Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting

6th Edition

Chapter 5 — Communications

Describe types of airport alerts.

Learning Objective 1

5–2

Emergency alert categories and their titles may differ from airport to airport.

5–3

NOTE

Another aircraft emergency may arise before the first has been resolved. The tower should notify ARFF personnel of the second emergency with sufficient information to allow for the reallocation of ARFF resources.

5–4

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the three types of airport alerts?

5–5

Explain the functions of an Emergency Operations Center and Mobile Command Posts.

Learning Objective 2

5–6

A key component of ARFF operations is a communications/dispatch center.

5–7

REVIEW QUESTION

What are the functions of an Emergency Operations Center?

5–8

Identify airport communication systems.

Describe airport communication procedures.

Learning Objectives 3 and 4

5–9

Airport communication systems are vital for emergency operations.

5–10

The appropriate authority will activate audible alarms when an emergency is reported.

5–11

Air traffic control may use direct-line circuits to notify multiple agencies of emergencies.

5–12

Multiple channel two-way radios are the most efficient means of emergency scene communication.

5–13

Computers can provide important information in ARFF incidents.

5–14

ARFF personnel may use or monitor several aviation radio frequencies.

5–15

The pilot and ARFF IC may need to communicate directly.

5–16

Courtesy of O

rlando International Airport Fire R

escue

Radio and telephone communications should follow proper procedures.

5–17

Alternative forms of communication may be used at an ARFF incident.

5–18

REVIEW QUESTIONS

What forms of communication do ARFF firefighters utilize?

What procedures should ARFF personnel follow when communicating via radio or telephone?

5–19

Explain light and hand signals used in ARFF communications.

Learning Objective 5

5–20

Light signals may be used by the tower controller to communicate with ARFF personnel.

5–21

High noise levels may require the use of hand signals.

5–22

Recommend Evacuation

Recommend Stop

Emergency Contained

Photos courtesy of Brian Canady/DFW-FRD

REVIEW QUESTION

Why do ARFF personnel use hand signals for onscene communications?

5–23

• Communications are vital during an emergency, and this is true during aircraft emergencies as well.

• Airport firefighters must be thoroughly trained and proficient in the usage of the communications systems and procedures found at their airfield.

Summary

5–24

(Cont.)

• Airport firefighters need to be aware of the growing use of computers to communicate vital information regarding an aircraft incident.

Summary

5–25

(Cont.)

• Because ARFF operations can be noisy, other forms of communications such as light, sound, and hand signals are useful at an incident to convey directions and orders to ARFF personnel.

Summary

5–26