From smoking on planes to spotting debris as it flies off aircraft, one man has seen it all when it comes to life at Brisbane Airport.

Over 50 years airside operations officer John Hansford has seen airlines come and go, as well as being part of moving the airport from Eagle Farm to its current location.

"When I first started at Eagle Farm we did everything," he told ABC Radio Brisbane's Steve Austin.

"We had the workshops there and we would make everything from scratch — it was like a little city and a big family."

Mr Hansford has also been a front-row observer to how air travel and behaviour has adapted to societal norms.

"People would come off the planes smoking," he recalled of the early years.

"You weren't supposed to smoke inside the security fence, and even though there were no-smoking signs on the fence, they still did."

Checking directional lines on the taxiways is part of Mr Hansford's duties. ( Supplied: Brisbane Airport Corporation )

Spotting debris flying across runways

Starting as a sheet metal worker, Mr Hansford rose through the ranks before transferring to the ground staff team.

Part of his job is to spot debris and objects on the runway.

"I've been blessed with good eyes and you can see a valve cap doing 60kph and you'll find it and pick it up.

"I haven't picked up enough off the runways yet to make an airplane, but I'm working on it.

"There are more rules and regulations for things now to make everything work and we have to conform with the other airports of the world now too, which is really important."

Workmen at the former airport at Eagle Farm. ( Supplied: Queensland State Archives )

Runway 1432 — the scary landing

Over the years Mr Hansford said he had assisted with a few close calls, but the one that stayed with him was on a misty Sunday night in 1994 on runway 1432.

The aircraft — a Beechcraft Bonanza — had been serviced and the pilots wanted to ensure everything was in place so they took a flight to Bundaberg.

"They couldn't get the wheels down," Mr Hansford said.

"They had tried everything, winding the wheels down, pushing circuit breakers, but nothing would work."

Mr Hansford keeps the runways clear for the hundreds of planes that arrive and depart each day. ( Supplied: Brisbane Airport Corporation )

It was decided the plane should fly to Brisbane and attempt a gear-up landing.

Mr Hansford said the owner of the plane was talking to the pilots from the control tower, instructing them on what to do.

"His last instruction to them was: 'If you can, make sure the propellers are level and best of luck.'

"It skidded along the runway and the blokes hopped out of the aircraft so hard and fast that they bent the door and took off into the darkness."

Mr Hansford said the occupants believed the plane would immediately catch on fire — luckily it didn't.

"Everything worked out well, thank goodness."

Mr Hansford hopes to continue working at the airport for years to come. ( ABC Radio Brisbane: Hailey Renault )

Why stay for 50 years?

Unlike many younger generations now, Mr Hansford said he stayed in the one workplace for so long due to the people he worked with.

"It's like going to the Ekka — if you stay within the fence and only go out through the big gates, you're right," he added, laughing.

"It's been a great place to work with really good mates and long-time friends.

"It's wonderful to learn from one another too."