Should the IAC be the Main Provider of SAR Service

[FiannaFail]

Some of you may feel that all SAR services should be provided by our colleagues in heli sqns while others may feel it should be left to outside agencies  such as the Coastguard.  Personally I fall into the middle. We should specialise in troop carrying and assault helicopters and leave SAR to the Coastguard but be available when top up is needed in national emerencies etc.
FF

[Silver]

Implemented AC White Paper recommendations (that I can think of )

- Retirement of Fouga Jets.
- Purchase of 8 x Pilatus PC-9M's.
- Sale of Gormanston AirField (any news on that yet ? I    believe a FOR SALE sign is up at present)
- New AC structure/squadrons (not sure if it was in White   Paper)


Silver.

[Bailer]

Well I can tell you a certain Cargo / Express company is planning to buy Gormanston as part of their worldwide expansion. Possibly converting it into a hub for their european operations (I know because they employ me) and also considering buying surrounding farmland

[Irish Marine]

'>
  I think that the Coast Guard should become a separate branch of the Irish Defence Forces.  The Irish Air Corps are great at what they do, but I propose that the Coast Guard become a separate branch under the Defence Forces.

  I do say in closing that the Aircorps remain in charge of S&R operations till an idea in the mentioned in the above took place.  Yes-its an idea far away from reality.
I am trying my best to keep everyone motivated and pumped up under these sad times for our beloved Irish Air Corps. '>  

[irishsamourai]

maybe in the future , the IAC has few medium helicopter for troop and sar ,the irish coast guard need the same helicopter for maintenance operation and training
i don't know the status for ICG , but in ohter air forces , they depend of the air force or navy .
but the first job of Coast Guard is to save live (military or not)

[Irish Marine]

FiannaFail-Great points indeed and hope that you are keeping well.  '>    '>

Excuse my adding words twice in my last message, its being a long day.

[Imshi-Yallah]

Actually if the Aircorps were to operate a radar equipped Medium lift helicopter in dual SAR/MPA roles it would give the AC enhanced SAR and interdiction capabilites and most interestingly might be eligible for part funding by the EU

[Lude]

Imshi,
If only people like you with the knowledge had the actual power to do something we would in a much better situation than we are now.

[Imshi-Yallah]

Acquiring my level of knowledge isn't difficult, the people in power have access to that knowledge, there is nothing as innocent as ignorance behinf the state of the nation, knowing greed and subversion of democracy are much more importatn in this state than a lack of knowledge.

[Silver]

YES - The Air Corps should be the main provider of SAR for our State.
They have provided an excellent service with limited helis since 1964 and should be properly equipped to maintain this service.

The White Paper on Defence stated that the AC should be properly equipped (with Medium Lift Helis) to provide SAR cover. It stated that it made economic sense in the long term rather than paying for on-going Coast Guard heli contracts.

Silver.

[Lude]

I totally agree Silver,they have done trojan work providing SAR cover since the 1960's.And what is the story with this white paper on defence as regards the aircorps anyway,have any of the i'm sure many recommendations been implemented yet? I apologise in advance if there have been any implemented!