1 Introduction
1.1 Fire fighting personnel require proper training if they are to operate in an effective manner.
All personnel engaged on rescue and fire fighting duties must receive initial and recurrent competence-based training relevant to their role.

CAP 699 describes the Standards of Competence applicable to personnel employed in the RFFS at United Kingdom licensed aerodromes. It also describes the criteria by which the CAA will judge the suitability of training providers and assessors.

1.2 The following list of topics is representative but not exhaustive.

This list may be used to construct a balanced on-station local training programme.

2.1 Aerodrome familiarisation

Recognise the runway and taxiway identification system and associated pavement marking, lighting and signs.
Comply with local rules regarding vehicle movements and access.
Locate a given point on the aerodrome using references given by ATC.
Locate all emergency access routes and other non standard routes used to traverse areas where aircraft accidents may occur including difficult environs and runway undershoot/overshoot areas.
Understand and comply with special procedures during low visibility conditions.
Identify areas where hazardous materials including freight may be stored.

2.2 Aircraft Familiarisation

Locate normal entry doors and emergency exits for aircraft normally using the aerodrome and describe methods of operation.
Describe slide deployment and methods of evacuation.
Identify aircraft seating and cargo configurations.
Locate and utilise aircraft break-in areas where installed.
Locate and utilise battery isolators.
Locate and utilise installed aircraft fire protection systems.
Identify types of fuel and locations of fuel tanks.
Identify component parts of aircraft using correct terminology.
Identify aircraft construction materials and describe the hazards arising from aircraft construction.

2.3 Emergency Plan

Recognise different types of emergency contained in the emergency plan.
Comply with role as described in emergency plan.
Understand relevant roles of other aerodrome departments and/or external agencies.

2.4 Communications

Identify relevant radio frequencies.
Demonstrate correct radio procedures, terminology, and standard messages.
Demonstrate hand signals used to communicate with air crew.

2.5 Personal Safety

Identify the hazards arising from aircraft incidents and aircraft systems.
Demonstrate correct and expeditious use of personal protective equipment.
Understand the limitations of personal protective equipment.
Demonstrate techniques to be used when working in confined areas.
Demonstrate techniques to be used when trapped or disoriented.
Describe the purpose and limitations of self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Demonstrate correct and expeditious donning and start up procedures for SCBA.
Demonstrate use of SCBA in actual or simulated conditions i.e. smoke, heat and
humidity etc.
Demonstrate correct techniques when working as a team in SCBA.
Demonstrate emergency actions to be taken in the event of; low air, DSU operations,
unit malfunction, face mask displacement, etc.

2.6 Fire Behaviours

Demonstrate an understanding of causes of fire development, heat transfer and fire
classification.
Demonstrate an understanding of the fire characteristics of materials used in aircraft
construction including aviation fuel.

2.7 Extinguishing Agents

Understand the principles of fire initiation, spread and suppression/extinction.
Understand the various types of extinguishing agents commonly available.

2.8 Foam Monitors/Bumper Turrets

Demonstrate operation of foam monitors in jet and dispersed pattern.
Demonstrate correct application methods.
Demonstrate judicious use of extinguishing agents.
Understand effects of wind on foam monitor use.

2.9 Hand Line Use

Demonstrate selection and deployment of hand lines.
Demonstrate correct application of foam, foam solution and water.
Demonstrate judicious use of extinguishing agents.
Understand effect of wind on hand line and branch pipe effectiveness.

2.10 Complementary Agent

Select and deploy complementary agents carried.
Demonstrate correct application of complementary agents.
Demonstrate tactics for dual agent application.
Understand effects of wind on complementary agent application.

2.11 Tools/Equipment

Identify and locate each tool carried.
Demonstrate an understanding of the safety procedures necessary when operating
equipment.
Demonstrate tactical use of each tool carried.

2.12 Vehicle Replenishment

Identify location of local water supplies.
Demonstrate procedures for replenishment using local water supplies (hydrants,
tanks, static water, etc.).

2.13 Fire Fighting Operations

Demonstrate correct fire fighting tactics for a variety of scenarios involving aircraft
normally using the aerodrome (engines, undercarriage, APU, cargo hold, avionics,
etc.).

Demonstrate tactics for securing and maintaining rescue paths.
Demonstrate tactics necessary to protect fuselage from fire exposure.
Demonstrate tactics necessary to control/extinguish three dimensional fires.
Describe the procedures for maintaining integrity of foam blankets.
Describe procedures for controlling/containing fuel spillage.
Demonstrate casualty handling and removal from an aircraft fuselage.

2.14 First Aid

Carry out primary and secondary surveys for life threatening injuries.
Establish airway.
Carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Identify and treat internal/external bleeding.
Identify and treat casualty suffering from shock.
Identify injuries to skull, spine, chest and extremities.
Identify internal injuries.
Place casualties in recovery position.
Move casualties.
Treat burns.
Understand particular problems related to injured children/babies.
Manage unconscious casualties.

2.15 Vehicle Driving

Correctly operate all vehicle controls.
Drive vehicle within limits of design.
Drive vehicle in compliance with legislation and local by-laws.
Operate vehicle to traverse difficult terrain.
Correctly position vehicle at an aircraft incident.
Pump ‘on the move’.

2.16 Supervision/Command

Ensure adherence to safety procedures.
Assess tactical priorities to maximise passenger survivability.
Select, deploy and direct fire fighting tactics.
Manage resources to ensure effectiveness.
Communicate with external agencies.

Training of RFFS Personnel at All Licensed Aerodromes

Quite often, during the career of an Aviation Firefighter, the question is posed "What do you do all day"?

To the left is an extract from Civil Aviation Publication 168 - defining "some of the things we do all day"

To the right are some pictures from one of the latest training sessions completed at The International Fire Training Centre