Bristow has officially launched its first Search and Rescue (SAR) pilot cadet programme in Ireland. The 2025 pilot cadet scheme, which is fully sponsored by Bristow, will recruit four candidates for the Irish SAR team, to be deployed at the bases in Shannon, Sligo, Waterford and Weston Airport in Dublin.
The cadet scheme, which is operated in conjunction with Castle Air Aviation Group, will offer successful applicants a sponsored route to becoming a fully-fledged helicopter pilot of an AW189 aircraft. They will embark on a two-year course primarily based at Gloucester Airport, UK, before returning to Ireland. When training has been completed, cadets will be deployed to one of Bristow Ireland’s SAR four bases.
Philip Bartlett, Director of Irish Search and Rescue at Bristow Ireland, said: “This is a unique and exciting opportunity for candidates to not only receive a fully sponsored pilot cadetship but also embark on a long and rewarding career in Search and Rescue aviation.
“SAR is a national life-saving service, and this programme opens the door for aspiring pilots in Ireland to be part of it. We look forward to welcoming four new cadets to our team here in Bristow. They will be working with a team of pilots, commanders, and engineers who have extensive knowledge and experience in SAR.”
Daniel Langan, Vice President of the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA), said that “Bristow’s cadet programme is an excellent opportunity for anybody who is looking to pursue an exciting career in search and rescue, with the company that provides Search and Rescue for the Irish Coast Guard. This cadetship is very welcomed by IALPA and its members.”
There are only a limited number of places available on the programme. Eligible candidates must be over 18, residents in Ireland, have strong Leaving Certificate points, and hold a valid Class 1 UK Flight Crew Medical Certificate.
Successful applicants who reach the next phase of this process will particate in two selection days on 25 and 26 September, at Castle Air, before the course commences on 6 October. Click here for online application forms. (Source: ‘FlyingInIreland’)
OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF NEW AVIATION SERVICE
The Irish Coast Guard’s new aviation service, operated by Bristow Ireland under a ten-year contract that includes six purpose-built AW189 helicopters based at Waterford, Sligo, Dublin and Shannon, was officially launched on 21 August by Minister of State Sean Canney TD, with special responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard.
For the first time, the Coast Guard will also deploy a 24-hour fixed wing service, using two Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft, also based at Shannon, to enhance the overall capability of Coast Guard service to the public.
Minister Canney said that the expanded helicopter fleet and the introduction of 24/7 fixed-wing operations, means the Coast Guard is better equipped than ever to deliver enhanced inland, coastal and offshore search and rescue services in addition to the provision of 24/7 aeromedical support to HSE and Ireland’s offshore island communities.
“The Coast Guard now has a dedicated fixed wing aircraft which will enable it meet international obligations in proactive maritime environmental monitoring and pollution investigation, thereby enhancing our overall awareness of any threats to our maritime environment, covering an area of 132,000 square miles.”
Bristow Ireland commenced SAR helicopter operations from Shannon Airport in December 2024, utilising newly built AW189 helicopters, followed by the introduction of the 24/7 fixed wing service in May 2025.
In July, the Dublin-based service commenced operations from Weston Airport, which signified the end of 27 years of Coast Guard helicopter services operating out of Dublin Airport. The other two bases in Waterford and Sligo will transition over the coming months.
Pictured in front of the new AW189 helicopter and the fixed-wing Kings Air 200 aircraft at the official launch at the Shannon Airport base on 21 August 2025 were (l-r): Kevin Whitney, Head of ICG Operations, Micheál O’Toole, Director of the Irish Coast Guard, Minister of State Sean Canney TD, Joanna Cullen, Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Transport, Philip Hartlett, Director of Irish Search and Rescue at Bristow Ireland; and Gerard O’Flynn, Aviation Contracts Manager, ICG.
