- Airport firefighters must be thoroughly familiar with various types of civilian and military aircraft to safely operate during emergencies and recognize unique features of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. - ARFF personnel need to understand the types of engines used to power aircraft and how to function safely around aircraft during normal and emergency conditions. - Firefighters should be trained to recognize materials used in aircraft construction to understand how materials behave during crashes and fires, and identify and address fuel, power, and safety systems aboard aircraft.

1. Aircraft Rescue and Fire
Fighting
6th Edition
Chapter 3 — Aircraft
Familiarization

2. Identify types of aircraft.
Learning Objective 1
3–2

3. Aircraft are usually categorized by
their intended purpose.
3–3

4. Narrow body commercial
transport aircraft are equipped
with two or three jet engines.
3–4

5. Wide body commercial transport
aircraft are equipped with two to
four jet engines.
3–5
CourtesyofJamesNilo

6. New large aircraft pose numerous
rescue concerns for ARFF
personnel.
3–6 Courtesyof
EdwinA.Jones

7. Commuter or regional aircraft
interiors can present difficult
emergency work conditions.
3–7 CourtesyofJamesNilo

8. Cargo aircraft may be greatly
modified and may contain dangerous
goods.
3–8
CourtesyofEdwinA.Jones

9. 3–9
Cargo compartments have different
requirements.

10. Access to cargo compartments
varies.
3–10

11. General aviation craft tend to have
single or twin internal-combustion
engines.
3–11

12. NOTE
ARFF personnel should be aware that
light piston twins have a heating system
that burns the AVGAS in the nose
compartment to provide cabin heat.
These heating systems have a history
of fire problems which have sometimes
been fatal.
3–12

13. Business and corporate aircraft can
vary greatly.
3–13
CourtesyofJamesNilo

14. Military aircraft vary widely, may be
found at civilian airports, and may
have dangerous contents.
3–14

15. Fighter and attack aircraft may
carry substantial ammunition.
3–15
PhotoscourtesyofJamesNilo

16. Bomber aircraft may carry a large fuel
load and a significant quantity of high
explosives.
3–16
PhotobyJorgeL.Mendez(USN),Defense
VisualInformationCenter(DVIC)

17. Military cargo aircraft may carry a
wide variety of cargo, including
munitions.
3–17
PhotobyKennMann,CIV(USAF),Defense
VisualInformationCenter(DVIC)

18. Tanker aircraft may carry over
50,000 gallons (200 000 L) of fuel.
3–18
PhotobyMSgtLanceCheung(USAF),
DefenseVisualInformationCenter(DVIC)

19. Utility and special purpose aircraft
have designator letters that vary
based on their aircraft mission.
3–19
PhotobyMSgtMarkBucher(USAF),
DefenseVisualInformationCenter(DVIC)

20. Military helicopters may carry
ammunitions, weapons, and large
amounts of fuel.
3–20
Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones

21. Rotorcraft generate lift by one or
more rotor blades.
3–21
Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones
Courtesy of Groen Brothers
Aviation Global, Inc.
Courtesy of Carter Aviation
Technologies, LLC.

22. Fire service aircraft are used for
transport, rescue, and to fight fires.
3–22
Courtesy of 10 Tanker Air Carrier

23. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
may pose a hazardous materials
risk.
3–23
Photo by SrA Larry E. Reid Jr. (USAF),
Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC)

24. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the major categories of
aircraft?
3–24

25. Describe the major components of
fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
3–25
Learning Objective 2

26. Fixed wing aircraft include the
fuselage, wings, and tail section.
3–26

27. WARNING
Personnel should ensure that aircraft is
properly grounded before coming in
contact with the aircraft in order to
prevent being shocked.
3–27

28. Rotary wing aircraft include the
fuselage, main rotor(s), tail rotor, and
landing gear.
3–28

29. REVIEW QUESTION
How do fixed-wing and rotary-wing
aircraft components differ?
3–29

30. Identify types of and hazards
associated with various aircraft
engines.
Learning Objective 3
3–30

31. Internal-combustion reciprocating
engines use pistons to turn
propellers.
3–31
CourtesyofDoddyPhotography
CourtesyofJeffReichmann,ReichmannSafetyServices

