Short history of Trim Flying Club
(Updated April 2008)

Trim Flying Club was formed following a public meeting in the Wellington Court Hotel, Trim, in June 1979. The objective was to provide opportunities for recreational flying activity and training in the County Meath area, at minimal cost, but consistent with proper standards of safety and maintenance, and which would be open to all.
The first Chief Flying Instructor was Captain Eddie Foyle, an Aer Lingus pilot, and the first aeroplane was EI-BCS, a French built Socata Rallye100, purchased for £10,000.

Initially, the Club had no local airfield and the aircraft was based in Abbeyshrule, Co. Longford. Students and instructors thought nothing of driving the 50-miles to and from Abbeyshrule, such was the novelty and excitement generated by the whole affair.
About two years after the initial formation of the Club, it moved to its current base on the Murphy farm, situated just off the Trim-Navan road, about 3 km from Trim. The facilities – airstrip and clubhouse – were all developed and are maintained by the voluntary efforts of Club members. If you join, expect to spend Saturdays from time to time cutting grass, painting fencing posts or cleaning and polishing aircraft! Michael Murphy (RIP) passed away on June 3rd 2007 and the airfield is now managed by Pat Murphy.

Professional pilots living in the locality established training standards, and their input continues today as voluntary instructors, along with Club members who have also achieved Instructor competency. In November 1997 the Club was awarded Registered Training Facility (RTF) status by the Irish Aviation Authority, and now trains pilots to European JAR-FCL standards.
Over the years the Club has trained dozens of people from all walks of life to the level of Private Pilot, some of whom have gone on to take further training elsewhere, and today many are flying professionally with major airlines. From little acorns do oak trees grow! On the other hand, someone aspiring to a career as a professional pilot is usually better to consider the commercial Flight Training Organisations, in Ireland or internationally as the voluntary nature of the operation at Trim may not suit their objectives to start earning as quickly as possible.
In 2006, Trim Flying Club incorporated the members and aircraft of the Garda Aero Club and it now owns three aircraft, two Cessna 172s, EI-DDC and EI-STT – both used for training, and a Cessna 177 Cardinal, EI-POD – used for touring. We also have a flight operations office and a very good clubroom, where we conduct ground training for the JAR PPL examinations.

The present CFI is Captain William Treacy a 747 captain and dedicated hot-air balloonist who has a dedicated team of 12 voluntary instructors working with him. The Club is very grateful to William, and all those other selfless and distinguished aviators who have been our CFI’s and instructors down through the years and to the Murphy family for their support and assistance. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.