My Name is Tony McAleer, I am a senior captain with CHC (Ire). I fly their twin turbine Dauphin 365 which services the Cork Gas Field. I formed a flying school in 2004 due to the increasing number of individuals approaching me for helicopter flying lessons. The majority of these students inevitably bought their own helicopters and asked me to source and subsequently manage their aircraft.I started flying, almost 20 years ago, in 1988 and achieved my Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) in 1990. Since obtaining my CPL I have managed to average approximately 500 flying hours per year, flying either in commercial helicopter operations or doing flight instruction on helicopter/aeroplanes.I now hold an ATPL (Airline Transport Pilots Licence).

My commercial helicopter experience started off in the charter market for Westair, under Brian Carpenter, and I progressed from there to Gulf Helicopters who are involved in offshore and desert operations all over the Middle East. I then moved back to Cork and began working with CHC (Ire). CHC are the largest helicopter company in the world, working mainly in offshore operations, particularly in the North Sea. During this time I gained my aeroplane licences and instructed for South Aer on their single and twin engine aircraft.

I formed a flying school in 2004 due to the increasing number of individuals approaching me for helicopter flying lessons. The majority of these students inevitably bought their own helicopters and asked me to source and subsequently manage their aircraft. 

I take one student at a time, help you buy your helicopter and then give you my undivided attention in teaching you how to fly it and also teach you all the aspects and responsibilities of  owning and running your helicopter. So that when you have your licence you are able to fly and manage your helicopter with ease.

I have been appointed an Irish Aviation Authority Flight Examiner i.e. examining pilots for the grant of the flying licence, both Private and Commercial. I also examine pilots with different helicopter type ratings, flight instructor ratings and instrument ratings (i.e. allowing them to fly in cloud). I am currently the only pilot in the country qualified to examine on both helicopters and aeroplanes.

During my aviation career to date, I have been involved in the purchase and management of several aircraft. The pilots and engineers that work with me are highly qualified and come with many years of experience.

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