Commissioning Ceremony of the Air Corps Pilot Cadet Class 2023
- Foilsithe: 19 Bealtaine 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 19 Bealtaine 2025
The eleven members of the Air Corps Pilot Cadet Class 2023 (AC PCC23) were commissioned as officers of Óglaigh na hEireann at a ceremony in Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, which was attended by the Minister of State at the Department of Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, and the Chief of the Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy.
Their commissioning marks the completion of twenty months training, which was divided between the Cadet School at the Defence Forces Training Centre, where they undertook the induction and development stages of their training, and Casement Aerodrome, where they attended Ground School, studying thirteen subjects in four blocks, including aircraft, their systems, instruments, procedures, laws, flight planning and navigation.
Following their commissioning today, the eleven new officers will now commence their flight training at Casement Aerodrome.
Addressing the newly-commissioned officers, Minister Byrne said:
As you now begin the first step of your journey as commissioned officers, you will add to the rich range of talents and experience currently held within the officer body and the men and women of the Air Corps, including the 4 new officers commissioned from the ranks to the Air Corps earlier this year as part of the 12th Potential Officers’ Class.
“Today is a celebration of real achievement for you, the Air Corps Pilot Cadet Class 2023. It marks a great milestone in your lives; new officers who have pledged your loyalty to the State and its citizens.”
The General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, added:
The commissioning of the Air Corps Pilot Cadet Class of 2023 marks not just the culmination of a demanding course of training, but the beginning of a long-standing commitment to leadership, service, and distinction in military aviation.
“I am immensely proud of what they have achieved and confident in the contribution they will make to the Air Corps, the wider Defence Forces and the State.