Author Topic: On the air? (Read 1053 times)

daysleeper47 · « **on:** May 12, 2002, 12:22:35 PM »

Why does a YFD company call "on the air"? Does that mean that before, they were off the air and out of service? What is thier definition of "off the air"? A lot of companies don't call on the air until mid-afternoon. BN 2 just called it 2 minutes ago at 3:20 p.m. Can anyone explain it to me? Thanks.

yfdgricker · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2002, 01:27:57 PM »

Anyone feel free to correct me but typically, when a unit goes "on the air" it just letting the dispatcher and the other stations know that that truck is not in quarters but out on the road. You may even get an "on the air for drivers training" or "on the air in route to the shop".

Anonymous · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2002, 05:36:26 PM »

Yes that is correct, "On the air" is a unit is "on the road and going places". The reason is, I might call another station or a chief on thr fire phone, if they do not answer, I'll call the alarm room and askIs 3's "on the air" they dont answer their phone. Have them call me when they return. Its just to let the operator know where all trucks are. If they get a run while on the air, the operator can talk directly to the company without setting of the tones.