Aircraft Rescue and Fire

Fighting
6th Edition
Chapter 3 Aircraft
Familiarization
Learning Objective 1

Identify types of aircraft.

31
Aircraft are usually categorized by
their intended purpose.

Commuter/
Commercial Cargo
regional
transport aircraft
aircraft

Business/
General Military
corporate
aviation aviation
aviation

Fire service Unmanned

Rotorcraft
aircraft aircraft

32
Narrow body commercial
transport aircraft are equipped
with two or three jet engines.

33
Wide body commercial transport
aircraft are equipped with two to
four jet engines.

Courtesy of James Nilo

34
New large aircraft pose numerous
rescue concerns for ARFF personnel.

Edwin A. Jones
35 Courtesy of
Commuter or regional aircraft interiors
can present difficult emergency work
conditions.

36 Courtesy of James Nilo

Cargo aircraft may be greatly modified
and may contain dangerous goods.

Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones

37
 Cargo compartments have different
requirements.

Class A Class B Class C Class E

Presence of Separate, Built-in fire Usually entire
fire easily approved protection cabin used
discovered by smoke or fire systems only for cargo
crewmember detection required Fire protection
Compartments system Ventilation system
easily Sufficient controls required
accessible in access to Means to shut
flight enable off ventilating
crewmember air flow
to use hand-
held fire
extinguisher

38
Access to cargo compartments varies.

Most cargo doors are hinged at top Swing out and up

Few cargo doors open up and into the compartment

Most older narrow-body aircraft cargo doors open

manually

Newer narrow-body and most wide-body aircraft cargo

doors open electrically and/or hydraulically

Some cargo doors are mechanically operated and may have

mechanical locking devices

39
General aviation craft tend to have
single or twin internal-combustion
engines.

310
NOTE

ARFF personnel should be aware that

light piston twins have a heating system
that burns the AVGAS in the nose
compartment to provide cabin heat.
These heating systems have a history of
fire problems which have sometimes
been fatal.

311
Business and corporate aircraft can
vary greatly.

Courtesy of James Nilo

312
Military aircraft vary widely, may be
found at civilian airports, and may have
dangerous contents.

Armament Liquid oxygen

Extensive
High-powered composite
radar material
construction

Explosive ejection
devices

313
Fighter and attack aircraft may carry
substantial ammunition.

Photos courtesy of James Nilo

314
Bomber aircraft may carry a large fuel
load and a significant quantity of high
explosives.

Photo by Jorge L. Mendez (USN), Defense

Visual Information Center (DVIC)
315
Military cargo aircraft may carry a
wide variety of cargo, including
munitions.

Photo by Kenn Mann, CIV (USAF), Defense

Visual Information Center (DVIC)
316
 Photo by MSgt Lance Cheung (USAF),
Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC)
50,000 gallons (200 000 L) of fuel.
Tanker aircraft may carry over

317
Utility and special purpose aircraft
have designator letters that vary based
on their aircraft mission.

Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC)

Photo by MSgt Mark Bucher (USAF),
318
Military helicopters may carry
ammunitions, weapons, and large
amounts of fuel.

Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones

319
Rotorcraft generate lift by one or
more rotor blades.

Courtesy of Groen Brothers

Aviation Global, Inc.

Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones

Courtesy of Carter Aviation

Technologies, LLC.

320
Fire service aircraft are used for
transport, rescue, and to fight fires.

Courtesy of 10 Tanker Air Carrier

321
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
may pose a hazardous materials risk.

Photo by SrA Larry E. Reid Jr. (USAF),

Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC)

322
REVIEW QUESTION

What are the major categories of

aircraft?

323
Learning Objective 2

Describe the major components of

fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

324
Fixed wing aircraft include the
fuselage, wings, and tail section.

325
WARNING

Personnel should ensure that aircraft is

properly grounded before coming in
contact with the aircraft in order to
prevent being shocked.

326
Rotary wing aircraft include the
fuselage, main rotor(s), tail rotor, and
landing gear.

327
REVIEW QUESTION

How do fixed-wing and rotary-wing

aircraft components differ?

328
Learning Objective 3

Identify types of and hazards

associated with various aircraft
engines.

329
 Internal-combustion reciprocating
engines use pistons to turn propellers.
Courtesy of Jeff Reichmann, Reichmann Safety Services

Courtesy of Doddy Photography

Radial-type internal Aircraft
combustion engine reciprocating engine

330
Internal-combustion reciprocating
engines use aviation gasoline (AVGAS).

Air cooled

Use relatively large amounts of oil

Often carry large oil tank adjacent to engine

Magnetos produce sparks

331
WARNING

Disconnecting the battery does not

prevent the magneto from functioning,
so personnel must exercise caution
when working in the area of the
propeller. A safety zone should be
established around the engine, keeping
all personnel clear of the engine.

