+-----------------------------+-----------+------+--------------------+
| ![](media/image1.wmf){w     |           | **Ad |                    |
| idth="0.3798611111111111in" |           | viso |                    |
| hei                         |           | ry** |                    |
| ght="0.3645833333333333in"} |           |      |                    |
|                             |           | **Ci |                    |
| U.S. Department             |           | rcul |                    |
|                             |           | ar** |                    |
| of Transportation           |           |      |                    |
|                             |           |      |                    |
| **Federal Aviation**        |           |      |                    |
|                             |           |      |                    |
| **Administration**          |           |      |                    |
+-----------------------------+-----------+------+--------------------+
| **Subject:** Aircraft       | **Date:** |      | **AC No:**         |
| Rescue and Fire Fighting    | April 14, |      | 150/5210-7D        |
| Communications              | 2008      |      |                    |
|                             |           |      | **Change:**        |
|                             | **        |      |                    |
|                             | Initiated |      |                    |
|                             | by:**     |      |                    |
|                             | AAS-300   |      |                    |
+-----------------------------+-----------+------+--------------------+

**1. PURPOSE.** This Advisory Circular (AC) provides guidance to assist
airport operators in preparing for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
(ARFF) communications.

**2. CANCELLATION.** This AC cancels AC 150/5210-7C, Aircraft Rescue and
Fire Fighting Communications, dated July 1, 1999.

**3. APPLICABILITY.** The prompt and efficient response of a modern ARFF
service depends on the reliability of its communications and alarm
systems. The material contained in this AC applies to the operation of
civil airports where aeronautical activity is conducted. Certificated
airport operators may use these recommendations and guidelines to
satisfy some of the requirements of 14 Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR), Part 139, Certification of Airports.

**4. COPIES OF THIS AC.** The Office of Airport Safety and Standards
makes ACs available to the public through the Internet. These ACs may be
found online at **www.faa.gov.** A printed copy of this and other ACs
can be ordered from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Subsequent
Distribution Office, Ardmore East Business Center, 3341 Q 75th Avenue,
Landover, MD 20785.

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="1.9708333333333334in"
height="0.6701388888888888in"}

Kelvin L. Solco

Acting Director of Airport Safety and Standards

**Intentionally left blank**

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

[1. OVERVIEW OF AIRPORT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
1](#__RefHeading___Toc185764479)

[2. AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIREFIGHTING COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM.
1](#aircraft-rescue-and-firefighting-communications-system.)

[3. INITIAL NOTIFICATION (ALARM) SYSTEM: COMMUNICATION OF ALARM FROM
ALERTING AUTHORITY TO PRIMARY RESPONDERS.
3](#initial-notification-alarm-system-communication-of-alarm-from-alerting-authority-to-primary-responders.)

[4. COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN ARFF PRIMARY RESPONDERS AND OTHERS.
5](#communications-between-arff-primary-responders-and-others.)

[5. LOST COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES. 7](#lost-communications-procedures.)

[6. RADIO DISCIPLINE. 7](#radio-discipline.)

[7. RADIO CALL SIGNS. 7](#radio-call-signs.)

**APPENDICES**

[APPENDIX 1 -- STANDARD EMERGENCY HAND AND ARM SIGNALS
A-1](#__RefHeading___Toc185763220)

[APPENDIX 2 -- AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT) LIGHT GUN SIGNALS
A-3](#__RefHeading___Toc185763221)

[APPENDIX 3 -- TRAINING A-4](#__RefHeading___Toc185763222)

[APPENDIX 4 -- REFERENCE AND RELATED READING
A-5](#__RefHeading___Toc185763223)

[APPENDIX 5 -- STANDARD AVIATION PRONUNCIATION AND RESPONSES
A-6](#__RefHeading___Toc185763224)

[APPENDIX 6 -- SAMPLE LETTER OF AGREEMENT (LOA) ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES
FOR ARFF COMMUNICATIONS A-8](#__RefHeading___Toc185763226)

**Intentionally left blank**

1.  []{#__RefHeading___Toc185764479 .anchor}**OVERVIEW OF AIRPORT
    EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS.**

The objective of the airport emergency communications system should be
to provide a primary and, where necessary, an alternate effective means
of direct communication between the following:

a.  The alerting authority, Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), Flight
    Service Station (FSS), Airport Manager, fixed-base operator, or
    airline office and the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
    service.

b.  The ATCT or FSS and the ARFF responders' enroute to an aircraft
    emergency and at the accident or incident site.

c.  The dispatcher and ARFF vehicles at the accident/incident site.

d.  The ARFF Incident Command (ARFF IC) and appropriate local and mutual
    aid organizations located on or off the airport, including an alert
    procedure for all auxiliary personnel expected to participate.

e.  The ARFF IC and the Emergency Aircraft.

