To passenger and pilots alike, one of the biggest fears on an flight in the air is fire. Yet, this horrific scene is one that rarely occurs. However, when under the right conditions, fires on airplanes can occur fast. Fires need 3 ingredients to start; fuel, air, and an ignition source. The engines on an airplane are running hot, and in some planes when aircraft fuel or fluid comes in contact with the hot engine cowling, it can cause a fire to ignite. Another problem is the threat of electrical fires. In a large airliner with thousands of wires, these fires can occur anywhere. This is where pilot and flight attendant training come in.
Flight attendants know where all the fire extinguisher locations are on an airline flight. In the event of a fire, the flight attendant can reach for the extinguisher quickly, and put out the fire in a quickly manner. All airplanes are required by federal law to carry a fire extinguisher. The FAA each year publishes a book called Federal Aviation Regulations which list over 250 rules and procedures for pilots to conform to on a flight. Under FAR Part 25 Section 851, the following rules are listed:
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| Flight Attendant trying to put out a fire |
- "At least one hand fire extinguisher must be conveniently located in the pilot compartment"
- "At least one readily accessible hand fire extinguisher must be made available for use in in each Class A or Class B cargo or baggage compartment.
- "At least one hand fire extinguisher must be located in, or readily accessible for use in, each galley located above or below the passenger compartment."
By having these rules in place, airplanes are safe while in the air, but what about on the ground?
On the ground, most airports have a fire department on site. All major airports do. If there is a gear failure or other problem with the airplane, the pilot will likely call an emergency or mayday which will have the airport send out the fire and rescue trucks to the end of the runway to wait for the aircraft to arrive. Often, before landing, pilots will also circle the airport to burn off fuel so that in the event of a mishap, there is less fuel to burn and so that the airplane is lighter during the landing rollout, hence shortening it in the event of a brake failure. Less mass to stop means a shorter rollout.
Overall, in any in flight fire or fire on the ground scenario that could occur, airports, pilots, and flight attendants are well trained to deal with the possible situations that could arise and how to quickly get rid of the problem, keeping passengers safe and sound.
Rossier, Robert. "Aircraft Fires." flighttraining. 2011.AOPA. Web. 4 Nov 2011.
The article on aircraft fires was able to provide me with information on how fires start and what could cause them. I was able to provide the three main ingredients that fire need, and how a fire can occur under an engine cowling due to the fluids that are present in the area which is already hot due to the engine running.
AOPA's Flight Training articles are known as some of the best in the world, and this one is no exception. They listed all the information I needed for this part of my blog and more. Pilots trust AOPA's ideas and techniques to save their lives, and in my mind, if it's saved others lives, it may save yours or mine.
"FAR Part 25.851." Flightsimviation.com. 16 Apr 1991. Web. 4 Nov 2011.
The link regarding FAR Part 25.851 was able to provide me with information on what fire equipment is required in an airplane in each cabin and crew section. It tells what the requirements are for a cargo area, a crew area, and the cockpit area all in one FAR issued by the FAA.
As a pilot myself, I have read the FAR's and know that they are the rules of trade. What the FAA says, you do. If a pilot violates a FAR, they can be punished and their license may be revoked. Knowing this, the information provided in this FAR is valid, since I have myself noted the location of the fire extinguisher in my airplane when I fly.
"Cabin Simulator."No date. Online image. airbaltic. 4 Nov 2011.
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The image that involves a flight attendant trying to put out a fire in the cockpit of an airplane with a red fire extinguisher shows my point that flight attendants are trained to react to situations. The red fire extinguisher is one of the required types that must be carried on an airplane during any flight.
The image is a great representation of my point I am trying to make. It goes to show that flight attendants are well trained to react to any situation. Being a pilot, like I said earlier, I have learned how to use the fire extinguisher in close quarters like an airplane, and know how hard it can be for someone to put out a fire in an area where air is not easily circulated.
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