Spanish Point Airfield

In the late 1970s, local Miltown man Joe Ryan achieved a significant milestone by successfully landing an aircraft on a farm in Leagard South. As an instructor pilot at Shannon's Westair Flying School, Joe saw the potential in a strip of land at Goodland's, believing it to be suitable for a grass runway. This idea lingered among local pilots for nearly two decades until the necessary resources and support were finally secured, leading to the establishment of the Spanish Point Flying Club in June 1991.

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Joe Ryan, with his extensive aviation experience, became a club director and the club's Chief Flying Instructor (CFI), balancing this role with his duties as Operations Manager at Iona Flight Training in Cork. Alongside Joe, local businessmen and pilots Michael Shannon and Cyril Jones joined as club directors, contributing significantly to the club's foundation. The landowners, Michael and Shane Burke, also played a crucial role by providing substantial support to the project.

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The club's training fleet began with the acquisition of a Rallye Commodore 180 (M.S.893) 'EI-BHP' from Abbeyshrule in early 1991, a powerful advanced training aircraft. Soon after, they added a basic trainer, the Rallye Commodore 125 (M.S.880) 'EI-BIT', also from Abbeyshrule, just before the club's inauguration over the June Bank Holiday Weekend in 1991.

The opening of the club was marked by a highly successful event during the Whit Weekend of 1991, with 14 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft attending. The local Minister of Defence, Brendan Daly, officially opened the clubhouse and Operations Room, marking the beginning of a new era for aviation enthusiasts in Spanish Point.

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The club quickly gained popularity among locals, attracting numerous aspiring student pilots. At this stage, the club was a Registered Training Facility (RTF) and a licensed aerodrome. Many future pilots had their first taste of flying in either 'Hotel-Papa' or 'India-Tango', as the aircraft were affectionately known. The sound of aircraft engines became a familiar backdrop for the local community and golfers at the nearby Spanish Point Golf Club, whose 5th hole was directly under the approach for Runway 06.

Throughout the 1990s, the club thrived, offering flight tuition, aerial survey work, and general aviation services, helping local pilots maintain their annual flight hours. However, the coastal environment posed challenges for the aging aircraft, leading to various technical issues. Despite these hurdles, the club persevered and continued operations successfully.

In the early 2000s, the club faced significant changes. Joe Ryan retired, and the club had to make decisions regarding its aircraft fleet. The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks brought a downturn in global aviation, impacting flight schools nationwide, including Spanish Point, which ceased training operations due to the increased costs.

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A resurgence occurred in 2007 when landowner Shane Burke, a certified pilot trained by Joe Ryan, decided to purchase and refurbish a Cessna 150 from the Flying Club. Joined by his colleague Liam Bagnell, an Aer Lingus maintenance department employee and trainee pilot, they successfully test flew the refurbished aircraft, 'EI-AUO', in June 2007, marking its entry into private service at Spanish Point.

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Today, Spanish Point Airfield is thriving once again. With three aircraft permanently based there and plans for further facility development, the airfield boasts a new clubhouse, aircraft hangar, surfaced apron area, and helicopter pads. As interest in aviation grows locally, the airfield is set to continue its legacy, celebrating 20 years of flight operations in a tribute to Joe, Cyril, Michael, Shane, and all the friends of Spanish Point Airfield, both past and present.

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This  history of perseverance, community support, and a passion for aviation continues to define Spanish Point Airfield as a hub for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.