Aerial Platform Controls

[teb]

Our department has purchased it's first aerial platform which has stimulated the issue of who should run the controls when flying the basket -- the operator on the turntable, or the officer in the basket.

Some feel the turntable operator has the best overall view and should get the basket close to the target and the basket operator would just "inch-it-in" to the building.

Others feel the turntable operator has a good view to assist as a safety for hazards, but the basket operator has the most appropriate views of his path and target.

What are your thoughts either way?

[ADSNWFLD]

For most people it is quicker and more accurate to operate from the basket. Some truck chauffers do it enough to be true experts from the turn table, but from what I've seen that isn't the norm.

The firefighter can also spot the basket where he wants it, even if you need an adjustment of just a few inches.

Some one needs to stay at the turntable at all times in case of an emergency and to get the big picture, but overall the bucket is a better place to operate.