Rescue, firefighting and apron safety

What rescue and firefighting protects

The principal objective is saving lives in an aircraft accident or incident.

Category and response

Aerodrome rescue and firefighting categories depend primarily on the length of the longest aeroplanes normally using the aerodrome and their maximum fuselage width, with the applicable movement and category assessment provisions. Category is not determined solely by runway length or an airline’s name. An operation needs the category actually available and the applicable operator requirements.

Response time is measured from the initial call to the first responding vehicle being in position to apply foam at at least the specified discharge rate. The EU operational objective is no more than three minutes, with an operational objective of no more than two minutes, to any point on each operational runway in optimum visibility/surface conditions. Additional vehicles and other movement-area response have their prescribed conditions.

Apron movements and fuel fire

An aircraft taxiing, being towed or pushed has right of way over ordinary vehicles, subject to emergency vehicles and the prescribed local rules. Vehicles giving emergency assistance have priority as specified; do not drive between a moving aircraft and its marshaller or assume the cockpit sees the vehicle.

During ground servicing maintain escape and firefighting access, suitable extinguishing capability, coordination with the flight crew and safe equipment positions. Stop the fuel flow and alert the appropriate emergency response if a fuel fire occurs; follow the aircraft and operator procedures for engines/APU, evacuation and electrical equipment. The course teaches the decision chain, not a substitute aircraft fire checklist.

Can you apply the rules?

Four original questions. Choose from the facts, then review the explanation.