What is your fondest memories of the AIIIs?

[FiannaFail]

Now that the AIIIs role in the IAC is coming to an end it would be nice to get a record of the various members fondest memories of this great workhorse. So lads lets have it!
FiannaFail '>

[Silver]

I recall reading about a rescue off the Wexford coast where an Alouette crew flew 30 miles out to rescue a stricken boat crew (Not supposed to go more than 3 miles out due to single engine) !!

I'm sure there are lots more stories like this.

P.S. Who said A3 ops are coming to an end?! ..... I suspect that we may well see the A3's in our skies for a long time to come !

[FiannaFail]

Well Silver that is the word in the Officers Mess, that the AIIIs are to be retired after the new helies are in place!
Regards,
FiannaFail '>

[Turkey]

fianna fail, when have you ever been in Bal's officers mess ? !!!!!
If you knew anything about either the military, or military avaition, you  would know that the helicopters are almost 2 years away yet.
You would also know that there will not be enough of them.
The A111's will be around for a while yet. Hopfully the government will do the right thing and get sufficent equipment for the IAC, but I doubt it, they are more interested in filling their friends and their own pockets.

[Frank]

My fondest memory of the Alouette was flying in the last ship of a 4 ship formation taking as many pictures as my camera could hold!


Regards,

Frank.

[FiannaFail]

Silver,
Did you see yesterday's Sunday Indo article?  It stated that the 6 new copters WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING fleet.  So unfortunately the AIIIs seem to be on their last legs.  Just as the word in the Officers Mess stated!
Your good friend,
FiannaFail '>

[Silver]

They said the same before the Lear arrived..........but isn't the King Air still 'on the go' !

However, I reckon the Gazelle and Dauphins will go asap.

[clan]

They said a few years ago the old AML armoured cars were going, guess what they are still here, even better most of them have been refitted with Diesel engines and better guns.

[Dublin Spotter]

Slightly off topic, why do the Aircorp not keep one or two of the refurbished Dauphin for vip transport so as they can keep the full fleet of AB319 for Army / other services use.

[Silver]

Good point DS !

Perhaps Bertie & Co want to be flown about in a '05 heli rather than an '86 model   '>

[Turkey]

So the Sunday Indo is writen in the officers mess now, I am sure ralph will be pleased to hear that!
fianna failure, I am sure it is only bertie type maths that can replace the 15 helis' we should have with 6.
why don't you crawl back in your hole, you liar!!!!!!!

[clan]

DS, I made the same point many moons ago and got ate alive by a certain member that thinks we only have one Dauphin.
But it makes pure sense and they could pay for the upgrade from Berties fund of cash. Sadly Silver I think you may be right about the 05 model
If Willie is the man he claims to be, he will place the additional order for another 2 Agusta's before the end of the year. Plus add to it with a few MLH's .

[FiannaFail]

Clan,
The Government has an option to purchase two further LU helicopters and lets all hope that they will take this option up!! Remember that in 1963 3 AIIIs were purchased without any plan to expand these numbers.  However the deeping Northern Troubles in the early 1970s saw the need to purchase further AIIIs and eventually the Dauphins etc when futher needs were identified.  

Dont be worried about being eaten alive by other members of this board - it happens to the best of us.  We cant help that there are some others with low emotional intelligence in this world!!

Keep up your interesting contributions!!

FiannaFail :'>

[clan]

After reading the AB139's will not be delivered until next year and 2007. He might as well put in the order for the extra 2 now. Plus it looks like the A111's and Dauphins will be flying for a wee bit longer.

[John K]

My best memory of the A111 was landing on a tiny patch of grass on the edge of Slieve League, with the tail boom sticking out 200 above the sea! The memory before that was the pilot saying "Clear to open," with about 600 yards to go!
Or smacking Jim Durkin on the head with the left mainwheel when he hooked up an underslung load!
Or nearly joining my ancestors when 'Damian' put us into a dive from 2000' and the tail boom came over our heads! we just pulled out of it at 100'! F***ing Tw*t!
Or having a flare shoot up past my door on a troop drop!
Ahhh, those were the days!