By
Leesha Furse
COULD
you be confident of civilian services knowing the risks of helping
you at a diversionary airfield in an emergency? RAAF Base Williamtown
has been forging links with NSW airport managers and firefighters
in case that happens.
Flight Lieutenant Tom Gleeson initiated a two-week roadshow to
airfields at Port Macquarie, Taree, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour,
Richmond, Dubbo, Nowra and the Sydney International Airport last
month.
This was to provide information on the hazards and emergency procedures
associated with Hawks, Hornets and PC- 9s should these aircraft
be diverted to a civil airfield, such as in poor weather or an
emergency. “I realised through talking to a few people and having
completed the Defence Force’s Aviation Safety Course that the
civil emergency services have quite a low level of knowledge about
military aircraft,” said FLTLT Gleeson who, as a fighter training
officer and wing aviation safety officer in No. 78 Wing, was
concerned for the safety of aircrew.
He wanted to ensure emergency services had enough knowledge of
military aircraft to pull aircrew out safely without placing themselves
in danger. Firefighter Sergeant Pete Mansbridge, of No. 381 Expeditionary
Combat Support Squadron, gave most of the presentations to about
100 emergency services personnel.
He said most were unaware of what to do about the hazardous materials
in military aircraft and were interested in the dangers associated
with explosive ordnance and the structure of the aircraft.
“The main differences between civilian and military aircraft are
that we’ve got explosive ordnance, rocket-initiated ejection seats
and explosive canopies,” SGT Mansbridge said. “The actual structure
of the aircraft and what they’re made of is also different.”
A CD of his presentation and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau
and Directorate of Flying Safety’s booklet Civil and Military
Aircraft Accident Procedures for Police Officers and Emergency
Services Personnel was handed out.
Flight Lieutenant Luke Brown, of No. 77 Squadron, Squadron Leader
Steve Smith, of No. 76 Squadron, and Corporal Dave Pacini, of
381ECSS, were also involved in the roadshows. SGT Mansbridge said
the civil emergency services were keen to have this training on
a regular basis. It is intended the visits become an annual event
because of the positive reaction they received.