    1.  **Discrete Emergency Frequency (DEF).** The DEF establishes a
        direct link between the Emergency Aircraft and the ARFF IC for
        providing critical information about the Emergency Aircraft
        status, if not previously provided by Air Traffic Control (ATC)
        to the ARFF IC (e.g., fuel on board, souls on board, hazmat or
        dangerous goods on board and location in aircraft, pilot
        intentions, etc.). The ARFF IC will relay information to the
        Pilot of the Emergency Aircraft about the external situation of
        the aircraft, whether or not evacuation is recommended, and
        other hazards that may not be readily apparent to the Pilot. ATC
        will instruct the Emergency Aircraft and the ARFF IC to switch
        to the DEF as specified in the ARFF Communications -- Operating
        Procedures Letter of Agreement (LOA) for the Discrete Emergency
        Frequency between the Airport Operator and ATC (see sample LOA
        in Appendix 6) and in accordance with section 9.b. (1)(b) of
        this AC.

    2.  **Use of the DEF.** Because of the critical and timely nature of
        the information transmitted on this frequency, transmissions
        should be limited to ATC, the Pilot of the Emergency Aircraft,
        and the ARFF IC.

    3.  Emergency hand signals, described in Appendix 1, allow
        communication of evacuation recommendations from the ARFF IC to
        the Pilot and/or Cabin Crew in the event of radio communications
        disruption or failure of the DEF.

f.  Each ARFF vehicle(s), including firefighters in the same ARFF
    vehicle where operationally necessary.

# AIRCRAFT RESCUE AND FIREFIGHTING COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM. 

a.  The ARFF communications system should be consistent with the
    airport's operational needs and address:---

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(1) The initial notification method \[alarm, dedicated telephone line
    (crash phone), two-way non-ATC radio, pager, dispatch service,
    etc.\].

(2) Direct and timely communication of the applicable information to the
    primary responders.

(3) Communication between primary responders and the following:

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(a) Airport controlling agencies, ATCT (Tower, Ground Control,
    Approach/Departure Control, FSS), and Airport Operations.

(b) Emergency Aircraft (DEF) and Emergency Aircraft at airports without
    an ATCT or when ATCT is closed \[Common Traffic Advisory Frequency
    (CTAF) or National Guard frequencies\].

(c) ARFF responding unit(s) internal command and control (each ARFF
    vehicle).

(d) Individual ARFF personnel where operationally required.

(e) Supporting units (local jurisdiction and mutual aid organizations).

(f) Airport Operations, Maintenance, and Security.

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b.  ARFF communications system should include the following:

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(1) ARFF vehicles.

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(a) Any vehicle that may be employed as the ARFF IC vehicle should have
    a hard-wired, permanently installed selectable frequency transmitter
    and receiver (transceiver), not to exclude hard-wired, and
    permanently installed bases for removable hand-held units. These
    transceiver units should be capable of operating on any 25-KHz
    channel in the 118.0--136.975 MHz frequency band.

(b) All other ARFF vehicles should have a transceiver capable of
    communicating on Tower, Ground, and/or UNICOM frequencies and be
    hard-wired and permanently installed (not to exclude hard-wired,
    permanently installed bases for removable hand-held units).

(c) All transmitters should be capable of transmitting 5 nautical miles
    (9.26 km). All radios and transmitters should be licensed and
    operated in accordance with Federal Communication Commission
    regulations (47 CFR Part 87, Aviation Services, subparts D and L
    apply).

(d) Individual hand-held transceivers with Fire Emergency and Airport
    Operations frequencies if required (in addition to fixed radios in
    vehicles).

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(2) Dedicated telephone lines or cellular phones/personal paging
    devices.

(3) Wide-area audible alarms located in strategic places.

(4) Universal light gun signals (see Appendix 2).

(5) Emergency hand signals (see Appendix 1).

# INITIAL NOTIFICATION (ALARM) SYSTEM: COMMUNICATION OF ALARM FROM ALERTING AUTHORITY TO PRIMARY RESPONDERS.

a.  **Alert Enhancement.** The ARFF station dispatch room at airports
    with an ATCT should be linked by a non-ATC two-way radio and
    direct-line telephone to the ATCT, the FSS, or other ATC point.

