Sir, - According to a news item in your edition of October 12th, a Casa maritime aircraft became the first Air Corps turboprop aircraft to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. The September issue of An Cosant≤ir also states that a "CN 235 became the first Air Corps turboprop aircraft to fly across the Atlantic". Both are incorrect.
On May 7th, 1980 a Beechcraft Super King Air 200, which is powered by a turboprop engine, was delivered across the Atlantic by an Air Corps crew from the company factory in the US to Casement Aerodrome. The Super King Air 200 is used as a "back-up" aircraft by the Ministerial Air Transport Service for transporting Government Ministers and other officials. This aircraft is also used for pilot conversion training on twin-engined aircraft and air ambulance missions. - Yours, etc.,
Patrick J. Cummins, Comeragh Park, Lismore Heights, Waterford.