Bristow Ireland seeks applicants for search and rescue pilot cadet programme

Eva Osborne

Bristow has officially launched its first search and rescue (SAR) pilot cadet programme in Ireland.

The 2025 pilot cadet scheme will recruit four candidates for the Irish SAR team.

The cadet scheme, which is operated in conjunction with Castle Air Aviation Group, offers successful applicants a sponsored route to becoming a fully-fledged helicopter pilot of an AW189 aircraft.

Successful applicants 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 bases in Shannon, Sligo, Waterford, or Weston.

Director of Irish Search and Rescue at Bristow Ireland, Philip Bartlett, 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.”

Vice President of the Irish Air Line Pilots' Association (IALPA), Daniel Langan, said: "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.”

Bristow Ireland began operating SAR services from Shannon Airport in December 2024 and Weston Airport in July 2025.

The Weston base, which serves as Bristow Ireland’s SAR headquarters, will include new facilities for aircraft management, crew accommodation, and heavy maintenance across the AW189 fleet.

Under the full rollout of the contract, Bristow Ireland will operate six AW189 helicopters from bases in Shannon, Sligo, Waterford, and Weston, along with two King Air fixed-wing aircraft from Shannon.

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.

Online applications are now open here.