Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 1 

at Joint Use Airports 

Federal Aviation 

Administration 

National Part 139 CertAlert 

**Advisory**Cautionary**Non-Directive**Advisory**Cautionary**Non-Directive**Advisory**Cautionary**Non-Directive**

DATE: 7/13/2012 No. 12-05

TO: Joint Use Airport Operators where the Department of Defense (DoD) 

provides primary Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) services, FAA 

Airport Certification Safety Inspectors (ACSIs)

Subj: FAA safety inspections of Joint Use Airport (JUA) facilities 

using Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for determining 

ARFF compliance with Part 139 requirements

Point of Contact: Bruce Landry, AAS-300, (202) 267-8729

Email: Bruce.Landry@faa.gov

1. Purpose. This CertAlert notifies JUA Operators that the FAA and DoD have agreed on 

procedures that FAA inspectors will use at airports where DoD provides ARFF services. 

2. Background. These procedures are necessary because DoD policy and Federal statute do 

not permit the FAA to inspect DoD controlled airfields or military ARFF facilities, equipment, 

and records at airports where the DoD provides ARFF services for civil Part 139 airports. 

Airport operators must comply with each section of Part 139. Although the ARFF unit provides 

the ARFF services, the civil airport operator is responsible for ensuring compliance with Part 

139 ARRF requirements. 

To help the airport operator show the FAA it meets these Part 139 requirements, the DoD and 

FAA have developed a process to assure the civil airport operator that the military ARFF 

services meet or exceed DoD and National Fire Protection Association standards. To develop 

these procedures, the DoD provided the FAA with its ARFF standards, training, and inspection 

procedures for review. The FAA determined those standards and procedures are equivalent to 

the ARFF requirements in Part 139. 

Under the agreed-upon procedures, airport operators will receive documentation from DoD 

ARFF providers every January. In addition to the annual documentation, civil airport operators 

will also request that their DoD ARFF providers update this information prior to the civil 

operator’s annual FAA safety inspection. The civil airport operator must provide this 

documentation to the FAA ACSI during the annual Part 139 inspection to demonstrate 

compliance with the ARFF requirements. 
Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 2 

at Joint Use Airports 

The data provided will include: 

 A summary of the last annual self-inspection. This will focus on the ARFF 

requirements under Part 139. 

 The date and result of the last major outside inspection (i.e., Major command, staff, 

Inspector General, or Center for Public Safety Excellence). 

 An ARFF vehicle report that lists at least the type and status of all ARFF vehicles 

needed to satisfy the Part 139 requirements, but may list all ARFF vehicles. 

 A summary of training dates for specific items required under Part 139. This 

summary may be produced electronically from automated systems or prepared 

manually using a spreadsheet. 

 Additional information in accordance with the attached SOP. 

 

The FAA inspectors will review the documents provided for completeness and work with the 

civil airport operator to resolve any issue or concerns. 

FAA inspectors will coordinate with the civil airport operator and not the DoD provider. All 

communication about ARFF services are between the DoD provider and the civil airport 

operator. 

The FAA inspectors will not inspect DoD vehicles, equipment, or facilities, nor will they 

conduct timed drills. 

3. Effective Date: These procedures are effective on July 10, 2012. 

4. Enclosure: DoD Memorandum dated April 3, 2012 and ARFF Inspection SOP 

______________________________ 7/13/2012 

Michael J. O'Donnell, Director Date 

Airport Safety and Standards, AAS-1 
Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 3 

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Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 4 

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Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 5 

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Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Services Supplied by the 

Department of Defense (DoD) and Civil Airport Operators 

1. Introduction: Certificated airport operators must comply with all aspects of 14 CFR, Part 

139. This document provides the procedures for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

inspectors to determine whether a Part 139 civil airport operator is meeting Part 139 ARFF 

requirements at an airport where ARFF services are provided by the DoD. 

2. DoD/FAA Agreement: The FAA determined that DoD ARFF standards are equivalent to or 

exceed Part 139 requirements. The DoD will provide the civil airport operator (certificate 

holder) a package of standard documents that validate the DoD meets its ARFF requirements. 

3. FAA Inspections: The civil airport operator will give FAA inspectors the completed 

documentation provided by the DoD. This documentation will include the items required to 

satisfy the ARFF portion of Part 139. Inspectors will review the standard package for 

completeness and work with the civil airport operator to resolve any issues or questions. 