#### The emergency direct-line telephone should not pass through any intermediate automated switchboard or operator that could subject the alert calls to delays.

(1) The tone of the emergency telephone bell (or buzzer) should be
    distinctly different from all other communications signaling devices
    within hearing of personnel in the dispatch room, on the apparatus
    floor, or in living quarters, as applicable.

(2) Protection against delays due to telephone bell-buzzer failure
    should be provided by use of redundant warning lights activated by
    the same input signal as the telephone ringer. The lights should be
    strategically located throughout the dispatch room, the apparatus
    floor, and living space, as dictated by the fire station design and
    the normal activities of the ARFF personnel.

(3) The ARFF station alarm bells should be linked to the telephone
    ringer so a call on the emergency telephone circuit simultaneously
    activates the audible alarm throughout the firehouse.

(4) The alarm circuitry may activate an automatic door-opening device
    for the vehicle doors in the fire station upon sounding the alarm.
    Some conditions (climatic, security requirements, or airport noise
    levels) may make this technique impractical.

(5) At airports not equipped with ground-to-air radio or a formal fire
    service dispatch room, alarm activation stations should be provided
    near hangars, shops, fueling stations, and aircraft parking areas
    where vision of the operational runway is unobstructed, i.e., where
    service and maintenance personnel normally work, thereby allowing
    them to quickly activate an alarm upon seeing a need in the
    operational area for ARFF service.

(6) Passenger loading bridges or areas should be equipped with a method
    of rapidly alerting the emergency response system in the event of an
    emergency (e.g., direct access via telephone or alarm system).

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b.  **Airports with an Operating ATCT.** The ATCT provides the initial
    alarm to the ARFF department via one or more of the following
    methods:

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(1) **Crash Phone** -- A dedicated landline between the ATCT and ARFF
    station.

(2) **Alarm** -- Siren or other audible device loud enough to be heard
    distinctly over typical airport noise levels that are audible in all
    areas where ARFF responders spend duty time.

(3) **Emergency Dispatch Center** -- A central dispatching point that
    receives notice of an aircraft emergency, and alerts and dispatches
    ARFF responders.

(4) **Cellular Telephone/Paging Device.**

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c.  **Airports without an ATCT.** Airports without ATCTs (or at times
    when the ATCT is closed) should establish a system for notification
    of ARFF responders (and other emergency responders, if applicable)
    through FSS, enroute ATC facilities, air carrier operations
    departments, public 911 calls, airport operations, and other
    possible avenues of emergency notification that assures---

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(1) There is an alternate alerting method with knowledgeable personnel
    available to operate it. Appropriate communications and alarm
    control devices must be available at the secondary alerting
    authority's operating location. They should be operational during
    all times the primary alerting authority is not available and
    ensure---

(2) There is no excessive delay in sending messages.

(3) The length and content of messages are appropriate and complete.

(4) Information is not degraded by interference
    (electronic/objects/etc).

(5) Appropriate means are used to transmit emergency messages and
    activate alarm control mechanisms.

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d.  **Off-Airport Fire Department.** With some exceptions, ARFF is
    required on the airport during air carrier operations at 14 CFR Part
    139 certificated airports. At non-certificated airports, when an
    off-airport fire department furnishes the rescue and fire fighting
    equipment and personnel and the alerting/dispatch for airport
    emergencies is handled by an emergency direct-line telephone between
    the airport alerting authority and the off-airport fire department,
    the off-airport fire station alarm(s) should sound upon activation
    of the direct emergency line.

e.  **Multifunction Notification.** The notification of all units
    required to respond to an emergency at a large airport can be
    expedited by the use of a "conference" circuit. Such an arrangement
    allows simultaneous notification. This "conference" circuit should,
    as appropriate, include---

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(1) ARFF service (should receive alarm first and respond while remainder
    of list is being notified).

(2) ATCT, FSS, or other control point.

(3) Airport police/security.

(4) Airport management (Operations and Maintenance).

(5) Military units (at joint-use airports).

(6) Other authorities on or off the airport as required by the Airport
    Emergency Plan (AEP).

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```
f.  **Notification of Firefighters.**

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(1) Firehouses in which personnel are normally present for duty but may
    be preoccupied with "housekeeping" or training duties should be
    equipped with a public address (PA) system. This is particularly
    important in firehouses where the dispatcher room, training room,
    and living quarters are physically separated from the apparatus
    floor. A PA system can significantly enhance response time and
    firefighter effectiveness by providing vital details of the
    emergency to the firefighters during turnout, e.g., location of
    accident or incident site, type of aircraft, number of persons
    involved, aircraft fuel load, preferred vehicle routing, etc.

