Transport Systems

Aircraft

Aim

To provide students with information to

allow them to effectively and safely

carry out their duties when attending

incidents involving aircraft.

Learning OutcomesAt the end of the session students will be able to state:

• The two main types of aircraft incidents

• The factors affecting the safety of fire service and civilian

personnel

• The options relating to firefighting and rescue

• Basic firefighting / rescue techniques.

Types of aircraftTypes of aircraftCivil Possibility of a large number of passengers

Large fuel loads

Cargo could be hazardous

Military Possibly armed

Ejector seats

Canopy explosive devices

Fewer number of passengers

Helicopters Beware of rotors drooping

Beware of tail rotor.

Picture of proposed large passenger aircraft, up to 960 passengers. Size of buses showpossible access problems.

Large fixed wing passenger aircraftshowing exits and hazards.

Rotary winged aircraft - Helicoptershowing MMMF panels.

Types of IncidentTypes of Incident

• An aircraft accident occurring on an airport

• An aircraft accident occurring off an airport

• At an aircraft crash where rescues are to be

performed, the local authority Fire Brigade is

expected to respond in a similar way to RTA’s.

Safety

• Never enter any part of an airfield without permission

• Vehicles and personnel should be conspicuous at all times

• Do not work beneath aircraft• Beware of rotating propellers• Aircraft doors may open outwards• Beware of escape chutes- they should be

disabled by the door opening mechanism.

Initial Approach

• Carry out a dynamic risk assessment

• Evacuate non essential personnel to 300 metres

• Consider wind direction/slope of ground

• Ensure Brigade Control knows the exact location and approach for oncoming appliances.

Firefighting

Note the wind direction in each case.

Firefighting• Always fight the fire upwind

• Use foam

• The main purpose of firefighting is to preserve the integrity of the fuselage, where the passengers are situated

• If passengers are injured, but not at immediate risk, consider leaving in place until expert medical help is on site

• Use any expertise from crew members if available.

Safety

• Intakes and exhausts of engines can rotate for a long time

• Do not approach closer than 7.5 metres to the front of a jet engine or within 45 metres of the rear

• Helicopter rotors may droop or alter their angles at any time

• Cover engines and fuel tanks with foam.

Helicopter Safety - The Safe Approach

Rescues

Look for;

• Usual passenger doors

• Emergency exits - always marked on fuselage

• Preserve evidence where possible.

Ejector seat

Operation Safety - sear pins.

Military Aircraft

Miniature Detonating Cord – Operation.

Confirmation Assessments will be based on this lesson and the corresponding study note

Learning Outcomes• The two main types of aircraft incidents

• The factors affecting the safety of service and civilian personnel

• The options relating to firefighting and rescue

• Basic firefighting / rescue techniques.

THE END