This chapter discusses aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) apparatus. It explains that airports are categorized based on factors like aircraft size and daily departures, which determines the number and types of ARFF vehicles required. The chapter describes various types of ARFF apparatus and their features, including fire suppression equipment, safety systems, and methods for resupplying water and foam. It stresses the importance of ARFF vehicles being well-maintained and operational during airport operations.

1. Aircraft Rescue and Fire
Fighting
6th Edition
Chapter 8 — Apparatus

2. Explain how to determine the
number and appropriate types of ARFF
apparatus required at an airport.
Learning Objective 1
8–2

3. Most airports are categorized or
indexed based on type and size of
aircraft and daily average departures.
8–3

4. ARFF apparatus must remain in
operational status during air carrier
operations.
8–4
FAR Part
139.319
Requirements

5. Multiple regulations and standards
pertain to airport fire fighting
vehicle design.
8–5

6. ARFF apparatus fire fighting
systems require regular testing.
8–6

7. REVIEW QUESTION
What determines the number and
types of apparatus that are required at a
given airport?
8–7

8. Describe the various types and
capabilities of ARFF apparatus.
Learning Objective 2
8–8

9. ARFF vehicles are designed with a
variety of fire suppression equipment.
8–9

10. ARFF apparatus must be able to
operate effectively in both paved and
unpaved areas.
8–10

11. ARFF apparatus can be
categorized in different ways.
8–11

12. Combined agent (or rapid
intervention) vehicles can operated in
areas unsuited for larger ARFF
apparatus.
8–12
CourtesyofJamesNilo

13. Structural apparatus may be
adapted and equipped for ARFF
applications.
8–13

14. Most ARFF departments operate a
host of support vehicles and
equipment.
8–14
CourtesyofJamesNilo

15. Interior access vehicles can be
positioned next to an aircraft to
provide a platform for interior attack.
8–15

16. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the major types of ARFF
apparatus?
8–16

17. Identify the features and options
included on ARFF apparatus.
Learning Objective 3
8–17

18. ARFF apparatus need to be highly
visible to aircraft and other
vehicles.
8–18

19. NFPA® 414 requires antilock brake
systems (ABS) on ARFF apparatus.
8–19

20. A central inflation/deflation system
(CIDS) deflates vehicle tires to
improve traction.
8–20

21. 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

22. Driver’s enhanced visions system
(DEVS) allows safer, quicker
responses under adverse conditions.
8–22
FLIR camera
In-cab screen

23. Several other options are available to
improve the safety of ARFF apparatus.
8–23

24. CAUTION
Exercise extreme caution when backing
ARFF vehicles. Avoid feeling a false
sense of security because of the
presence of the cameras.
8–24

25. Monitoring and Data Acquisition
System (MADAS) collects minimum
vehicle performance measurements.
8–25

26. The Lateral Acceleration Indicator
(LAI) System is an early alert system.
8–26

27. REVIEW QUESTION
How does the Driver’s Enhanced
Vision System (DEVS) aid apparatus
drivers
in vision-impairing conditions?
8–27

28. Describe types of fire suppression
equipment found on ARFF apparatus.
Learning Objective 4
8–28

29. Many fire pumps on ARFF vehicles
can deliver large quantities of water
to the fire fighting system.
8–29

30. ARFF vehicles should have one or
more turrets for mass application of
extinguishing agents.
8–30
(Cont.)

31. ARFF vehicles should have one or
more turrets for mass application of
extinguishing agents.
8–31
Courtesy of Orland International Airport Fire Rescue

32. Handlines on ARFF apparatus must
be equipped with pattern and
shutoff nozzles.
8–32

33. Ground-sweep nozzles lay a
blanket of foam in front of the
apparatus.
8–33

34. Undertruck nozzles discharge
extinguishing agents directly beneath
the vehicle chassis.
8–34

35. Some ARFF apparatus are
equipped with an elevated
waterway.
8–35

36. 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

37. A high reach extendable turret
(HRET) can place the stream where
it can best attack the fire.
8–37

38. 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

39. Penetrating (piercing nozzles) are
designed to penetrate aircraft skin.
8–39
CourtesyofJamesNilo

40. On passenger aircraft, the
penetrating nozzle can be used to
punch in a window.
8–40

41. Remember these considerations
when using penetrating nozzles.
8–41

42. REVIEW QUESTION
In what scenarios would ARFF
personnel employ handlines?
8–42

43. Identify methods of resupplying
extinguishing agent to an ARFF
apparatus.
Learning Objective 5
8–43

44. All ARFF vehicles should have the
ability to quickly resupply with both
water and foam concentrate.
8–44

45. There are several methods of
supplying water to an ARFF
apparatus.
8–45

46. CAUTION
The topside of ARFF apparatus may be
slippery. Use caution when walking on
top of the apparatus.
8–46

47. 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

48. Foam resupply must be timely,
flexible, and efficient.
8–48

49. CAUTION
Foam bubbles may obscure the piercing
blades. Extreme care should be used
and gloves worn when cleaning the
screen.
8–49

50. Complementary agent systems
typically store the agent in
pressurized containers.
8–50

51. REVIEW QUESTION
What are the three methods of
agent resupply?
8–51

52. Explain procedures for ARFF
apparatus maintenance.
Learning Objective 6
8–52

53. ARFF apparatus must be maintained
so that they are in operational
condition during all air carrier
operations.
8–53

54. REVIEW QUESTION
What information should be included
on an ARFF apparatus maintenance
record?
8–54

55. 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

56. • 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.)

57. • ARFF jurisdictions must provide
adequate resources and establish
agreements with other agencies as
necessary.
Summary
8–57
(Cont.)

58. • ARFF departments should ensure
personnel are proficient with ARFF
vehicle operations and have thorough
understanding of each assigned
vehicle.
Summary
8–58