32. Internal-combustion reciprocating
engines use aviation gasoline
(AVGAS).
3–32

33. WARNING
Disconnecting the battery does not
prevent the magneto from functioning,
so personnel must exercise caution
when working in the area of the
propeller. A safety zone should be
established around the engine, keeping
all personnel clear of the engine.
3–33

34. Gas turbine engines mix jet fuel
and air to generate engine power.
3–34

35. Additional components may be
added to the basic gas turbine
engine.
3–35
CourtesyofEdwinA.Jones
CourtesyofEdwinA.Jones
PhotobyMCSNDavidA.
Brandenburg(USN),
DefenseVisualInformation
Center(DVIC)

36. REVIEW QUESTION
What types of engines are used to
power aircraft?
3–36

37. Explain aircraft construction,
structural materials, and hazards as
they relate to ARFF training operations.
Learning Objective 4
3–37

38. The properties of aircraft components
and their manner of assembly may
affect fire fighting operations.
3–38

39. Rivet or fastener lines on the outer
skin can help identify areas for
forcible entry.
3–39

40. The properties of construction
materials affect fire fighting
operations.
3–40

41. Composite and advanced aerospace
materials are increasingly used in
aircraft construction.
3–41

42. Plastic and wood are two additional
materials used in aircraft construction.
3–42

43. REVIEW QUESTION
What materials are commonly used
in the construction of aircraft?
3–43

44. Describe potential aircraft system
hazards that firefighters may encounter.
Learning Objective 5
3–44

45. The fuel system presents the greatest
hazard in an aircraft accident.
3–45

46. Fuel tanks may be separate units
or an integral part of the aircraft.
3–46

47. Fuel tanks may be filled via gravity
or pressure refueling.
3–47

48. Fuel is distributed from an aircraft’s
tank to its engine through fuel lines,
control valves, and pumps.
3–48

49. NOTE
Military aircraft fuel tanks are normally
full in the winter months then the
aircrafts are stored in heated hangars.
The expanding fuel leaks onto the
hangar floor and causes additional
hazards to ARFF personnel.
3–49

50. ARFF personnel must be aware of
hazards associated with aircraft
fuel.
3–50

51. ARFF personnel must be familiar with
hydraulic fuel types, storage
locations, and hazards.
3–51

52. WARNING
When dealing with aircraft emergencies
around operating aircraft, keep
personnel aware and clear of areas
containing hydraulically and
pneumatically operated parts.
Personnel can be easily injured or have
body parts severed if caught or pinched
between moving surfaces.
3–52

53. CAUTION
Personnel also must guard against
hydraulic fluid contacting skin, eyes,
and protective clothing because this
type of fluid can cause severe skin and
eye irritation as well as erode protective
clothing surfaces.
3–53

54. A wheel assembly consists of rims,
brakes, and tires.
3–54
Fusible
plugs
CourtesyofJamesNilo

55. WARNING
When dealing with a landing gear emergency
such as a hot brake or gear fire, always
approach the landing gear either forward or aft
at a 45 degree angle of the gear assembly. If
heated beyond limits, landing gear assemblies
and tires may explode, sending debris and
pieces out from the sides of the assembly.
These pieces can travel with enough velocity
to puncture aircraft wing fuel cells, and could
be fatal to nearby personnel.
3–55

56. Aircraft rely on electrical systems to
supply current for lights, electronic
equipment, and other systems.
3–56

57. Aircraft batteries operate like
automobile batteries, but present
other unique challenges.
3–57
CourtesyofEdwinA.Jones

58. CAUTION
The electrolyte used in nickel-cadmium
batteries is a strong alkaline solution of
potassium hydroxide, which is caustic and
corrosive. The electrolyte used in lead-acid
batteries is sulfuric acid and distilled water.
Serious burns will result if either electrolyte
contacts the skin. Check the Safety Data
Sheet (SDS) for specific hazards
associated with each type of battery.
3–58

59. CAUTION
Some aircraft batteries produce highly
flammable hydrogen gas during
charging. This gas can present a
serious fire and explosion hazards to
ARFF personnel.
3–59