(2) At airports with a main ARFF station and one or more substations, an
    interconnected PA system may be necessary.

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g.  **Notification of Dual-Function Personnel.** At airports employing
    dual-function personnel or auxiliary firefighters, an audible alarm
    should be installed in all areas where auxiliary fire fighting
    personnel are employed to notify them of an emergency recall for
    ARFF duties. This alarm should have a distinctly different sound,
    and it should be loud enough to be clearly heard above the normal
    noise level.

h.  **Notification of Mutual Aid Units.** A reliable voice
    communications capability should be available between the ARFF
    services and any off-airport organizations expected to participate
    in the airport-community mutual aid plan. If there is more than one
    mutual aid responder, the multifunction notification (paragraph 3e
    above) should be utilized.

i.  **Dispatch Room Effectiveness.** The ARFF service dispatch room
    should be designed and operated in such a manner that an aircraft's
    request for assistance can be received, evaluated, and acted upon
    with a minimum of activity or consultation.

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(1) All personnel assigned to dispatch room duties require training in
    communications equipment operations, proper communications
    procedures, and local emergency plan implementation procedures.

(2) To assure the communications system is operational under a variety
    of airport emergency conditions, communications equipment should be
    functionally tested daily, and provisions should be made for an
    emergency standby power source.

# COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN ARFF PRIMARY RESPONDERS AND OTHERS.

a.  **ATCT.** After receiving initial information about the emergency
    via the alarm system, the ARFF responders will receive clearance
    onto the airport movement area to the emergency location over the
    ATCT-published ground control and/or Tower frequencies. Alternate
    procedures should be specified in the ARFF Communications --
    Operating Procedures Letter of Agreement (LOA) for the Discrete
    Emergency Frequency between the Airport Operator and ATCT (see
    sample LOA in Appendix 6).

b.  **Emergency Aircraft Flight Crews.** ATC will issue a DEF to both
    the Emergency Aircraft and the ARFF IC in the event of a reported or
    observed in-flight or ground emergency. The ARFF IC should delay
    transmissions to the Emergency Aircraft crew until cleared by ATC,
    unless the nature of the transmission is **critical** to emergency
    operation (e.g., ARFF IC sees smoke coming from aircraft prior to
    landing).

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(1) The DEF allows the ARFF IC and the Emergency Aircraft Flight Crew to
    communicate with each other directly so the ARFF IC can issue
    critical information about the exact nature of, and hazards
    associated with, an emergency in progress as well as recommendations
    for action. The DEF will be selected by ATC from the operational
    frequencies available.

(2) The DEF should be available to the ATCT facility, and ATC will
    notify the Emergency Aircraft and the ARFF IC in accordance with the
    LOA. (See Appendix 6.)

(3) The following elements should be included in the transmission from
    ATC directing the Emergency Aircraft to the DEF:

-   The frequency.

-   Statements that ARFF will be on the frequency with transmit and
    receive capability.

-   Identification that the ARFF IC call sign is "\[Airport Identifier\]
    Command".

-   When time permits, the following minimum information should be
    passed to the ARFF IC by the ATCT or Emergency Aircraft:

-   "Souls on Board" -- total number of passengers and crew.

-   "Fuel on Board" -- total quantity in pounds or kilograms. (See Table
    1.)

    -   Location and type of any known dangerous goods/hazmat on board.

(4) Only the ARFF IC, ATCT, and the Emergency Aircraft should transmit
    on the DEF. (**Note: If the Emergency Aircraft has dumped fuel after
    declaring emergency with ATC, revised fuel on board should be passed
    to the ARFF IC).**

**TABLE 1: FUEL WEIGHT/VOLUME CONVERSION**

**(Conversion Factors: 6.7 lb/gal -- 3.04 kg/gal)**

  --------------- ------------------- -- ------------------ ---------------
  **POUND**       **GALLONS**            **KILOGRAMS**      **GALLONS**

                                                            

