe and indeed worldwide. The Technical Training School is the only Part 147 licenced school which can train Helicopter mainte- nance technicians in Ireland. Conclusion The Irish Air Corps Apprentice School was originally formed to guarantee the supply of aviation mechanics so as to ensure the Air Corps could maintain its fleet. It has consistently attracted very high quality candidates who have typi- cally gone on to very successful careers in the Air Corps and the wider defence forces, rising through the ranks via potential officer programs or cadetships to the highest ranks. Indeed the current General Officer Commanding of the Air Corps Brigadier General Rory O'Connor is himself a graduate of the Apprentice School. Likewise, the alumni of the Apprentice School have for decades formed the backbone of the engineering and maintenance functions of Aer Lingus in its formative years and later graduates have had very successful careers with oth- er Irish and foreign airlines from all over the world, as well as the Irish Aviation Authority. Today the Irish Air Corps Technical Training School still plays a vital role in supplying mission critical technical staff for the Air Corps and the wider Irish aviation sector, especially in the context of the huge demand for talented technical personnel. The Technical Training School as a Part 147 Technical Training Organisation is well placed to cater for the future technical training needs of the Air Corps as military operators in Europe, Australia and countries all over the world increas- ingly adopt European Military Aviation Regulations (EMARS) which are largely based on EASA civilian regulations. Being able to offer globally recognised qualifications offers the prospect of students, graduates and staff from the Technical Training School participating in both domestic and international educational and collaborative research programs. The Irish Air Corps Technical Training School is a very valuable state asset that has undoubtedly contributed to the success of Ireland and the Irish people in global aviation maintenance organisations, aviation leasing companies and aviation operators worldwide. Working on the main rotor of an AW139 Like father, like son! RSM John Greene and his son Cpl David Green, both graduates of TTS. Flt Sgt Anne Kelly with her TTS Students

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