60. An auxiliary power unit (APU) is a
small jet engine with a generator
attached.
3–60

61. An engine power unit (EPU) is a
quick and reliable means of providing
power to the aircraft.
3–61

62. WARNING
Wear full personal protective equipment
(PPE) at all times when dealing with
hydrazine emergencies as it may be
absorbed through the skin. Even short
exposures may have serious effects on
the nervous and respiratory systems.
3–62

63. Ground power units (GPUs) are
fueled by diesel or gas.
3–63
CourtesyofEdwinA.Jones

64. WARNING
Disconnecting the GPU from the aircraft
prior to the power being shut off can
cause electrocution or arcing. Arcing
could provide an ignition source for
flammable vapors that have collected in
the area.
3–64

65. Aircraft lighting designates the
aircraft’s location.
3–65

66. Oxygen systems provide life support
in aircraft intended for high-altitude
operations.
3–66
CourtesyofEdwinA.Jones

67. WARNING
High concentrations of compressed
gaseous oxygen will accelerate
combustion.
3–67

68. Liquid oxygen (LOX) may also be
found on different types of aircraft.
3–68

69. WARNING
Do not disturb asphalt onto which LOX
has been spilled because it is
explosively unstable and extremely
shock-sensitive. Until LOX has
dissipated, merely walking on the spill
or dropping something onto it may
cause a violent reaction.
3–69

70. Liquid oxygen (LOX) and oxygen
systems pose severe hazards for
ARFF personnel.
3–70

71. Radar systems can present both
ignition sources and health
hazards.
3–71

72. Fire protection systems may be
found on many modern aircraft.
3–72

73. Passenger/crew air bags may
present a variety of hazards.
3–73

74. For most aircraft, shutoff procedures
involve activating T- or L-shaped
engine and APU fire shutoff handles.
3–74
CourtesyofJamseNilo

75. Aircraft are generally designed to
be evacuated in 90 seconds or
less.
3–75

76. Cabin doors are referenced by a
number and a left or right
designator.
3–76

77. Operating procedures can vary
widely on doors found on the same
aircraft.
3–77
AllphotoscourtesyofJamesNilo

78. Aircraft slides can expedite
evacuation from an aircraft.
3–78

79. Hatches are another means of
egress.
3–79

80. WARNING
Over-wing exit doors may open with
considerable force and may injure
ARFF personnel.
3–80

81. Cabin windows are also a potential
means of egress.
3–81

82. Other means of egress may be
available to assist in evacuation.
3–82
CourtesyofEdwinA.Jones

83. WARNING
Firefighters must use caution when
walking under a tail cone as it may be
jettisoned while they are underneath it.
3–83

84. Emergency cut-in areas should be
free of underlying hazards.
3–84

85. Data recording systems are critical
to aircraft accident investigations.
3–85
CourtesyofJamesNilo

86. Some aircraft contain other
systems and components.
3–86

87. WARNING
Pitot tubes are heated to prevent ice
from forming on them during flight. As a
result, ARFF personnel should not
touch pitot tubes because they can get
hot enough to cause burns.
3–87

88. REVIEW QUESTION
What are some of the hazards
presented by aircraft systems during
an emergency?
3–88

89. • Airport firefighters’ safety is linked to
the level of training and familiarization
with the types of aircraft that may be
encountered during ARFF operations.
Summary
3–89
(Cont.)

90. • ARFF personnel must be thoroughly
familiar with various types of civilian
and military aircraft and able to
recognize the unique features and
components of fixed-wing and rotary-
wing aircraft.
Summary
3–90
(Cont.)

91. • Airport firefighters must be familiar with
the types and applications of different
engines used to power aircraft in order
to safely function around aircraft in
both normal and emergency
conditions.
Summary
3–91
(Cont.)

92. • ARFF personnel should be trained to
recognize the materials used in
manufacture of aircraft so that they
understand how the materials behave
during aircraft crashes and fires.
• Airport firefighters must also identify
and deal with the numerous fuel,
power, and safety systems used
aboard aircraft.
Summary
3–92