Irish Air Corps

[LotusOmega375D]

I was out and about in the far Western suburbs of Dublin yesterday and saw about half of the Irish Air Corps fleet of fixed wing military aircraft flying overhead in the space of a few minutes. 3 of their 7 Pilatus PC-9M and 1 of their 2 nice big shiney blue CASA CN235s flying into Baldonnel. What I don't quite understand is that the PC-9Ms are used for training purposes: but once the training is complete, what aircraft do the pilots then move up to?

[Issi]

I believe it's either the Mig 29 Fulcrum or the A-10.

[jimmyjimjim]

The type is designated as a trainer, but it's also equipped for ground attack.

[Eric Mc]

It's always been the case with Air Corps advanced trainers. They used to have Spitfre Tr9s, Vampire T55s and then Fouga Magisters - which were the "top" aircraft in the inventory in their respective eras.

I wonder if they were celebrating their 90th anniversary. I attended their 60th aniversary in 1982.

[LotusOmega375D]

Issi said:

I believe it's either the Mig 29 Fulcrum or the A-10.

...or maybe they just move straight on to those white-over-blue 737-800s?

[LotusOmega375D]

Thanks Eric: I was hoping for your input on this one.

I don't think it was a special event, just routine flying operations.