3.1. FAA inspectors will coordinate with the civil airport operator, not the DoD. The civil 

airport operator will interface with their ARFF provider. All communications regarding DoD 

ARFF services are between the DoD provider and the civil airport operator. 

3.1.2. No direct communication occurs between the DoD provider and FAA inspectors. FAA 

inspectors will not inspect DoD vehicles, equipment, or facilities and will not conduct timed 

response drills. 

4. Due Diligence: The civil airport operator must provide evidence that they meet Part 139 

regulatory standards. In order for the civil airport operator to demonstrate that the airport meets 

Part 139 ARFF requirements, the DoD Fire Chief will send a memorandum (Appendix A) to the 

civil airport operator showing that the DoD fire department meets DoD standards that affect the 

ARFF services provided to the civil airport. The local DoD Fire Chief will provide this 

memorandum to the civil airport operator in January of each calendar year and as requested by 

the civil airport operator prior to their annual FAA Part 139 inspection. The memo will include 

the following elements: 

4.1. Introductory Paragraph: An introductory paragraph stating that the local fire department 

meets DoD ARFF requirements. 

4.2. Include the following documentation as attachments to the memorandum: 

4.2.1. Civil Airport ARFF Operations Checklist. An example is provided at Appendix A, 

Attachment 1. 

4.2.2. External Inspection. The date of the last major external inspection (Major Command 

(MAJCOM) staff, Inspector General or Center for Public Safety Excellence). The frequency of 

external inspections may vary but is normally conducted at three to five year intervals. 
Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 7 

at Joint Use Airports 

EXPLANATION: Each DoD ARFF facility is inspected by external organizations to validate 

compliance with standards. Inspection can be by a MAJCOM staff, the Inspector General or 

another official external source. Accreditation by the Center for Public Safety Excellence also 

serves as proof of compliance with standards. 

The memo will identify the external organization conducting the inspection and the date. If the 

external inspection results in ARFF related discrepancies, the DoD Fire Chief will inform the 

civil airport operator and explain how the discrepancies were resolved. DoD will not provide the 

actual inspection documents since they are for Official Use Only. 

4.2.3. ARFF Vehicle Report. Provide ARFF vehicle information using the format at Appendix 

A, Attachment 2. 

EXPLANATION: This report is provided by the DoD Fire Chief to the civil airport operator in 

January of each year. The report may list all assigned ARFF vehicles or only those required to 

satisfy Part 139 requirements. The civil airport operator determines the appropriate action 

necessary when a vehicle’s status changes. The DoD Fire Chief and the airport operator develop 

procedures for the DoD Fire Chief to inform the civil airport operator when an ARFF vehicle is 

not available. 

DoD ARFF vehicles may incorporate ultra high pressure (UHP) fire fighting technology. UHP 

increases the effectiveness of AFFF agent by a factor of 3.5. For vehicles less than 1500 gallons 

capacity, FAA inspectors will use the equivalent capacity determined by multiplying the actual 

gallons times 3.5. The equivalent capacity of turrets is also determined by multiplying the actual 

discharge capacity times 3.5. These vehicles meet DoD standards. 

EXAMPLE: A 500 gallon UHP ARFF vehicle with a 60 GPM turret has an effective capacity 

of a 1750 ARFF vehicle and a 227 GPM turret using conventional pressures. 

4.2.4. DoD ARFF Training Summary. Provide a summary of training dates for the subjects 

listed at Appendix A, Attachment 3. The report may be electronically produced from automated 

systems or manually prepared using the spreadsheet similar to what is shown in Appendix A, 

Attachment 3. 

EXPLANATION: The DoD Fire Chief will provide summary of training dates for firefighters. 

The number of firefighters in the report will be limited to the number required for the airport 

index regardless of the actual number of firefighters that routinely respond to civil aircraft 

emergencies. DoD firefighters are transitory due to frequent rotation and deployments; 

therefore, inspectors should expect to see different firefighter names and information from year 

to year. 

FAA Inspectors will accept the DoD ARFF Training Summary provided to the civil airport 

operator to document that DoD firefighters satisfied DoD training standards. This attachment 

shows the full name of the firefighter, the areas of required training related to ARFF and the last 

date the training was completed. FAA inspectors will ensure the dates for the listed training are 

within the last 12 calendar months (training due in a month can be conducted anytime during the 
Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 8 

at Joint Use Airports 

month). Due to the transient nature of DoD firefighters, FAA inspectors will not request 24 

months of training data. 

