Becoming An Airport Firefighter In The Uk: Requirements And Training

If you're interested in becoming an airport firefighter in the UK, there are several routes you can take. One option is to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a firefighter, which involves completing basic recruit training and specialist firefighter training. The RAF offers a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Operational Firefighter. Alternatively, you can explore civilian options by undertaking specific training courses, such as the Firefighter Initial Course, aimed at those seeking to become Aerodrome Firefighters. This course helps individuals comply with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The Fire Service College also offers a 5-week Aviation Firefighter Initial Training programme for new Airport Fire Service entrants, covering fundamental skills and qualities needed for a career in Aviation Fire and Rescue Services.

Qualifications and training

There are several qualifications and training programmes available for those interested in becoming an airport firefighter in the UK. Here is an overview of some options:

Fire Service College (FSC) Aviation Firefighter Initial Training:

This is a 5-week programme designed for new Airport Fire Service entrants, providing immersive modular training to equip participants with the skills and qualifications needed to become certified firefighters under CAP 699. The programme covers a range of topics, including fundamental firefighting skills, self-discipline, confidence, and resilience. It also includes practical training scenarios at an operational airport fire station. The FSC also offers the option to enrol in an apprenticeship programme.

The Fire Training Group Initial Fire Fighter Course:

This course is designed for those seeking a career in the airport fire service and has a duration of 210 hours. It covers various aspects of the airport firefighter role, such as mobilising a fire and rescue response, extinguishing fires at aircraft accidents, responding to incidents requiring breathing apparatus, and working at height. Candidates must provide evidence of medical assessment and possess a valid passport or photo driving licence to enrol.

Royal Air Force (RAF) Firefighter:

The RAF offers a comprehensive training programme for individuals interested in becoming firefighters, including those specialising in airport firefighting. The training includes:

• Basic Recruit Training Course: A 10-week course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, covering military and fitness training, RAF lifestyle, and core skills.
• Specialist Firefighter Training: A 14-week course at the Defence Fire Training Unit Moreton-in-Marsh, covering fire extinguisher maintenance, breathing apparatus operations, structural firefighting, aircraft construction, and aviation firefighting operations.
• Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship: A 12-24 month programme completed alongside daily duties.

Firefighter Bridging Course:

This course is aimed at individuals who have previously completed a basic recruits course (ex-forces, MOD, or LAFB Firefighter) or those who can demonstrate competence in core firefighting skills. The aim is to provide the knowledge and understanding needed to act competently as a firefighter at aircraft accidents or incidents, meeting the standards defined in CAP 699. Candidates must be medically assessed and certified as competent in the role of Breathing Apparatus Wearer.

Requirements and restrictions

To become an airport firefighter in the UK, you must meet several requirements and conditions. Here are the key points to consider:

Education Requirements:

• Minimum GCSEs at Grade C/4 or Scottish National 5 at Grade C in English Language and Mathematics/Application of Mathematics.
• Additional qualifications in incident command, assessing, education and training, and membership programmes are beneficial.

Age and Nationality Requirements:

• Applicants must be between 17 and 47 years old (must attest before their 48th birthday).
• Citizenship requirements include being a citizen of the UK or Republic of Ireland, a dual UK/other nationality holder, or a Commonwealth citizen since birth with the 'right to work' immigration status.
• Residency requirements include residing in the UK for at least three years before the application, with some exceptions for those who have lived abroad for work or study.

Fitness and Medical Requirements:

• Candidates must meet specific fitness standards, including completing a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) and a Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or bleep test).
• Medical assessments are conducted to ensure candidates are physically and psychologically fit for the challenges of military service and intense training.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) requirements must be met, with additional assessments for certain BMI ranges.
• Eyesight requirements vary for different roles, but corrective measures like glasses or contact lenses may be allowed.
• Candidates must declare any past illnesses and undergo a health screening to ensure they can perform the role effectively.

Character and Conduct:

• Candidates cannot apply if they have been members of groups that promote racial hatred and violence or are awaiting court appearances or have unspent convictions.
• Drug, solvent, and anabolic steroid use are disqualifying factors, although each case is considered individually.
• Tattoos, brands, or bead implants that are obscene or offensive are not permitted. Tattoos on the neck and back have specific restrictions.
• Body piercings that cause permanent holes are not allowed.
• Applicants must not be undischarged bankrupts.

Training Requirements:

• Basic Recruit Training is mandatory and lasts for 10 weeks, covering general service training, initial force protection, field exercises, and force development.
• Specialist Firefighter training is 14 weeks long and covers fire extinguisher maintenance, breathing apparatus operations, structural firefighting, road traffic incident techniques, aircraft construction, and aviation firefighting operations.
• Additional qualifications and apprenticeships are available during and after training, offering opportunities for further development.

