when I was in the fire co still I was certified to drive and operate the ladder truck. It was fun shit. I’ll tell ya one thing though, climbing a 100’ ladder in the wind SUCKS! it blows it all over and is freaky as hell. Aluminum is used because it is easier to maneuver and weighs less. The extension ladders we used are also aluminum, yet they take 3 people to carry because they are so fuckin heavy. ahh…good times.