Page 42 - Volume 15 Number 10

40 • TWIN & TURBINE OCTOBER 2011From the Flight Deck by Kevin R. DingmanEven Pilots Need HeroesDo you remember the 1968 comedy skit in which Ed Sullivan asked of the space suit-wearing José Jiménez (Bill Dana): “I see you’ve brought along some of your equipment tonight. What is that called, a crash helmet?”“Oh, I hope not!” was the famously hilarious reply of the Hispanic- accented, astronaut-impersonating comedian.The beginning of the jet and space age introduced the public to the dangers possible when aerospace vehicles crash while concurrently providing fodder for stress-relieving comedy. Our space program’s rockets were exploding left and right in those days. The military had long recognized the value of fire fighting and rescue personnel stationed on airfields and later, launch pads. A professional, non-military service grew to provide on-site assistance where aircraft traffic volume would justify the cost. Where aircraft volume was low, local fire fighters were trained in the nuances ofaircraft fire fighting and rescue then dispatched from their local stations.The Crashing PartOne of the titles used to describe the profession of rescuing us fearless aviators became: Crash, Fire and Rescue or CFR. I guess some didn’t like the implications of the “crash and fire” part, or the lack of confidence it showed in our ability to get the aircraft into a position for them to do their part in the emergency – that being to put out the fire and rescue us after we did the crashing part.The new title: Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) sounds a little more hopeful even if it is pronounced like the bark of a dog. I think we’re still a little uncomfortable with the fire part. Maybe we could delete the whole fire thing and just call them “Aircraft Recovery Team.” We could add “The” to “Aircraft Recovery Team,” but the four-letter acronym sounds a little sour and doesn’t inspire much confidence.During an emergency, or even a serious system malfunction, Irecommend you let your passengers know what’s happening to the airplane and what your intentions are. Be calm about it. When you request ARFF tell your passengers to expect a lot of flashing lights on emergency vehicles after landing. If you don’t, they may assume the folks on the ground saw something bad happening and are rushing to save you, then abandon you and your plane in a panic...before you’re ready.In the airline business we call this an un-commanded evacuation. Tell them you need to make sure everything is OK before you continue to the FBO or hangar. Be a Captain and keep control of your passengers just as you keep control of the airplane. If you need to tell a little fib, explain that the airport authority or your insurance company expects you to use this service under certain circumstances, you agree with the requirement and think it’s a good idea; that’s not too far from the truth.One Big Airplane-Shaped PieceWhile we’re talking about the airport authority and insurance companies, who is going to pay for this $5,000 to $25,000 call-out? It ain’t cheap to roll a half-dozen guys and gals out of the station (and away from NCIS and a pot of chili) into three or four half-million dollar vehicles and come out to your stricken airplane...in under three minutes. The expense goes up if you get squirted with something or if they need to dissect some aluminum and haul you and your passengers out through any “new” doors.And if your aerospace vehicle can’t be taxied or towed, it may needARFF!