  **2,000 lbs**   **300 gal**            **2,000 Kg**       **658 gal**

  5,000           746                    5,000              1,645

  **10,000**      **1,492**              **10,000**         **3,290**

  15,000          2,239                  15,000             4,934

  **20,000**      **2,985**              **20,000**         **6,579**

  25,000          3,731                  25,000             8,224

  **30,000**      **4,478**              **30,000**         **9,868**

  35,000          5,224                  35,000             11,513

  **40,000**      **5,970**              **40,000**         **13,158**

  45,000          6,716                  45,000             14,803

  **50,000**      **7,463**              **50,000**         **16,447**

  100,000         14,925                 100,000            32,895

  **150,000**     **22,388**             **150,000**        **49,342**

  200,000         29,850                 200,000            65,789

  **250,000**     **37,313**             **250,000**        **82,237**
  --------------- ------------------- -- ------------------ ---------------

c.  **On Airports without an ATCT**. On airports without an ATCT or when
    the ATCT is closed, the Emergency Aircraft should contact the ARFF
    IC on the CTAF published for the airport or the civil emergency
    frequency (121.5 MHz).

d.  **Incident Command Communications Network.** Incident Command should
    use established non-ATC emergency frequency networks for internal
    communications.

e.  **Local and Mutual Aid Support.** Communications with local and
    mutual aid follow-on responders should be on assigned emergency
    frequency networks, not the DEF. Before local and mutual aid
    follow-on responders operate on the airport movement area, they
    should receive clearance from the ACTC and be escorted by the
    Airport Operator.

f.  **Airport Operations.** ARFF response units will communicate with
    Airport Operations personnel over established non-ATC communications
    networks operating on assigned emergency frequencies, not the DEF.

# LOST COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURES. 

In the event of the loss of radio communications, the following will
apply:

a.  **Lost Communications between ATCT and Emergency Aircraft/ARFF
    Responders.** Universal ATCT light gun signals will be given to the
    aircraft (for clearance to land) and to the ARFF responders on the
    airport movement area (for clearance to cross active runways and
    taxiways). See Appendix 2.

b.  **Lost Communications between Emergency Aircraft and ARFF IC.** Once
    the aircraft is on the ground and radio communications cannot be
    established and electronic communications cannot be reestablished,
    standard emergency hand signals, as depicted in Appendix 1, should
    be used. These hand signals should be known and understood by all
    Cockpit and Cabin Crew and all ARFF Firefighters. See training
    requirements listed in Appendix 3.

# RADIO DISCIPLINE. 

a.  Common terminology should be used; that is, clear, specific language
    using standard terms and phrases. Avoid occupation-specific jargon
    and codes (e.g., "10 codes"). In airport/aircraft emergencies,
    standard aviation pronunciation and references should be used. See
    Appendix 5.

b.  Answer calls promptly and concisely. Pronounce words distinctly and
    slowly, without emotion.

c.  During critical phases of flight (final approach, transition to
    landing, and touchdown), only ATCT and the Emergency Aircraft should
    be transmitting on the DEF unless the emergency dictates otherwise
    (e.g., ARFF IC sees smoke coming from aircraft prior to landing).

d.  Be careful not to "step on" (transmit over) other transmissions:

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(1) Wait for a break.

(2) Specify to whom you are calling (e.g., *LA Tower, US AIR 1042*,
    etc.)

(3) Identify yourself (e.g., *LAX COMMAND, Delta 1042*, etc.)

(4) State your message clearly.

# RADIO CALL SIGNS. 

Emergency communications should use only location/function specific call
signs.

a.  Use airport/facility name followed by function.

b.  Aircraft will use their ATC assigned call signs (e.g., *US Air 21,
    American 30, Delta 340, November 123 Papa Alpha,* etc.).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc185763220 .anchor}APPENDIX 1 -- STANDARD EMERGENCY
HAND AND ARM SIGNALS

The following hand signals are established as the minimum required for
emergency communications between the ARFF IC/ARFF Firefighters and the
Cockpit and/or Cabin Crews of the emergency aircraft. ARFF emergency
hand signals to the Cockpit Crew should be given from the left front
side of the aircraft. Note: In order to communicate more effectively
with the Cabin Crew, ARFF Firefighters may give emergency hand signals
from other positions

**1. RECOMMEND EVACUATION.** Evacuation recommended based on ARFF IC's
assessment of external situation.

![](media/image3.png){width="1.5409722222222222in"
height="2.4409722222222223in"}

**Arm extended from body and held horizontal with hand upraised at eye
level. Execute beckoning arm motion angled backward. Non-beckoning arm
held against body.**

**At night, use the same signal with wands.**

**2. RECOMMEND STOP.**

Recommend evacuation in progress be halted. Stop aircraft movement or
other activity in progress.

