Tonight 9 members travelled to Manchester International Airport Fire Service, North Station, for another familiarity visit and aircraft crash scene awareness visit.

Tonight’s visitors were mainly new members of the Team, together with some old hands. Once again Leading Firefighter Paul Johnston gave a very informative lecture and PowerPoint presentation on the airport, the airport fire service, aircraft crash scene awareness & the preservation of evidence.

As with any operational fire station, there is always the chance of a job and this happened with one appliance being sent to a nearby airport hotel for a domestic incident. We also got to hear the siren you never wish to hear – the crash call siren, whilst the daily routine radio checks and alarm checks were done with the ATC Tower.

Team members slightly in awe of these formidable beasts.

Paul then gave a brief tour of the station, resulting in the usual demonstration of the appliances. They are truly massive when stood next to them, 6-wheel drive beasts. As usually happens with visits like this, Team members completely forget they are adults and huge cheesy grins appear on their faces when they climb aboard the appliance (if you don’t believe me, look at the visit in 2004 for further proof !!!)

Team members start beaming like little kids with their Tonka toys

The tour and presentations certainly showed, the members present, what MIAFS does and also adds to the information received from BAe Warton & RAF Mountain Rescue Services lectures we have as well.

LF Paul Johnston, showing members the interior of the appliance.

The group left the Airport at 23:00 Hrs after a very informative and knowledgeable presentation from Paul. Only one member had to wait around at the Airport for his other half’s delayed inbound flight.

Our thanks, once again, go to LF Paul Johnston & the members of White Watch for a enjoyable night. We look forward to the return visit.