An Cosantóir

www.military An Cosantóir September / October 2025 www.military.ie/magazine Irish Air Corps context and history with hoisting T he Irish Air Corps has operated military aviation since the early 1920s and has maintained a rotary wing capability and associated aircrew training as part of its core duties. Over time the Corps provided search and rescue and casualty evacuation services beginning with the Alouette III and Dauphin 2 helicopters, particularly before civilian agencies were established to handle national SAR. The modern medium lift helicopter era for the Air Corps began with the introduction of the AgustaWestland AW139 in the mid 2000s. The first AW139s were handed over to the Air Corps in 2006 and that type has formed the backbone of the Corps hoist capable fleet since then. These aircraft and crew have supported national tasks, inter agency exercises and periodic maritime and mountain winch training. Number 3 Operations Wing is the Defence Forces operational helicopter element and is responsible for all helicopter tasks and training. The Land Winchman Course The course trains current helicopter aircrew for a core skillset in hoist operations known as the winchman. A winchman is the aircrew member who deploys from a hovering helicopter on a hoist or winch cable to reach casualties, personnel or equipment in locations inaccessible to the aircraft. The winchman's tasks include attaching and detaching casualties, communicating with the winch operator and responding to emergencies while suspended beneath an aircraft. The role requires technical skill, physical control and the ability to make rapid, safety first decisions while exposed to rotor downwash, variable weather and difficult terrain. The course was ran under Number 3 Operations Wing between the 18th of June and the 3rd of July 2025, using an AgustaWestland AW139. Four students were selected for the course: Corporal Kevin Maher, Corporal Jamie O'Sullivan, Corporal Sean McHugh, and Airman William Brien. What a winchman does A winchman must perform a range of distinct tasks, often in rapid succession and under stress. These include fitting and checking harnesses, connecting or disconnecting casualties and equipment to the hook, providing casualty care or reassurance while suspended, monitoring cable tension and keeping the casualty clear of hazards and executing emergency procedures such as freeing a fouled cable or cutting loose when necessary. 10 | THE LAND THE LAND WINCHMAN WINCHMAN COURSE COURSE ARTICLE BY CPL KEVIN MAHER

• Cover