![](media/image4.wmf){width="1.3243055555555556in"
height="2.265972222222222in"}

**Arms in front of head and crossed at wrists.**

**At night, use the same signal with wands.**

**3. EMERGENCY CONTAINED.**

No outside evidence of dangerous condition or "all clear."

![](media/image5.wmf){width="2.725in" height="2.3833333333333333in"}

**Arms extended outward and down at a 45-degree angle. Arms moved inward
below waistline simultaneously until wrists crossed, then extended
outward to starting position (Umpire's "safe" signal).**

**At night, use the same signal with wands**

(Photos courtesy of the Air Line Pilots Association)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc185763221 .anchor}APPENDIX 2 -- AIRPORT TRAFFIC
CONTROL TOWER (ATCT) LIGHT GUN SIGNALS

**TABLE A2 -- MEANING OF ATCT LIGHT GUN SIGNALS**

+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **COLOR AND     | **SIGNAL TO     |                 |                 |
| TYPE OF         | --**            |                 |                 |
| SIGNAL**        |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
|                 | **MOVING        | **AIRCRAFT ON   | **AIRCRAFT IN   |
|                 | VEHICLES,       | THE GROUND**    | FLIGHT**        |
|                 | EQUIPMENT, AND  |                 |                 |
|                 | PERSONNEL**     |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Steady        | Cleared to      | Cleared for     | Cleared to land |
| green**         | cross, proceed  | takeoff         |                 |
|                 | or go           |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Flashing      | Not applicable  | Cleared for     | Return for      |
| green**         |                 | taxi            | landing (to be  |
|                 |                 |                 | followed by     |
|                 |                 |                 | steady          |
|                 |                 |                 | **green** at    |
|                 |                 |                 | the proper      |
|                 |                 |                 | time)           |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Steady red**  | STOP!           | STOP!           | Give way to     |
|                 |                 |                 | other aircraft  |
|                 |                 |                 | and continue    |
|                 |                 |                 | circling        |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Flashing      | Clear the       | Taxi clear of   | Airport unsafe, |
| red**           | taxiway/runway  | runway in use   | do not land     |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| ##              | Return to       | Return to       | Not applicable  |
|  Flashing white | starting point  | starting point  |                 |
|  {#flashing-whi | on airport      | on airport      |                 |
| te .unnumbered} |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+
| **Alternating** | Exercise        | Exercise        | Exercise        |
| **red** **and** | extreme caution | extreme caution | extreme caution |
| **green**       |                 |                 |                 |
+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+-----------------+

###  {#section .unnumbered}

###  {#section-1 .unnumbered}

###  {#section-2 .unnumbered}

###  {#section-3 .unnumbered}

###  {#section-4 .unnumbered}

###  {#section-5 .unnumbered}

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc185763222 .anchor}APPENDIX 3 -- TRAINING

1.  **Training for ARFF Personnel.**

    a.  Discrete Emergency Frequency (DEF):

        1.  Be thoroughly familiar with ARFF/ATCT/Air Crew Emergency
            Communications Procedures (for ARFF IC and anyone who may
            assume that duty).

        2.  Review Radio Discipline section -- *paragraph 6*.

        3.  Be familiar with Standard Aviation Pronunciation and
            Responses -- *Appendix 5.*

        4.  Comply with Federal Communication Commission rules and
            procedures.

        5.  Review Lost Communications procedures -- *paragraph 5*.

    b.  Review ATCT Light Gun Signals -- *Appendix 2*.

    c.  Learn and practice Standard Emergency Hand Signals -- *Appendix
        1*.

2.  **Training for Air Crews.**

    a.  Familiarize air crews with ARFF/ATCT/Air Crew Emergency
        Communications Procedures.

    b.  Review Lost Communications procedures -- *paragraph 5.*

    c.  Learn and practice Standard Emergency Hand Signals -- *Appendix
        1.*

3.  **Training for Airport Operations, Alerting Authorities, and
    Local/Mutual Aid Responders.**

    a.  Ensure that all participants are practiced and familiar with
        Airport Emergency Plan procedures and duties.

    b.  Review DEF use and procedures.

    c.  Practice knowledge of system operation for notification of ARFF
        responders (and other emergency responders, if applicable).

