2. Chapter 5 Lesson Goal After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to recall basic information about fire and rescue communications including systems, procedures, terminology, and signals used in aviation.
3. Objectives 1. Describe basic airport communication systems. 2. Discuss pilot/ARFF Command communications. 3. Describe proper radio and telephone communication procedures. (Continued)
4. Objectives 4. Identify International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Phonetic Alphabet designations. 5. Identify words and phrases unique to the airport environment. (Continued)
5. Objectives 6. Discuss the use of computers in airport and ARFF communications. 7. Describe light, hand, and other signals used in aircraft accident operations.
6. ARFF Communications System depends on size of airport Local fire department off airport Dedicated ARFF dispatch center (Continued)
8. ARFF Communications ATC personnel provide information Make and model of aircraft Name of air carrier Response category Emergency situation Number on board Amount of fuel
9. NOTAM Information issued by airport operator or ATC personnel Addresses important information Runways Taxiways Essential services Post NOTAMs
10. Audible Alarms and Direct-line Telephones Audible alarms alert individuals Airport or facility occupants Regular ARFF personnel Auxiliary ARFF personnel Essential support services (Continued)
11. Audible Alarms and Direct-line Telephones Alerting ARFF personnel in fire station Direct-line telephone Speaker system Bell Klaxon® Combination (Continued)
12. Audible Alarms and Direct-line Telephones Alerting auxiliary/off-duty ARFF personnel Pagers Tone-activated radio receivers Cell phones Siren/horn (Continued)
13. Audible Alarms and Direct-line Telephones Direct-line communications systems Between control tower and multiple emergency agencies Primary means of notification Test lines regularly
14. Radio Systems Two-way radios — most efficient means of communication One or more channels Multi-scanning capability Use clear text language or common terminology (Continued)
15. Radio Systems Comply with FCC and AHJ Test systems regularly Do not transmit false, misleading, or inappropriate information Computer-monitored systems record and time-stamp communications (Continued)
18. ARFF and Radio Frequencies Uncontrolled airports — SOPs established for movement Monitor appropriate frequencies Communicate with ground control Give specific information Finish with “Over”
19. Cockpit and ARFF Command Communications Use a discreet frequency IC Provide information to crew Advise on conditions outside of aircraft Crew may provide information to IC (Continued)
20. Cockpit and ARFF Command Communications Pilot Should initiate communication Responsible for aircraft and occupants
21. Interphone System Uses of interphone system ARFF personnel to communicate with crew members Airport personnel during routine operations
22. Radio/Telephone Guidelines Speak directly into microphone Speak distinctly, calmly, and clearly Pronounce each word carefully Use a conversational tone/moderate speed (Continued)
24. Phonetic Alphabet Critical information is spelled out with words Reduces confusion ICAO phonetic alphabet is used
25. ICAO Phonetic Alphabet A — Alpha B — Bravo C — Charlie D — Delta E — Echo F — Foxtrot G — Golf H — Hotel I — India J — Juliett K — Kilo L — Lima (Continued)
26. ICAO Phonetic Alphabet M — Mike N — November O — Oscar P — Papa Q — Quebec R — Romeo S — Sierra T — Tango U — Uniform V — Victor W — Whiskey X — X-ray Y — Yankee Z — Zulu
27. Number Designations 1 — Wun 2 — Too 3 — Tree 4 — Fow-er 5 — Five 6 — Sicks 7 — Sev-en 8 — Ait 9 — Nin-er 0 — Zero
28. Common Terms and Phrases Air Traffic Control (ATC) Base leg Base to final Blind (dead) spot Downwind leg ETA Final approach Flameout Fuel on board Gear down Go around (Continued)
29. Common Terms and Phrases Hold your position Hung gear Jet blast Low approach Make a 90, 180, or 360 Minimum fuel Missed approach Overhead approach Prop or rotor wash Wind direction and velocity
31. Computers Use will expand Information tool Communications system Fire scene management (Continued)
32. Computers Computers can provide Data on airport layouts Prefire plans of buildings Diagrams on aircraft Dangerous goods information Ability to provide status and location On-screen messaging
33. Light Signals Steady green light Steady red light Flashing red light Flashing white light Alternating red and green lights
34. Steady green Green means you are clear to proceed to next point ARFF Communications
41. Other Signals Back out or retreat Apparatus is running out of agent Open or close handline Change handline nozzle/stream pattern Advance with handline Back out with handline
55. Summary Communications are vital during any emergency. Airport firefighters must be thoroughly trained and proficient in the usage of the communications systems and procedures found at their particular airfield (Continued)
56. Summary This chapter covered NOTAMs, audible alarms and direct-line telephones, radio systems and aviation frequencies. It also covered radio/telephone guidelines, computers in ARFF, and signals used in ARFF.
57. Review Questions 1. Who may handle aircraft rescue and fire fighting communications? 2. How might airport auxiliary firefighters be notified of a situation? 3. What is the most efficient means for communicating with personnel during emergency scene operations? (Continued)
58. Review Questions 4. What is the Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS)? 5. How does an interphone system work? 6. What guidelines should be followed for proper radio/telephone use? (Continued)
59. Review Questions 7. Why is use of the phonetic alphabet necessary? 8. What does the phrase ”hold your position” mean? (Continued)
60. Review Questions 9. What is a mobile data terminal (MDT)? 10. When using light signals, what does a flashing red light mean?