[JYO] Looking for some airplanes to show for a firefighter training class

At Derek's request...
 
Ed
 
- - -
 
 
 
I've been a firefighter instructor for 17 years a small airplane  owner
for 10. (I currently own a Cirrus.) I'll be conducting some  firefighter
safety classes about small airplane crash hazards and am looking  for
some volunteers to show off some airplanes for us.  The classes will  be
held at the Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Academy (adjacent to  the
Leesburg Airport) on September 30 and October 1. I'm looking  for
aircraft to be on static display on both days from around  11:00am
through 2:00pm. I have a formal request in to see about getting  fuel
discounts for those participating.

It will be a static display  only. I'm looking for a variety of aircraft.
Here are some of the features I  need:

1.    AMSAFE airbag system
2.    TKS  system
3.    Batteries in the rear
4.    Cessna 172 or  182
5.    Without an electrical system
6.    Piston  twin
7.    Robinson or other small piston helicopter
8.   Built in Oxygen system
9.    Life raft

Any other  suggestions for items that are potentially hazardous are
welcome. The  overview of the class is below.  


Over the last several years  I've noticed the following items:



1.    Very few  department members are aware of the hazards presented
by small airplanes.  
2.    We have little concern for these events as we perceive them  to
be so rare as to not warrant our attention. 
3.    Hazards of  small airplanes have actually increased due to new
designs that pose greater  risks to responders, and a greater
proliferation of small airplanes with  hazardous features 
4.    The risk to responders isn't just around  airports. There is an
average of one fatal crash every day in the United  States of a small
airplane with more resulting in injured occupants needing  rescue. 

The hazards from a small airplane accident are not obvious to  a
firefighter - even an ARFF trained one.

Here is a sample of hazards  not well known on some small airplanes: (not
all will have all of these  hazards)

1.    Rocket powered ballistic parachutes designed to  lower the entire
aircraft down in an emergency. These parachutes can easily  kill a
firefighter if deployed at the scene of an accident because of  our
extrication techniques or through excessive heat 
2.     Airbags contained within the seat belts 
3.    Airplane motors  could easily start if the propeller is slightly
moved at an accident scene  
4.    Alcohol based highly flammable fluid for deicing of the  wings in
flight 
5.    Composite materials that produce  extremely toxic fumes when
exposed to fire 
6.    Fuel lines  running through the "A and "B" posts that present a
hazard during "standard"  extrication techniques 
7.    Batteries contained in the rear of  the airplane with electrical
lines running through the floor or multiple  batteries 
8.    One or more oxygen cylinders inside presenting  various hazards 
9.    Components made of titanium which is  extremely sharp when
fractured 
10.    Very hot to the touch  protruding metal tube that can cause
thermal burns if grabbed without  protective clothing 
11.    Upwards of 100 gallons of gasoline  which will generally be
spilled or leaking after a crash 
12.     One or more cartridge gas operated devices inside such as life
rafts, vests,  etc. 
13.    May be carrying medical samples, organs, and very sick  patients 

Obviously there are quite a bit more hazards then this simple  list.

The class would focus on outlining the hazards, the recognition of  the
hazards, safety precautions, operating procedures and a tour of  several
small airplane types at the Leesburg Airport.

If you can help,  please email me at Derek@xxxxxxxx  Thanks in  advance.


Thanks!

Derek Rowan
Instructor
Fairfax County  Fire and Rescue Department
571-220-3010

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