Ireland's Falcos

Over the years many examples of Stelio Frati's designs have been seen in the skies over Ireland. The Irish Aer Corps operated the SIAI Marchetti SF.260 as its primary trainer for many years and they were a regular sight around the country.  However only three of his civilian designs, all factory built Falco F8Ls, have been registered.  Of the three, EI-BBT, EI-BCJ and EI-BMF, only BCJ remains.


EI-BBT

Originally imported from the UK as G-APXD, it was registered EI-BBT on 10.6.1976.  It was based at Dublin Airport until it was exported to the U.S. as N304SF on 7.7.1981.  It continues to fly there and features on the following website Falco N304SF

EI-BCJ

Formerly G-ATAK, BCJ arrived in Ireland in early 1977 and was registered on 19.1.1977. She spent most of the 90s unflown, stored in the hangar in Abbeyshrule until bought by Mike Mc Loughlin and restored to flying condition.  She is currently based in Kilrush and is Ireland's only Falco.

EI-BCJ, Abbeyshrule, August 1994

EI-BCJ at Limetree Airfield 14.9.2014

EI-BMF

BMF was Ireland's most active Falco until her demise on April 10th 2010.  First registered on 28.1.1982, she was a regular sight in Irish skies over the next 28 years operating from her base at Powerscourt, County Wicklow.

EI-BMF at Weston Aerodrome 8.1.1995