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 Outcomes At 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 aircraft Civil 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 show possible access problems.

Large fixed wing passenger aircraft showing exits and hazards.

Rotary winged aircraft - Helicopter showing MMMF panels.

Types 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.

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