ARFF Chapter 5 Flashcards
What are the FAA alert categories for aircraft emergencies?
• Alert I – Local Standby Alert
• Alert II – Full Emergency Alert
• Alert III – Aircraft Accident Alert
What is required for an Alert I response?
• At least one ARFF apparatus should be adequately staffed and prepositioned.
• Remaining ARFF apparatus shall remain available for response.
What defines an Alert II situation?
• An aircraft’s operational defect is serious enough to create the possibility of an accident.
• All ARFF apparatus should be adequately staffed and prepositioned.
What defines an Alert III situation?
• An aircraft accident has occurred on or near the airport.
• All ARFF apparatus should respond immediately.
• Mutual aid resources should be activated.
What should the tower do if a second aircraft emergency arises during a first?
• Notify ARFF personnel of the second emergency.
• Provide sufficient information to allow for resource reallocation.
What are the components of airport communication systems?
• Telephone
• Radio
• Computer
What must be included in ATC notifications to ARFF?
• Aircraft make/model
• Air carrier name & flight number
• Type of alert
• Emergency situation
• Persons and fuel onboard
• Additional data
What is the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) used for?
• Coordination when ATC is not available
• Communication between ARFF, pilots, and others in the airfield
What is a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)?
• Issued by the airport operator or ATC
• Notifies aviation of issues affecting normal operations
What are the FAA light signals used for communication failure?
• Steady Green: Proceed
• Steady Red: Stop
• Flashing Red: Clear runway
• Flashing White: Return
• Alternating Red/Green: Extreme caution
What are ARFF responsibilities for direct communication with pilots?
• Provide visible aircraft condition, equipment status, and emergency specifics
• Must clearly state call sign and location
What communication equipment must ARFF apparatus have?
• Two-way radios to communicate with:
- ARFF personnel
- ATC
- CTAF
- Fire stations
- EOC
What are the primary uses of the Mobile Command Post?
• Support IC during aircraft incidents
• Communicate with all involved agencies
• Provide access to hazardous materials and weather data
What are proper radio/telephone communication procedures?
• Speak directly into mic
• Hold mic at 45° angle, 1.5 inches from mouth
• Speak clearly, calmly, and use low pitch
Why are hand signals used during emergencies?
• To coordinate when radio communication is not possible due to noise
• Provide visual direction for evacuation, stop, or ‘all clear’
What are the responsibilities of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)?
• Provide a fixed location for ARFF communications
• Dispatch emergency units
• Relay information and support the IC
What is the ICAO phonetic alphabet used for?
• Clarifies difficult transmissions
• Avoids misunderstanding in voice communications
What is the Crash Net?
• A direct-line telephone system connecting the tower to:
- Airline managers
- Hospitals
- Mutual aid fire departments, etc.
What are prohibited transmissions on ARFF communication systems?
• False/misleading info
• Unassigned call signs
• Obscene or profane language
When must ARFF test communication equipment?
• At least every 24 hours
• Repair or replace defective units immediately
• Preventive maintenance program must be in place
