An Cosantóir

| 27 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE www.military demands. 301 Squadron also maintained firefighting capability in support of the country's fire services, and continued a strong working relationship in support of the Army and Naval Service for joint missions and training. The squadron's diverse capability was used in 2024 to maximum extent. 302 SQUADRON: TRAINING, FLEET EXPANSION, AND NEW CHALLENGES 302 Squadron has been equally busy this year, with its focus on training the next generation of pilots and instructors. In addition to this, they have managed to assist with various operations through aid to the civil authority missions, supporting the Army Ranger Wing and assisting An Garda Síochána. These essential tasks have kept the squadron flying regularly and in high demand. The squadron welcomed eight new pilots, four of whom completed EC135P2+ conversion following their Helicopter Conversion Course (HCC) with the Royal Air Force in RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley, adding new skills to the squadron's repertoire, with the next four pilots now commenced their HCC with the RAF. A reconvened Flying Instructor Course (Helicopter) is also due to be completed by the squadron for two pilots before year-end, which is crucial for supporting ongoing helicopter pilot development within the unit. The squadron is also in the final stages of securing a new light-lift utility helicopter fleet, which promises to further enhance training and operational flexibility in the near future. 303 SQUADRON: MAINTAINING AN AIRWORTHY FLEET OF HELICOPTERS The AW139s and EC135s require ongoing and continuous maintenance to ensure all aircraft are kept in pristine flying condition, and this is enabled by a dedicated team of skilled 303 Squadron technicians. The technicians continued their crucial maintenance work and upskilling training in 2024, ensuring that all aircraft remain in optimal condition for both training and operational purposes. Line maintenance has required some challenging problem-solving of a technical nature during the year, and base maintenance took place both with home technical crews and abroad with 303 Sqn presence. In addition, 303 Sqn continued to support EAS maintenance in Athlone. 304 SQUADRON - GARDA AIR SUPPORT UNIT (GASU): EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON THE HORIZON GASU has also had an eventful year, with the exciting news of two new aircraft being added to the squadron's fleet: a H145 D3 helicopter and a Twin Otter fixed-wing aeroplane. Both aircraft are currently being manufactured in Airbus Helicopters headquarters, Germany, and De Havilland, Canada, respectively, and are due for delivery in early 2025. These new additions, with upgraded capabilities, will significantly enhance GASU's mission output once operational. GASU also continued its policing and air surveillance operations with the two existing EC135T2 helicopters, remaining a vital part of An Garda Síochána's internal security operations. Furthermore, a new Garda Aircrew Observer selection course is underway, ensuring a steady flow of new talent to join the ranks of the highly skilled team in 304 Squadron. AIRCREW AND HQ STAFF: KEEPING OPERATIONS RUNNING SMOOTHLY The aircrew have been sharpening their skills with ongoing training in a multitude of flying disciplines, ensuring readiness for the myriad of operations demanded by the unit in challenging environments, including undertaking Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training for use during EAS missions. Balancing this demanding training with ongoing operational commitments, the aircrew remains adaptable and ready for the diverse challenges they face in both remote, rugged terrains and critical emergency situations. In addition to this, a new aircrew selection course was completed in November, with a lucky few successful individuals soon to start their General Purpose Crew Course. And of course, none of this operational flying takes place without the hard work and support of HQ staff, be it planning operations, ensuring logistic support to the unit, coordinating all administration and unit training, and ensuring the airworthiness of safety equipment. LOOKING AHEAD: CONTINUED GROWTH AND SUCCESS IN 2025 As we look back on the achievements of 2024, it's clear that each squadron has made significant strides in enhancing their capabilities, expanding their fleets, and training the next generation of pilots, technicians and aircrew. With so many exciting developments already in progress, including new aircraft and training programmes, and a super-medium helicopter project about to begin in 2025, the future of the Air Corps' rotary capability is turning an exciting corner. The coming year promises more opportunities and operational output, playing a key role in supporting the Air Corps' wide range of operations both at home and abroad. AIR CORPS COLLEGE BY LT KEN GODDEN 2024 has been another busy and productive year in Air Corps College, with all three schools qualifying and welcoming new students. In TTS, every module of the EASA 147 course was completed across the three classes. This is a rigorous academic journey and the successes reflect the dedication of the students and the support of the staff. The 78th Apprentice Class qualified this summer after completing their dissertations, with projects including a wind tunnel and electrical systems demonstrator, and are now integrated into their respective units. We also welcomed the first TMAST (Trainee Military Aircraft Systems Technician) class, which included Defence Forces personnel and new recruits from the DFJTC. MTS ran several courses to help personnel qualify for key roles within the Air Corps and the wider Defence Forces. A Potential NCOs course was held for Airmen and Airwomen across all Air Corps streams. Technicians completed 14 weeks of training, while Line personnel underwent 26 weeks. Thirty-five personnel qualified as Corporals in their respective streams. An Air Component Progression Course was also conducted for personnel transitioning from the JITC, where they completed Joint Recruit Training with Army and Navy peers. Additionally, a Recruit training course took place in the final months of the year, welcoming new students of all ages and backgrounds to the Air Corps. 2024 also saw impressive performances from the Air Corps Fitness Centre in the An Cosantóir 10km road race, with Sgt Conor Tiernan finishing 2nd and Lt Cloake taking 4th in the Men's Individual category. A combined block from FTS and MTS performed strongly during training and on race day. The summer saw the inaugural Defence Forces Hyrox competition at Cathal Brugha Barracks, where Cpl Morgan captained a three-man team to victory, highlighting the Air Corps' competitive ability. In FTS, the 47th Flying Instructor Course wrapped up in March, with new instructors Lt Sean Curran and Lt Ken Godden joining the team. In April they assisted with the 29th Young Officers' Wings Course, where seven students completed their final qualification flights and earned their military pilot's wings before posting to their new Units. There was no rest for the school, as the 30th YOWC began their flying training that same month. In May, the 31st YOWC returned to Baldonnel to begin their aeronautical studies, followed by the Air Corps Pilot Cadet Class 2023 in August. The 48th Flying Instructor Course also began this Autumn, with two new student instructors to put through their paces over the coming months. In September, the Silver Swallows participated in the 2024 Sanicole Air Show in Belgium. This was the team's first display of the year and introduced Capt Dan McKeown as a new display team member. The Irish Air Corps' first display in Belgium was a great success with the Silver Swallows becoming a crowd favourite. As 2024 ends, Air Corps College remains as busy and driven as ever, and looks forward to continuing to teach and develop both current and new students in 2025.

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