Seconds count when there is a fire on an aircraft, but every airfield has its team of highly trained firefighters that are prepared to take on the challenge.
Even new recruits are drilled endlessly in the flames and understanding the disorienting effect of smoke
What is your background?
I've been a firefighter for the past 28 years. I started with Kent Fire and Rescue service in southern England and got my first taste of aviation with them. We used to take part in annual exercises with the team at Lydd. I joined the airport team in 1988 and become senior fire officer in 1996.
What made you want to become a firefighter?
It's in my blood. While not quite a family a thing, I do have some heritage from my grandparents, who were in the police force. I wanted to do something to help people in times of need.
How do you become an airport firefighter?
Airports recruit locally. We're currently looking for another trainee firefighter, having just taken one on. There are minimum qualifications: GCSEs at grades A-C with English and mathematics a must.
You need to be 18 or over and generally in good health. And have an interest and the aptitude for it. After an initial screening interview, potential recruits are put through a physical fitness assessment that looks at a variety of physical abilities. On top of this recruits will also need a UK Civil Aviation Authority medical - just like pilots and air traffic controllers.
Is eyesight a problem?
Not at all. There are some limits, but it is possible to wear glasses and still become a firefighter.
How many firefighters are in your team, and what sort of training do you do?
We've got two watches and 10 firefighters. After initial selection recruits are sent to the International Fire Training Centre for a six-week course. To become an airport firefighter you have to be licensed by the CAA and that is what this course does. After that, recruits come back for on-the-job training. And that training varies from classroom exercises to full-blown live fire exercises with our on-site facilities.
What can a trainee earn?
That varies from airport to airport, but here a recruit will start on £16,000 ($32,000) a year. After they become licensed they'll go up to £18,000 and 12 months after gaining their licence they'll be earning £22,000.
What are your duties as senior fire officer?
As well as being the senior fire officer I am also the deputy airport manager. I am responsible for ensuring that our firefighting procedures are in line with CAA regulations. The CAA carries out mechanical inspections of equipment, maintenance, training systems and such.
It's something that is continually monitored and, with the expansion plans for the airport, is always important. As well as deputising for the airport manager I am also operational and we are regularly asked to upgrade our fire category cover for incoming business jets at the fixed-base operation, so organising the staffing is important.
Have you ever been called out for a real emergency?
Just last week we had an accident. Luckily, there were no injuries, just damage to the aircraft. The most common incidents are cases of light aircraft undercarriages collapsing. On top of our airport responsibilities we are also called out for any emergency calls in our area where a response time within 8min is called for.
We're all trained in first aid and will do the basic life support until an ambulance crew arrives, or will work with the local fire service, which has called us out to help fight local fires. The large amounts of water that our [major foam tenders] carry have been found to be very useful.
Would you recommend becoming an airport firefighter?
Life at an airport is always interesting. There is always something different going on and you'll be called on to do a variety of different things every day.
The team at Lydd conduct an exercise with their on-site facilities
Source: Flight International
