Airport firefighters must be familiar
with both the airport and the
immediately surrounding area.
2–3
REVIEW QUESTION
Why is it necessary for ARFF
personnel to be familiar with all parts
of the airport and surrounding area?
2–4
Explain different airport types and
classifications.
Learning Objective 2
2–5
There are two basic types of airports.
2–6
Airports are classified by various
agencies in order to determine the
level of fire protection needed.
2–7
REVIEW QUESTION
What is the difference between
controlled and uncontrolled airports?
2–8
Compare the different legs of a
typical traffic pattern.
Learning Objective 3
2–9
All aircraft must enter the airport via a
traffic pattern, unless otherwise
directed by air traffic control.
2–10
REVIEW QUESTION
When might aircraft use a straight-
in approach rather than a typical
traffic pattern?
2–11
Recognize systems used to
designate runways and taxiways.
Learning Objective 4
2–12
Runways are distinguished by
numbers and letters.
2–13
Runways will also have safety areas
surrounding it.
2–14
250 ft (75 m)
250 ft (75 m)
150 ft (45 m)1000-2000 ft
(300-600 m)
1000-2000 ft
(300-600 m)
Taxiways are specially designated
roadways for aircraft surface
movement.
2–15
REVIEW QUESTION
What method is used to number
airport runways?
2–16
Identify airport markings, lighting,
and signage.
Learning Objective 5
2–17
Runway and taxiway surface lighting is
standard at airports.
2–18
Blue
White
Green
Yello
w
Red
Markings of different sizes and shapes
are also used at airports.
2–19
Different colored markings are also
used at airports.
2–20
Red and white lines designate an
“envelope.”
2–21
Zipper markings indicate an aircraft
maneuvering area.
2–22
(Cont.)
Mandatory instruction signs provide
instructions that must be obeyed.
2–23
Runway hold positions signs indicate
stop ahead.
2–24
“White on
red – stop
ahead”
Location signs identify runways,
taxiways, and other specific airport
locations.
2–25
“Yellow on black – tell where you’re at”
Direction signs identify the direction of
taxiways leading out from an
intersection.
2–26
“Black on yellow – tell a fellow”
Destination signs indicate destinations
around the airport.
2–27
Other signs on the runway provide
information to pilots.
2–28
WARNING
Understand that aircraft ALWAYS have
the right-of-way, unless directed
otherwise by Air Traffic Control Tower
personnel. ARFF apparatus drivers
failing to understand or obey airport
ground lighting, markings, or signs
can lead to accidents as well as
runway incursions.
2–29
REVIEW QUESTION
What types of signage might an
airport firefighter encounter on the
airport?
2–30
Determine the impact of airport
design on ARFF responses.
Learning Objective 6
2–31
The segmented circle is an airport
marker system often located in the
center of the airport.
2–32
ARFF personnel and airport support
personnel use grid maps to identify
ground locations.
2–33
The RRA and CRFAA should be
identified on the grid map.
2–34
ARFF personnel must be familiar with
the topography of the airport and its
immediate surrounding area.
2–35
Airport terminals hold several areas of
concern for emergency responders.
2–36
Life Safety
Baggage
Handling
and Storage
Areas
C
o
u
r
t
e
s
y
o
f
J
a
m
e
s
N
ilo
Aircraft maintenance facilities can
hold a variety of hazards.
2–37
Some runways are equipped with an
Emergency Material Arresting System
(EMAS).
2–38
C
o
u
r
t
e
s
y
o
f
G
r
e
e
n
v
ille
A
ir
p
o
r
t
C
o
m
m
is
s
io
n
Taxiways provide a link between
different parts of the airport.
2–39
ARFF personnel should use caution
around run-up areas.
2–40
Safety areas are an integral part of
the runway system.
2–41
ARFF personnel should be able to
identify navigation aids and know their
locations on the airport.
2–42
WARNING
Several navigation aids pose an
electrical hazard to firefighters. The
airfield lighting system and
navigational aids operate on high-
voltage electrical systems.
Firefighters should avoid contact with
these devices.
2–43
Roads and bridges on and off the airport
must be able to support ARFF apparatus.
2–44
Airport ramps/aprons tend to be the
most congested areas of an airport.
2–45
WARNING
NEVER drive a motor vehicle under a
wing of an aircraft, regardless of the
size of the vehicle or the airplane!
2–46
Be on the lookout for foreign object
debris (FOD) on airport driving surfaces.
2–47
Controlled access points eliminate
unnecessary or unauthorized traffic.
2–48
Fences and gates pose a barrier to
ARFF personnel using other-than-
normal exit points.
2–49
The isolation area is a predetermined
area designed for temporary parking of
aircraft.
2–50
Fixed systems and mobile supplies of
water are available for airport fire
protection.
2–51
Fueling operations are a constant
hazard.
2–52
C
o
u
r
t
e
s
y
o
f
W
illia
m
D
S
t
e
w
a
r
t
The most common method of aircraft
fuel delivery is tank trucks.
2–53
C
o
u
r
t
e
s
y
o
f
E
d
w
in
A
.
J
o
n
e
s
Fuel vapors have numerous ignition
sources.
2–54
Fire extinguishers must be of
appropriate size and type, and must be
readily accessible.
2–55
The airport drainage system is
designed to control the flow of spilled
fuel.
2–56
REVIEW QUESTION
How does the design and layout of
an airport impact day-to-day
airport fire fighting operations?
2–57
Explain the importance of a central
location for airport fire stations.
Learning Objective 7
2–58
Airport fire stations are strategically
and centrally located.
2–59
REVIEW QUESTION
What is the purpose of an airport
fire station observation tower?
2–60
•In order to perform their jobs safely
and efficiently, airport firefighters must
be thoroughly familiar with the airport
itself.
•Airport firefighters must understand
the type and classification of airport
they work at to better understand the
aircraft rescue and fire fighting
requirements needed by that airport.
Summary
2–61
(Cont.)
•Familiarity with the airport saves in
response time and may save lives,
while protecting the safety of the
responders.
Summary
2–62