Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting

6th Edition

Chapter 8 — Apparatus

Explain how to determine the number and appropriate types of ARFF apparatus required at an airport.

Learning Objective 1

8–2

Most airports are categorized or indexed based on type and size of aircraft and daily average departures.

8–3

ARFF apparatus must remain in operational status during air carrier operations.

8–4

FAR Part 139.319

Requirements

Multiple regulations and standards pertain to airport fire fighting vehicle design.

8–5

ARFF apparatus fire fighting systems require regular testing.

8–6

REVIEW QUESTION

What determines the number and types of apparatus that are required at a

given airport?

8–7

Describe the various types and capabilities of ARFF apparatus.

Learning Objective 2

8–8

ARFF vehicles are designed with a variety of fire suppression equipment.

8–9

ARFF apparatus must be able to operate effectively in both paved and unpaved areas.

8–10

ARFF apparatus can be categorized in different ways.

8–11

Combined agent (or rapid intervention) vehicles can operated in areas unsuited for larger ARFF apparatus.

8–12

Courtesy of Jam

es Nilo

Structural apparatus may be adapted and equipped for ARFF applications.

8–13

Most ARFF departments operate a host of support vehicles and equipment.

8–14

Courtesy of Jam

es Nilo

Interior access vehicles can be positioned next to an aircraft to provide a platform for interior attack.

8–15

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the major types of ARFF apparatus?

8–16

Identify the features and options included on ARFF apparatus.

Learning Objective 3

8–17

ARFF apparatus need to be highly visible to aircraft and other vehicles.

8–18

NFPA® 414 requires antilock brake systems (ABS) on ARFF apparatus.

8–19

A central inflation/deflation system(CIDS) deflates vehicle tires to improve traction.

8–20

WARNING

Do not drive an ARFF vehicle at faster speeds when tires are inflated inadequately or with different pressures. An accident may occur resulting in injury or death to personnel and vehicle damage.

8–21

Driver’s enhanced visions system (DEVS) allows safer, quicker responses under adverse conditions.

8–22

FLIR camera

In-cab screen

Several other options are available to improve the safety of ARFF apparatus.

8–23

CAUTION

Exercise extreme caution when backing ARFF vehicles. Avoid feeling a false sense of security because of the presence of the cameras.

8–24

Monitoring and Data Acquisition System (MADAS) collects minimum vehicle performance measurements.

8–25

The Lateral Acceleration Indicator (LAI) System is an early alert system.

8–26

REVIEW QUESTION

How does the Driver’s Enhanced Vision System (DEVS) aid apparatus drivers

in vision-impairing conditions?

8–27

Describe types of fire suppression equipment found on ARFF apparatus.

Learning Objective 4

8–28

Many fire pumps on ARFF vehicles can deliver large quantities of water to the fire fighting system.

8–29

ARFF vehicles should have one or more turrets for mass application of extinguishing agents.

8–30

(Cont.)

ARFF vehicles should have one or more turrets for mass application of extinguishing agents.

8–31

Courtesy of Orland International Airport Fire Rescue

Handlines on ARFF apparatus must be equipped with pattern and shutoff nozzles.

8–32

Ground-sweep nozzles lay a blanket of foam in front of the apparatus.

8–33

Undertruck nozzles discharge extinguishing agents directly beneaththe vehicle chassis.

8–34

Some ARFF apparatus are equipped with an elevated waterway.

8–35

CAUTION

Pumping and rolling while a boom is elevated and/or rotated may cause the apparatus to tip or roll. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on proper boom operations.

8–36

A high reach extendable turret (HRET) can place the stream where it can best attack the fire.

8–37

CAUTION

When equipped with a top-mounted HRET, ARFF apparatus may have a higher center of gravity than other ARFF vehicles. Driver/operators may need to compensate for this when driving.

8–38

Penetrating (piercing nozzles) are designed to penetrate aircraft skin.

8–39

Courtesy of Jam

es Nilo

On passenger aircraft, the penetrating nozzle can be used to punch in a window.

8–40

Remember these considerations when using penetrating nozzles.

8–41

REVIEW QUESTION

In what scenarios would ARFF personnel employ handlines?

8–42

Identify methods of resupplying extinguishing agent to an ARFF apparatus.

Learning Objective 5

8–43

All ARFF vehicles should have the ability to quickly resupply with both water and foam concentrate.

8–44

There are several methods of supplying water to an ARFF apparatus.

8–45

CAUTION

The topside of ARFF apparatus may be slippery. Use caution when walking on top of the apparatus.

8–46

CAUTION

When filling from a pumper, use caution so as to not over-pressurize the piping or water tank of the ARFF apparatus, as this could cause the tank to rupture.

8–47

Foam resupply must be timely, flexible, and efficient.

8–48

CAUTION

Foam bubbles may obscure the piercing blades. Extreme care should be used and gloves worn when cleaning the screen.

8–49

Complementary agent systems typically store the agent in pressurized containers.

8–50

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the three methods of agent resupply?

8–51

Explain procedures for ARFF apparatus maintenance.

Learning Objective 6

8–52

ARFF apparatus must be maintained so that they are in operational condition during all air carrier operations.

8–53

REVIEW QUESTION

What information should be included on an ARFF apparatus maintenance

record?

8–54

These objectives are measured in Skill Sheets 8-1 – 8-3.

These sheets can be found in the curriculum package.This checklist corresponds with the skill steps beginning on p. 344 of the manual.

Learning Objectives 7-9

8–55

• ARFF departments should consider all applicable regulations and standards when designing ARFF apparatus and take an all-hazards approach to determine which support vehicles and equipment are necessary.

Summary

8–56

(Cont.)

• ARFF jurisdictions must provide adequate resources and establish agreements with other agencies as necessary.

Summary

8–57

(Cont.)

• ARFF departments should ensure personnel are proficient with ARFF vehicle operations and have thorough understanding of each assigned vehicle.

Summary

8–58