**Note: Training in this AC may be accomplished in conjunction with
established recurrent training after initial familiarization.**

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc185763223 .anchor}APPENDIX 4 -- REFERENCE AND
RELATED READING

1.  **ARFF Working Group.**

A non-profit international organization dedicated to the sharing of ARFF
information between airport firefighters, municipal fire departments,
and others concerned with aircraft fire fighting. For more information,
contact the ARFF Working Group:

**1701 W Northwest Highway**

**Grapevine, TX 76051**

**(817) 329-5092**

http://www.arffwg.org

2.  **Federal Communications Commission (FCC).**

The FCC is the Federal agency that regulates interstate and
international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and
cable. For information, including forms or license status, contact the
FCC:

**44512 12th St. SW**

**Washington, DC 20554**

**(202) 418-2022 or toll-free at (888) 225-5322**

http://www.fcc.gov

3.  **National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).**

The NFPA's mission is to reduce the burden of fire on the quality of
life by advocating scientifically based consensus codes and standards,
research, and education for fire and related safety issues, including---

-   **Publication 402 -- *Guide for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
    Operations.*** Describes operational procedures for both airport and
    structural fire departments with ARFF responsibilities for
    non-military aircraft.

-   **Publication 403 -- *Standards for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
    Services at Airports. ***Covers requirements for providing and
    maintaining ARFF services at airports.

For more information, contact NFPA:

**NFPA**

**1 Batterymarch Park**

**Quincy, MA 02269-9101**

**(617) 770-3000**

http://www.nfpa.org

4.  **Airport Trade/ Professional Associations.**

Additional information may be obtained from airport associations,
including the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the
Airport Council International -- North America (ACI--NA). For more
information, contact---

**AAAE ACI-NA**

**4212 King Street 1775 K Street NW, Suite 500**

**Alexandria, VA 22302 Washington, DC 20006**

**(703) 824-0500 (202) 239-8500**

http://www.airportnet.org http://www.aci-na.org

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc185763224 .anchor}APPENDIX 5 -- STANDARD AVIATION
PRONUNCIATION AND RESPONSES

**ICAO INTERNATIONAL PHONETIC ALPHABET**

**A** Alpha (**AL**-FAH) **S** Sierra (SEE-**AIR**-RAH)

**B** Bravo (**BRAH-VOH**) **T** Tango (**TANG**-GO)

**C** Charlie (**CHAR**-LEE) **U** Uniform (**YOU**-NEE-FORM)

> (or **SHAR**-LEE) (or **OO**-NEE-FORM)

**D** Delta (**DELL**-TAH) **V** Victor (**VIK**-TAH)

**E** Echo (**ECK**-OH) **W** Whiskey (**WISS**-KEY)

**F** Foxtrot (**FOKS**-TROT) **X** X-ray (**ECKS**-RAY)

**G** Golf (GOLF) **Y** Yankee (**YANG**-KEY)

**H** Hotel (HOH-**TELL**) **Z** Zulu (**ZOO**-LOO)

**I** India (**IN**-DEE-AH) **1** Wun

**J** Juliett (**JEW**-LEE-**ETT**) **2** Too

**K** Kilo (**KEY**-LOH) **3** Tree

**L** Lima (**LEE**-mah) **4** Fow-er

**M** Mike (MIKE) **5** Fife

**N** November (NO-**VEM**-BER) **6** Six

**O** Oscar (**OSS**-CAR) **7** Sev-en

**P** Papa (PAH-**PAH**) **8** Ait

**Q** Quebec (KEH-**BECK**) **9** Nin-er

**R** Romeo (**ROW**-ME-OH) **0** Ze-ro

**RADIO TERMINOLOGY**

**"MAYDAY"** International Distress Call (radio silence for others on
frequency in use). When repeated three times, it indicates imminent and
grave danger and that immediate assistance is requested.

**"PAN-PAN"** (Pon-Pon) Urgency transmissions (do not block or interfere
on frequency). When repeated three times, indicates uncertainty or alert
followed by the nature of the urgency.

