The last group of around 30 Direct Entry Pilots recruited into EI was mid 2000, all from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience. Some were recruited directly from Oxford (self sponsored) as that was where EI had all its 37 cadets at the time.
The other DE's ranged from Airline TRE's, Capts and FO's, Air Corps, RAF, USAF, General Aviation, and fresh out of various training schools!!! All of whom able to speak varying dialects of Irish!
