History
Narrative Summary
The Jamaican Air Force was formed in June 1963 as the Jamaican Air Squadron with pilots from the Jamaican Flying Club. It was only one month later that the Jamaican Defence Force Air Wing was established on the 3 July 1963 after the arrival of 4 Cessna 185. Training was carried out in England until 1972 and after that in Canada. From 1971 to 1973 the Air Wing received some Bell 206 and Bell 212 helicopters. In April 1977 the Air Wing became an autonomous unit within the JDF. During 1989 4 Bell UH-1H were leased from the US Government. Most of the equipment was sold over the years. At the beginning of 2000 the Air Wing was re-equipped with the Bell 412 and Aerospatiale AS-355 Ecureuil.
Key Dates
June 1963 |
|
Formation of Jamaican Air Force |
3 July 1963 |
|
Formation of Jamaican Defence Force Air Wing |
April 1977 |
|
Air Wing becomes an autonomous unit |
Current Status
The aircraft of the Air Wing are fully operational.
Future Plans
No information available.
Markings
National Insignia
Current — Historical
Aircraft Serial Numbers
H is used for helicopters, A for auxiliary (liaison) aircraft and T for transport aircraft as a prefix.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Up Park Camp, Kingston
Organisational Structure
The Air Wing is organised into three operational flights and one training school.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
To be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
1.Flight
2.Flight
3.Flight
Jamaica Military Aviation School
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
All current Jamaican Air Force fixed wing aircraft are based at Norman Manley IAP/Kingston and the helicopters at Up Park Camp/Kingston.
Military Air Bases Listing
All-Time Air Bases Used List
All current Jamaican Air Force fixed wing aircraft are based at Norman Manley IAP/Kingston and the helicopters at Up Park Camp/Kingston.
Military Air Bases Listing
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
Air International May 2001 p.314-317
Websites
Jamaica Defence Force
Any photographs illustrating this air arm would be welcome.