332
Gas turbine engines mix jet fuel and
air to generate engine power.

Turbojet

Turbofan
Types of jet
engines
Turboprop

Turboshaft
333
 Additional components may be added
to the basic gas turbine engine.

Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones

Defense Visual Information

Photo by MCSN David A.

Brandenburg (USN),
Center (DVIC)

Exhaust nozzles that Afterburner

rotate (augmentor)

Thrust-reversal Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones

systems
334
REVIEW QUESTION

What types of engines are used to

power aircraft?

335
Learning Objective 4

Explain aircraft construction,

structural materials, and hazards as
they relate to ARFF training
operations.

336
 The properties of aircraft components
and their manner of assembly may
affect fire fighting operations.

Construction
components

Frames or
Longerons Stringers Bulkheads
formers

337
Rivet or fastener lines on the outer
skin can help identify areas for
forcible entry.

The more rivets and

fasteners that are visible

the more reinforced the

area is...

...therefore, the more

difficult forcible entry will be.

338
The properties of construction materials
affect fire fighting operations.

Aluminum/alloys

Steel

Metals
Magnesium/alloys

Titanium

339
Composite and advanced aerospace
materials are increasingly used in
aircraft construction.

340
Plastic and wood are two additional
materials used in aircraft construction.

Plastics

Pre-formed plastic components often replace wooden components

Used in
Tubing
Conduit
Other aircraft cabin components

Wood

Still found in structural areas of some older aircraft

Tubular steel framing commonly combined with wooden components
Wood fixtures for interior furnishings

341
REVIEW QUESTION

What materials are commonly used

in the construction of aircraft?

342
Learning Objective 5

Describe potential aircraft system

hazards that firefighters may
encounter.

343
The fuel system presents the greatest
hazard in an aircraft accident.

344
Fuel tanks may be separate units or
an integral part of the aircraft.
Small general aviation

Commercial aircraft

Double-walled fuselage tanks

Auxiliary tanks or fuel pods

Fuel released from damaged tanks

Crash-resistant fuel tanks

Open-celled foam blocks

345
Fuel tanks may be filled via gravity
or pressure refueling.

346
Fuel is distributed from an aircrafts
tank to its engine through fuel lines,
control valves, and pumps.

Fuel lines
May be routed throughout aircraft
Vary in size and construction material
Flow controlled by pumps capable of producing
pressure from 4 to 40 psi (30 to 280 kPa)

Temperature change causes fuel to expand in tanks

Fuel tanks equipped with vents and vent tanks

347
NOTE

Military aircraft fuel tanks are normally

full in the winter months then the
aircrafts are stored in heated hangars.
The expanding fuel leaks onto the
hangar floor and causes additional
hazards to ARFF personnel.

348
ARFF personnel must be aware of
hazards associated with aircraft fuel.

Heating of fuel cells exposed to direct fire

Fuel spills may not be hazardous under normal

conditions

Responders may encounter AVGAS, jet fuel, and

other mixes of fuels

Hazard level depends on fuel, how it is mixed, and

the scenario in which was released

349
ARFF personnel must be familiar with
hydraulic fuel types, storage locations,
and hazards.

350
WARNING

When dealing with aircraft emergencies

around operating aircraft, keep
personnel aware and clear of areas
containing hydraulically and
pneumatically operated parts. Personnel
can be easily injured or have body parts
severed if caught or pinched between
moving surfaces.

351
CAUTION

Personnel also must guard against

hydraulic fluid contacting skin, eyes,
and protective clothing because this
type of fluid can cause severe skin and
eye irritation as well as erode protective
clothing surfaces.

352
A wheel assembly consists of rims,
brakes, and tires.

Courtesy of James Nilo

Fusible
plugs

353
WARNING

When dealing with a landing gear emergency

such as a hot brake or gear fire, always
approach the landing gear either forward or
aft at a 45 degree angle of the gear assembly.
If heated beyond limits, landing gear
assemblies and tires may explode, sending
debris and pieces out from the sides of the
assembly. These pieces can travel with
enough velocity to puncture aircraft wing fuel
cells, and could be fatal to nearby personnel.
354
Aircraft rely on electrical systems to
supply current for lights, electronic
equipment, and other systems.

355
Aircraft batteries operate like
automobile batteries, but present
other unique challenges.

Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones

356
CAUTION

The electrolyte used in nickel-cadmium

batteries is a strong alkaline solution of
potassium hydroxide, which is caustic and
corrosive. The electrolyte used in lead-acid
batteries is sulfuric acid and distilled water.
Serious burns will result if either electrolyte
contacts the skin. Check the Safety Data
Sheet (SDS) for specific hazards associated
with each type of battery.

357
CAUTION

Some aircraft batteries produce highly

flammable hydrogen gas during
charging. This gas can present a serious
fire and explosion hazards to ARFF
personnel.

358
An auxiliary power unit (APU) is a
small jet engine with a generator
attached.

APU hazards

Noise

Exhaust

Fire
359
An engine power unit (EPU) is a quick
and reliable means of providing power
to the aircraft.