In the last column of Training Summary, indicate whether the listed firefighters are required to 

meet the civil airport’s Index. To determine the Index requirement, multiply the number of 

vehicles in the ARFF Vehicle report times 2.65 (round up). When an individual has not 

completed all the required training within 12 consecutive months, list another individual that has 

completed the training and select “no” for this column. The goal is to always provide enough 

trained personnel on the list to satisfy the Part 139 requirements. 

5. Resolving Deficiencies: If training discrepancies exist, the FAA inspector will ask the civil 

airport operator for a detailed training report on the subject and/or individual, when a 

discrepancy is identified. All requests for additional information will be made through the civil 

airport operator. The DoD will respond to the request by the civil airport operator in a timely 

manner not to exceed 8 normal business hours. 

6. Unresolved Deficiencies: If discrepancies result in non-compliance with Part 139, the FAA 

inspector will take appropriate action against the civil airport operator to address the noncompliance in accordance with the FAA Compliance and Enforcement Order and the Airport 

Certification Handbook. 
Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 9 

at Joint Use Airports 

APPENDIX A 

Official Memorandum with: 

Attachment 1 - Civil Airport ARFF Operations Checklist 

Attachment 2 - Example ARFF Vehicle Report 

Attachment 3 - DoD ARFF Training Summary 
Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 10

at Joint Use Airports 

Official Letterhead 

 (INSERT DATE) 

MEMORANDUM FOR (INSERT NAME OF CIVIL AIRPORT MANAGER) 

FROM: (INSERT OFFICE SYMBOL OF NEXT LEVEL ABOVE FIRE CHIEF) 

SUBJECT: Certification of Department of Defense (DoD) Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Capability 

1. This memorandum is provided to document that the (INSERT NAME OF AFB FIRE DEPARTMENT) meets 

requirements for all ARFF in accordance with DoDI 6055.06, Fire & Emergency Services Program. 

2. The following documentation is provided to substantiate ARFF training and vehicle response capability: 

a. Completed Civil Airport ARFF Operations Checklist (Attachment 1): 

DATE: _________________________ 

b. Date and overall rating of last external inspection: 

 

DATE: ______________________ 

INSPECTING AGENCY: ________________________________________________ 

EXPLAIN THE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TAKEN FOR ANY IDENTIFIED DEFICIENCIES THAT 

AFFECT ARFF CAPABILITY AVAILABLE TO RESPOND TO CIVIL AIRCRAFT 

EMERGENCIES:_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________ 

Note: Inspection reports are for official use only; a copy or the report cannot be provided. 

c. ARFF Vehicle Report (Attachment 2). 

d. DoD ARFF Training Summary for DoD firefighters assigned to Civil ARFF duties (Attachment 3). 

e. Average response time to aircraft emergencies for the previous 90 days. 

For the period __________ to ___________ the average response time to ARFF emergencies was______ and 

compliant with DoD requirements. 

3. I certify the (INSERT NAME OF DoD FIRE DEPARTMENT) meets all DoD ARFF requirements. If you have 

any questions, please contact Chief (FIRE CHIEF’S NAME) at (INSERT COMMERCIAL TELEPHONE 

NUMBER). 

 

Fire Chief’s Supervisor Signature Block 

Attachments: 

1. Civil Airport ARFF Operations Checklist 

2. ARFF Vehicle Report 

3. DoD ARFF Training Summary
Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 11

at Joint Use Airports 

ATTACHMENT 1 – CIVIL AIRPORT ARFF OPERATIONS CHECKLIST

FAA Checklist.xlsx

Department of Defense Fire and Emergency Services

 Civil Airport ARFF Operations Checklist 

§ 139

Reference Inspection Requirements Met

319(a) ARFF CAPABILITY MEETING INDEX PROVIDED DURING ACR OPNS

319(b) ARFF REQUIREMENTS MET FOR INCREASE IN INDEX

319(c) & (d) REDUCTION IN ARFF INDEX MEETS CONDITIONS

319(e) VEHICLE COMMUNICATION IN REQUIRED VEHICLES

319(f) VEHICHLE MARKING AND LIGHTING

319(g) VEHICHLE READINESS

319(h) RESPONSE DRILL

319(i)1 PERSONNEL PROPERLY EQUIPPED

319(i)2 PERSONNEL PROPERLY TRAINED

319(i)3 LIVE-FIRE DRILL EVERY 12 CONSECUTIVE CALENDAR MONTHS (CCM) FOR ALL PERSONNEL

319(i)4 PERSONNEL TRAINED AND CURRENT IN BASIC EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE PROVIDED FOR ACR OPNS

