Pyro Knowledge

[jonwing1993]

Hey there im looking for a book that will give me the knowledge to get a pyro liscence when I become eighteen. can anyone recommend a good book to buy? thanks

[Brian]

If we are talking about stage pyro then at the moment there is no such things as a pyro license. However, as all 'work' activities require people to be competent you ought to be able to demonstrate a certain level of education, training and experience. There are no books which cover stage pyro in detail. The best you wil find are a few books which go into the general chemistry of pyrotechnic compositions.

 

If we are talking about fireworks then most display operators prefer to use people who have achieved at least BPA level 1 as general crew and BPA level 2 for a site supervisors position.

[Wingwalker]

The ABTT Pyrotechnic Code of Practice is a very good book to purchase from a reference point of view. However, It doesn't tell you how to get a licence but it does show you examples of what a licence may look like depending on the type you are after. My advice would be to certainly have a read but get some real experience under your belt first under supervision either with Am dram societies or on the more professional circuit for at the very least 5 years before thinking about getting any further. Any Effects used to run the Fire, Explosions and Pyrotechnics courses, as well as our very own good guy and top guru Lincoln with his courses. Both of which you would really benefit from first.

 

If you are still looking into getting a licence after that for whatever reason then you will be looked on more favourable with the background behind you rather than saying I'm 18 please can I blow things up.

 

Hope that helps.

 

David.

[Jivemaster]

As Brian says, there is No book and there is at the moment no licence. Depending on how long you have to wait to be 18 there could be a licence for some pyro by then.

 

Remember also that there is no book and licence that makes you fully skilled and competent in ANY field. Even if you spend a month or three and get all the firework tickets from different trainers, and all the pyro and SFX tickets then you will still lack the wisdom that comes with maturity and the wisdom that comes from simply years of doing the job.

 

By far the best method is to learn about what pyro effects look like and where they are used from pictures and video. When you are 18 then do the pyrotechnic safety awareness course, and look for supervised pyro work.

 

Or join the Forces and play with real pyro for a few years.