Types of EPUs

Ram-air-turbine Monopropellant/
Jet-fuel
(RAT) hydrazine

360
WARNING

Wear full personal protective equipment

(PPE) at all times when dealing with
hydrazine emergencies as it may be
absorbed through the skin. Even short
exposures may have serious effects on
the nervous and respiratory systems.

361
Ground power units (GPUs) are
fueled by diesel or gas.

Types of GPUs

Mobile units
on carts,

Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones

trailers, or
trucks

Fixed-
mounted in
buildings

Bridge- GPU cart

mounted on
jetways
362
WARNING

Disconnecting the GPU from the aircraft

prior to the power being shut off can
cause electrocution or arcing. Arcing
could provide an ignition source for
flammable vapors that have collected in
the area.

363
Aircraft lighting designates the
aircrafts location.

364
Oxygen systems provide life support in
aircraft intended for high-altitude
operations.

Oxygen
cylinders can
be found in
various

Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones

locations in
all varieties
of aircraft

365
WARNING

High concentrations of compressed

gaseous oxygen will accelerate
combustion.

366
Liquid oxygen (LOX) may also be
found on different types of aircraft.

Extremely cold High expansion rate

LOX
Readily forms combustible
and explosive mixtures
Supports combustion
when in contact with
combustible materials

367
WARNING

Do not disturb asphalt onto which LOX

has been spilled because it is
explosively unstable and extremely
shock-sensitive. Until LOX has
dissipated, merely walking on the spill
or dropping something onto it may
cause a violent reaction.

368
Liquid oxygen (LOX) and oxygen
systems pose severe hazards for ARFF
personnel.

Burn with greater

Danger of explosions
intensity

Fires
involving LOX

Smothering/blanketing Spray leak with water

agents are not effective fog to form seal

369
Radar systems can present both
ignition sources and health hazards.

ARFF personnel
should NOT approach
the nose area if they
believe the radar
system is active

370
Fire protection systems may be
found on many modern aircraft.

371
Passenger/crew air bags may
present a variety of hazards.

372
For most aircraft, shutoff procedures
involve activating T- or L-shaped
engine and APU fire shutoff handles.

Shuts off
systems
Fuel
Hydraulic
Pneumatic

Courtesy of Jamse Nilo

Electrical

373
Aircraft are generally designed to be
evacuated in 90 seconds or less.

Primary means of egress

Cabin door

Secondary means of egress

Overwing and underwing hatches

Tail-cone jettison system
Rear air-stairs
Roof hatches

374
Cabin doors are referenced by a
number and a left or right designator.

375
Operating procedures can vary widely
on doors found on the same aircraft.

All photos courtesy of James Nilo

376
Aircraft slides can expedite
evacuation from an aircraft.

377
Hatches are another means of egress.

Most hatches are

plug-type design

378
WARNING

Over-wing exit doors may open with

considerable force and may injure ARFF
personnel.

379
Cabin windows are also a potential
means of egress.

Cabin
windows

Triple pane
construction

May be knocked
in with an axe or
sledge hammer

380
Other means of egress may be
available to assist in evacuation.

Rear stairs

Emergency exit doors

Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones Overhead hatches

Tail-cone jettison exits

381
WARNING

Firefighters must use caution when

walking under a tail cone as it may be
jettisoned while they are underneath it.

382
Emergency cut-in areas should be
free of underlying hazards.

383
Data recording systems are critical to
aircraft accident investigations.

Recording systems
Generally in cargo
compartment wall or tail
section of fuselage
International orange or
bright red
Should be protected in

Courtesy of James Nilo

place
Require chain of custody
Special considerations if
found in water

384
Some aircraft contain other systems
and components.

Anti-icing systems

Bleed air system

Pressurized cylinders

Pitot tubes

Antennas
385
WARNING

Pitot tubes are heated to prevent ice

from forming on them during flight. As
a result, ARFF personnel should not
touch pitot tubes because they can get
hot enough to cause burns.

386
REVIEW QUESTION

What are some of the hazards

presented by aircraft systems during
an emergency?

387
Summary

Airport firefighters safety is linked to

the level of training and familiarization
with the types of aircraft that may be
encountered during ARFF operations.

(Cont.)

388
Summary

ARFF personnel must be thoroughly

familiar with various types of civilian
and military aircraft and able to
recognize the unique features and
components of fixed-wing and rotary-
wing aircraft.

(Cont.)

389
Summary

Airport firefighters must be familiar

with the types and applications of
different engines used to power aircraft
in order to safely function around
aircraft in both normal and emergency
conditions.

(Cont.)

390
Summary

ARFF personnel should be trained to

recognize the materials used in
manufacture of aircraft so that they
understand how the materials behave
during aircraft crashes and fires.
Airport firefighters must also identify
and deal with the numerous fuel,
power, and safety systems used
aboard aircraft.
391