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First Officer, King Air 200 — Search & Rescue (Shannon)
✈️ First Officer, King Air 200 — Search & Rescue (Shannon)
2Excel Aviation Ltd is seeking King Air 200 First Officers to join our Special Missions division, delivering the Irish Coast Guard’s fixed‑wing Search and Rescue (SAR) service from Shannon Airport. This is purposeful, mission‑driven flying—varied, demanding and rewarding—far beyond A‑to‑B operations.
🧭 Your mission
As a First Officer on the King Air 200, you will support the Captain in delivering time‑critical SAR and specialist surveillance tasks on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard. You’ll plan, brief, fly and debrief missions in all weathers, day and night, often at short notice—working closely with a dedicated Sensor Operator managing advanced sensors and mission equipment.
- Operate the King Air 200 safely in multi‑crew IFR and VFR roles.
- Execute search patterns and surveillance profiles; coordinate with the Rescue Coordination Centre and on‑scene units.
- Assist with mission planning, performance, fuel, and risk assessments; maintain accurate logs and reports.
- Adhere to SOPs, checklists and the Safety Management System; uphold 2Excel’s safety culture.
- Contribute to standards, training, and continuous improvement at the forward operating base.
- Represent 2Excel professionally with government and industry stakeholders.
🧰 Minimum requirements
- EASA CPL with IR and Class 1 Medical.
- Total time: 250 hours; PIC time: 150 hours.
- Instrument time: 50 hours; Night time: 5 hours.
- ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4 or higher.
- Available for initial King Air 200 training if not currently type‑rated.
- Comfortable with 24/7/365 SAR readiness and call‑out operations.
🌟 Preferred profile
- Relevant experience in a similar setting (military, police, coastguard, or special mission operations).
- Proven experience taking a lead pilot/managerial role at a forward operating base.
- Current King Air 200 type rating highly desirable (not essential; training provided).
🎓 Training, rating and bond
Successful applicants without a current King Air 200 type rating will complete initial training provided by 2Excel. All training costs (estimated €20,000) are subject to a two‑year bond, repayable if you leave our employment during that period. The bond value reduces by 25% every six months over the two years.
🚀 Why join 2Excel Special Missions?
- Make a measurable difference on every sortie, supporting life‑saving SAR operations.
- Experience varied, challenging missions—not routine line flying.
- Operate with modern sensors and mission equipment alongside a dedicated Sensor Operator.
- Clear scope to progress your career within 2Excel.
- Be part of a high‑performing, safety‑focused team delivering for Government and industry customers.
📨 How to apply
If you’re ready to bring your skills to a mission with purpose, apply now. Please include a brief note outlining your special mission or SAR experience and your availability for initial training.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding next steps. 2Excel Aviation Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.