319(i)5 RECORD OF TRAINING FOR 24 CCM

319(i)6 SUFFICIENT PERSONNEL TO MEET REQUIREMENTS

319(i)7 ALERTING PROCEDURES/EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

319(j) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS GUIDANCE AVAILABLE

319(k) EMERGENCY ACCESS ROADS MAINTAINED

YES

The DoD F&ES organizations provides the ARFF Vehicle Report which identifies the DoD vehicles assigned above 

the normal Airport Index requirement. The certificate holder uses this information to determine the Index the 

F&ES organization can meet.

YES The DoD F&ES fire chief provides the ARFF Vehicle Report which identifies the DoD vehicles that will respond to 

civil aircraft emergencies and their capability. The certificate holder uses this information to determine the Index 

the DoD F&ES organization can support.

YES

The DoD F&ES fire chief notifies the certificate holder when any changes occur to the vehicles in the ARFF Vehicle 

Report. The certificate holder takes any action required when ARFF capability drop below the requirements 

required to meet the Airport Index. 

YES The DoD F&ES organizations provides all emergency communication and equipment to comply with NFPA 1221, 

Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems, to include the 

use of two-way communication between ARFF vehicles and other required Airfield Operations.

N/A NON APPLICABLE. DOD VEHICLES ARE NOT PURCHASED WITH AIP FUNDS

Each vehicle required under Airport Index must be maintained and be operational during all air carrier YES

operations. The vehicle status' are provided in the ARFF Vehicle Report (Attachment 2)

YES

NO RESPONSE EXERCISE WILL BE CONDUCTED. The FAA has accepted the Response Time criteria in DODI 6055.06 

as being equivalent to Part 139 requirements. DoD F&ES will demonstrate compliance with DoD response time 

standards by providing a response time report annually (Jan) and prior to each FAA inspection, containing the 

ARFF response time for the previous 90-days. An example of this report is at Attachment 4).

YES

DoD requires that all rescue and firefighting personnel are equipped in a manner authorized by the DoD with 

protective clothing and equipment needed to perform their duties. These requirements are based on National 

Fire Protection Association standards.

YES

All rescue and firefighting personnel required by Aiport Index are properly trained to perform their duties. DoD 

F&ES will provide a DOD ARFF Training Summary (example at Attachment 3) with the last date of training for each 

subject. This report is limited to only those personnel required for the Index, which is usually significantly fewer 

than the total DoD firefighters assigned. 

YES Verified by ensuring the training in the DOD ARFF Training Summary (Attachment 3) for firefighters was provided 

within the previous 12 CCM. FAA inspections will not ask for additional training data when the training dates on 

the DoD ARFF Training Summary are within 12 CCM.

Verified by information in the DOD ARFF Training Summary (Attachment 3) for firefighters required by Airport YES

Index.

Verified by ensuring the training in the DOD ARFF Training Summary (Attachment 3) for firefighters was provided YES

within the previous 12 CCM. If descrepancies exist, the FAA inspector may request additional information. 

N/A NON APPLICABLE IF PAVEMENT IS OWNED BY DOD. TO BE ADDRESSED IN FUTURE DOD/FAA AGREEMENTS.

YES

Sufficient rescue and firefighting personnel are available during all air carrier operations to operate the vehicles, 

meet the response times, and meet the minimum agent discharge rates required by § 139.317 (Airport Index). 

These requirements are normally satisfied when one trained firefighter for each required ARFF vehicle is 

available.

Procedures and equipment are established and maintained for alerting rescue and firefighting personnel by siren, YES

alarm, or other means authorized by the DoD to any existing or impending emergency requiring their assistance.

