A mock-up of an aircraft capable of simulating different types of aircraft blazes is one of the main features of the fire stations at the new airport. The fire training simulator is modelled on the front end of a 747 and the rear end of a high-engined McDonnell Douglas MD11 and has been incorporated into one of the two fire stations. James Newton, who is in charge of overseeing the completion of the project for Paul Y Construction, said the fire station buildings were relatively simple constructions. However, the fire training simulator was a sophisticated piece of equipment. Paul Y, in a joint venture with Downer and Co, carried out the $167-million contract to build the fire stations and control centre. The work comprised constructing the fire stations and ancillary buildings such as the rubbish compactor and the airfield control centre. The joint venture's role also included the civil, general and mechanical and electrical works as well as the design, procurement, manufacture and supply of materials. Mr Newton said the Fire Services Department would have a facility for firemen to practise fire-fighting techniques on 19 different types of fires. In rehearsal for a real-life situation, fire tenders aim to extinguish the outbreak in less than two minutes. British-based International Fire Training and Equipment (IFT) acted as the specialist sub-contractor to the Paul Y-Downer joint venture to install the simulator. Mr Newton said IFT was a world specialist in this type of work and was in the process of commissioning a larger mock-up of a jumbo jet at London's Heathrow Airport.