**"ROGER"** I have received all of your last transmission.

**"WILCO"** I have received your message, understand it, and will comply
with it.

**"NEGATIVE"** "No" or "permission not granted" or "that is not
correct".

**"AFFIRMATIVE"** "Yes".

**"ETA"** Estimated time of arrival -- (runway-on time or at gate).

**"SOULS ON BOARD"** Total number people on aircraft (passengers and
crew).

**"SAY AGAIN"** Used to request a repeat of last transmission.

**"FUEL ON BOARD"** Total quantity of fuel on board aircraft in pounds
or kilograms.

Examples of other terminology can be found in the *International Fire
Service Training Association (IFSTA) Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting*
(4^th^ edition).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc185763226 .anchor}APPENDIX 6 -- SAMPLE LETTER OF
AGREEMENT (LOA) ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR ARFF COMMUNICATIONS

**(Identifying name) Airport Authority (ATC facility) Airport Traffic
Control Tower**

**LETTER OF AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE:** (date)

**SUBJECT:** Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Communications --
Operating Procedures

1.  **PURPOSE.** To establish operating procedures for direct radio
    communication between the (identifying name) Aircraft Rescue and
    Firefighting -- Incident Commander (ARFF IC), an aircraft flight
    crew, and the (ATC facility) Airport Traffic Control Tower (facility
    identifier ATCT).

2.  **SCOPE.** The procedures outlined herein describe the
    authorization, use, and limitations of Discrete Emergency Frequency
    (DEF) use by aircraft, ARFF, and ATCT elements during an aircraft
    emergency. This Letter of Agreement (LOA) is used in conjunction
    with, and subordinate to, the LOA between (identifying name) airport
    authority and (facility identifier) ATCT to provide emergency
    services.

3.  **RESPONSIBILITIES.** Each party to this agreement is responsible
    for compliance by personnel under their authority with the
    provisions contained herein. Training, both initial and recurrent,
    of involved personnel is also the responsibility of the signatories.

4.  **AIRPORT AUTHORITY PROCEDURES.**

    a.  Recognizing the (identifying name) airport authority's overall
        control of the airport, it has the need to monitor the DEF in
        use during an emergency for awareness of the situation and for
        planning purposes. If an aircraft emergency is in progress, the
        DEF is designated for communications between the ARFF IC, flight
        crew, and the ATCT.

    b.  The ARFF IC, call sign "(airport) Command" shall initially
        utilize the ground control frequency established for emergency
        response and maintain contact with (facility identifier) ATCT on
        such frequency until directed to switch to the DEF.

    c.  When directed to switch to the DEF, the ARFF IC will utilize
        that frequency for emergency communications with the flight
        crew. ATC personnel will use the phraseology "(airport) Command,
        (aircraft call sign) on (frequency)."

    d.  The ARFF IC may request permission from (facility identifier)
        ATCT to establish direct communications, on the DEF, with the
        flight crew of the aircraft involved in the emergency. The ARFF
        IC shall receive direct authorization from (facility identifier)
        ATCT and be assigned to the DEF prior to transmitting on it.

    e.  At no time during direct communication with the emergency
        aircraft shall the ARFF IC make issue with an ATC instruction or
        clearance. Terminology on the DEF shall be in accordance with AC
        150/5210-7D.

    f.  The ARFF IC shall notify the ATCT when the status of the
        emergency allows the release of the DEF. (Facility identifier)
        ATCT will then direct the emergency aircraft and all responding
        vehicles to return to the normal ground control frequency or as
        otherwise directed.

5.  **\[Facility identifier\] ATCT PROCEDURES.**

    a.  Once an emergency response has been initiated, the ATCT
        supervisor may elect to have a separate controller coordinate
        the emergency on the DEF.

    b.  The controller assigned to coordinate the emergency shall
        coordinate (with all appropriate operating positions) for the
        arrival of the aircraft and the intent/request of responding
        vehicles to proceed toward the site before issuing clearance for
        such.

    c.  Aircraft/vehicles already assigned to the DEF, but not involved
        in the emergency, shall be assigned another frequency.

    d.  The controller assigned to coordinate the emergency shall
        approve the ARFF IC to communicate directly with the flight crew
        of the emergency aircraft, as appropriate.

    e.  ATC shall issue instructions for the ARFF IC and aircraft to
        switch to the DEF. Phraseology: For ARFF IC, "(airport) Command,
        (aircraft call sign) on (frequency)". For aircraft, "(aircraft
        call sign), (airport) Command on (frequency) with transmit and
        receive capability."

    f.  When the DEF is in use, (facility identifier) ATCT will issue
        control instructions and information to the flight crew and ARFF
        vehicles on the DEF.

    g.  When notified by the ARFF IC that the status of the emergency
        allows the release of the DEF, (facility identifier) ATCT will
        then direct the emergency aircraft and all responding vehicles
        to return to the normal ground control frequency or as otherwise
        directed.

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\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Air Traffic Manager, Airport Manager

(Airport name) Airport Traffic Control Tower (identifying name) Airport
Authority

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Chief,

(airport name) Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting

**Intentionally left blank**