YES Each aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle responding to an emergency on the airport must be equipped with, or 

have available through a direct communications link, the "North American Emergency Response Guidebook" 

published by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF Services 12

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ATTACHMENT 2 – EXAMPLE ARFF VEHICLE REPORT 

ARFF Vehicle 

Report.xlsx

Airport:

Call 

Sign

Model

Year

Manufacturer Model

(Type)

Vehicle

Status

Water 

Capacity

AFFF 

Capacity

AFFF

Concentration

%

Dry Chemical

Type

Dry Chemical 

Capacity

Maximum

Primary Turret 

Discharge Rate

Crash 5 2006 OshKosh P-23 In Service 3000 500 3 Potassium-Based 500 1200 gpm

Crash 6 1985 OshKosh P-19 In Service 1000 130 3 Potassium-Based 500 1000 gpm

Crash 7 2010 OshKosh P-19 In Service 1500 55 3 Sodium-Based 250 500 gpm

3 Vehicle(s)

5500 Gallons

685 Gallons

1250 Pounds

Summary:

DOD ARFF Vehicle Information

Total Dry Chemical Capacity:

Number of Vehicles:

Total Water Capacity:

Total AFFF Capacity:
Part 139 CertAlert 12-05: DoD ARFF services 

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13

ATTACHMENT 3 – DoD ARFF TRAINING SUMMARY 

DOD ARFF Training 

Summary.xlsx

ARFF Personnel

Training Summary Airport Firefighter Certifcation Number Initial Live Fire Training (prior to assignment to ARFF duties) 1. Airport Familiarization, including marking, lighting, and signs 2. Aircraft Familiarization (Civil Aircraft) 3. Emergency Communications 4. Personnel Safety 5. ARFF Equipment, Hoses, Nozzles, Turrets and Agents 6. Aircraft Cargo Hazards 7. Airport Emergency Plan Duties 8. Emergency Aircraft Evacuation 9. Pedestrians and ground vehicles operations 10. Adapting Structural for ARFF 11. Firefighting Operations 12. Live Fire Training 13. Basic Emergency Medical Airpot Index required?

Name: Y/N

Smith John 102657 17-Mar-97 1-Jan-11 2-Feb-11 1-Jan-11 14-Mar-11 31-May-11 5-Jun-11 24-Jun-11 2-Feb-11 1-Jan-11 7-Jun-11 6-Apr-11 3-Mar-11 12-Dec-10 Yes

Seaman, Thomas 132984 23-Jun-87 15-Feb-11 13-Mar-11 15-Feb-11 14-Mar-11 31-May-11 5-Jun-11 24-Jun-11 13-Mar-11 15-Feb-11 9-Jun-11 8-Apr-11 3-Sep-10 12-Dec-10 Yes

Ogletree, John 99623 23-Nov-07 15-Mar-11 3-Apr-11 15-Mar-11 14-Mar-11 29-May-11 7-Jun-11 24-Jun-11 3-Apr-11 15-Mar-11 7-Jun-11 4-Mar-11 3-Mar-11 12-Dec-10 Yes

Rivera, Joseph 87445 14-Nov-95 16-Dec-10 7-May-11 16-Dec-10 14-Mar-11 29-May-11 9-Jun-11 24-Jun-11 7-May-11 16-Dec-10 13-May-11 23-Feb-11 3-Sep-11 12-Dec-10 Yes

Matlock, Kevin 100012 16-Apr-03 13-Nov-10 14-Jun-11 13-Nov-10 14-Mar-11 31-May-11 3-May-11 24-Jun-11 14-Jun-11 13-Nov-10 13-May-11 31-Jan-11 3-Mar-11 12-Dec-10 Yes

Read, Kieth 96543 7-Jul-05 14-Oct-09 8-Aug-09 14-Oct-09 14-Mar-11 16-Jun-10 7-Jan-10 24-Jun-11 8-Aug-09 14-Oct-09 13-Jun-11 14-Oct-10 3-Sep-11 12-Dec-10 Yes

Terryn, Fred 98654 23-Nov-07 15-Mar-11 9-Jun-11 15-Mar-11 16-Dec-10 29-May-11 14-Mar-11 29-May-11 9-Jun-11 15-Mar-11 23-Nov-07 15-Mar-11 14-Mar-11 29-May-11 Yes

Hugo, Greg 102458 16-Dec-10 29-May-11 7-Jun-11 29-May-11 23-Nov-07 15-Mar-11 14-Mar-11 31-May-11 7-Jun-11 29-May-11 14-Mar-11 29-May-11 14-Mar-11 31-May-11 Yes

*

Dates