Other Requirements:

• A full UK manual driving licence is not necessary for this role, but specific conditions apply for candidates under 20 years and 6 months old with unexpired penalty points.
• Candidates must commit a minimum of 3 years post-Phase Two Training and pass the Defence Aptitude Assessment and a fitness test.
• A specialist interview at Moreton-in-Marsh is part of the selection process.

Skills and qualities

To become an airport firefighter in the UK, you will need a combination of technical knowledge, physical fitness, and soft skills.

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of fire behaviour and science, including physics and chemistry
• Knowledge of firefighting foams and other complementary media
• Proficiency in using breathing apparatus and other equipment such as pumps, ladders, and hoses
• Familiarity with aircraft construction, engines, undercarriages, and fuels
• Awareness of aviation legislation and the regulatory framework for airport firefighting
• Ability to identify and respond to incidents involving military aircraft
• Understanding of dynamic risk assessment and safety concepts
• Competence in applying primary and secondary media tactics for firefighting

Physical Fitness

Airport firefighters must maintain a good level of physical fitness to perform their duties effectively. The specific fitness requirements may vary based on age and gender, but overall physical fitness is crucial for successful completion of the training and subsequent job role.

Soft Skills

• Self-discipline, confidence, resilience, and adaptability
• Strong teamwork abilities and a collaborative mindset
• Effective communication skills, especially in high-pressure situations
• Leadership qualities, particularly for roles with command responsibilities
• Time management and organisational skills to handle time-critical emergencies
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to assess and respond to dynamic situations

Course structure and content

The Fire Service College in Gloucestershire offers a 5-week programme for new Airport Fire Service entrants. The programme is immersive and modular, equipping participants with vital skills to become certified firefighters under CAP 699. The first three weeks are delivered at the college, the fourth week at an operational airport fire station, and the final week back at the college. Learners are exposed to realistic and practical training scenarios in challenging and controlled conditions, in both daylight and darkness.

The standard five-week programme is made up of 10 modules with individual learning outcomes:

• Core foundation fireground skills in pumps and ladders
• Knowledge and application of firefighting foams and complimentary media
• Physics and chemistry of fire
• Fire behaviour and science, both theoretical and practical
• Breathing apparatus and tactical ventilation
• Aviation legislation
• Aircraft construction, engines, undercarriages and fuels
• Rotary wing and military aircraft
• New generation aircraft
• Aircraft firefighting tactics and techniques

The Fire Training Group offers a Structured Learning Programme with a duration of 210 hours (excluding meal breaks). The course is designed for those seeking a career in the airport fire service. The syllabus includes:

• AFF1: Gather and manage information to mobilise a fire and rescue response
• AFF2: Site and position fire service vehicles at an incident site
• AFF3: Extinguish fire at aircraft accidents
• AFF4: Save and preserve endangered life at incidents
• AFF5: Respond to operational incidents requiring breathing apparatus
• AFF 6: Operate fire service water pumps, monitors and high reach extendable turrets (HRET)
• AFF 7: Working at height in fire and rescue
• AFF8: Protect life and environment from the effects of hazardous materials
• AFF9: Incidents involving military aircraft
• AFF11: Aerodrome emergency planning

The Royal Air Force (RAF) offers a 14-week specialist firefighter training course at the Defence Fire Training Unit Moreton-in-Marsh. The course syllabus includes:

• Fire extinguisher maintenance
• Breathing apparatus operations
• Structural firefighting operations
• Road traffic incident techniques
• Aircraft construction
• Aviation firefighting operations

Career prospects and development

Career Prospects

The career prospects for airport firefighters in the UK are promising, with opportunities for advancement and development within the field. After completing the necessary training and gaining experience, airport firefighters can pursue further promotions and specialised roles.

Development

The development opportunities for airport firefighters are comprehensive and well-structured. The initial training programmes, such as the Firefighter Initial Course, focus on providing a solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and understanding related to airport firefighting. These courses cover a range of topics, including:

• Fire behaviour and science
• Aviation legislation
• Aircraft construction and firefighting tactics
• Dynamic risk assessment
• Practical firefighting skills

Following the initial training, firefighters can continue their development through additional qualifications and specialised courses. These include:

• Level 3 Award in Incident Command
• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing and Assessing Vocational Achievement
• Level 3 Award in Education and Training
• Postgraduate and Master's degrees in Emergency Planning, Resilience, and Response

Airport firefighters can also pursue further promotions, such as the rank of Corporal in the RAF, or apply for specialised positions like Commissioned Fire Officer roles. The transferable skills gained through airport firefighting training can also enhance career mobility, enabling individuals to pursue civilian firefighting roles if desired.

The continuous development offered in this field ensures that airport firefighters remain competent, skilled, and adaptable to the evolving challenges and requirements of airport firefighting operations.

Frequently asked questions