Limerick Flying Club has achieved a remarkable milestone by being named Aviation Company of the Year at the prestigious Aviation Industry Awards 2025, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry on Friday, 28th November. The club also secured the General & Sport Aviation Award, making it a double win on the night.
The Aviation Company of the Year accolade is determined by comparing the aggregate scores of all 13 category winners, with Limerick Flying Club emerging as the highest-scoring entrant. Categories included diverse areas such as airport operations, technology, sustainability, and innovation, highlighting the breadth of competition across the industry.
Founded in 1971, Limerick Flying Club is based at Coonagh Aerodrome, just 2NM west of Limerick City. The club was established by aviation enthusiasts following the relocation of Shannon Flying Services to Galway, leaving Coonagh without aircraft or instructors. The founding committee, Foncy Hobbins, Brendan Beegan, and Bryan Carpenter, formalised the club and acquired its first aircraft, a Cessna 150E (EI-AOO), delivered on 6th February 1971.
Over the decades, the club has grown from a handful of members to a thriving community of over 100 members, operating modern Tecnam aircraft alongside privately owned planes. It offers flight training, aircraft rental, and a strong social dimension, hosting events and fostering aviation culture in the region. Coonagh Aerodrome itself is a unique airfield with a 416m hard-surface runway, requiring careful handling due to its narrow dimensions.
Limerick Flying Club’s recognition at the Aviation Industry Awards underscores the importance of grassroots aviation in Ireland. Clubs like LFC not only train future pilots but also preserve the heritage and passion for flying that fuels the broader aviation sector.
