Chapter 03 Aircraft Familiaration

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, 5 th Edition

Chapter 3 — Aircraft Familiarization

ARFF3–2

Chapter 3 Lesson Goal

• After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to recall basic information about aircraft and how that information relates to aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) operations.

ARFF3–3

Objectives

1. Discuss various types of aircraft. 2. Explain major aircraft components. 3. Describe the various aircraft engine types and applications.

(Continued)

ARFF3–4

Objectives

4. Describe aircraft construction and structural materials. 5. Discuss aircraft systems.

ARFF3–5

Types of Aircraft — Commercial Transport

• Narrow body aircraft– Single aisle– Seat up to 235

persons

Courtesy of Edwin A. Jones, USAFR.

(Continued)

ARFF3–6


• Wide body aircraft– Dual aisles– May carry over 500

passengers


(Continued)

ARFF3–7


• New large aircraft (NLA)– Use composite

materials– Capacity of up to 900

passengers– Pose additional

concerns for ARFF


ARFF3–8

Types of Aircraft — Commuter/Regional

• Used for short routes• 19 to 60 passengers• Cramped interiors• Limited egress• Larger aircraft may

seat up to 100

ARFF3–9

Types of Aircraft — Cargo

• Used for cargo transport• Also called freighters• Modified passenger

aircraft • Classes of

compartments: A, B, C, D, and E


(Continued)

ARFF3–10

Types of Aircraft — Cargo

• Gaining access to cargo compartments– Most doors hinged at top and swing out

and up– Many open electrically and hydraulically– Mechanical doors manually open

ARFF3–11

Types of Aircraft — General Aviation

• Used for pleasure/training

• Small, light, nonpressurized

• Single or twin internal-combustion engines

(Continued)

ARFF3–12

Types of Aircraft — General Aviation

• Challenges similar to vehicle accidents

• One to ten passengers • Majority of aviation

accidents/fatalities

ARFF3–13

Types of Aircraft — Business/Corporate

• Range from smaller, light non-pressurized to “commercial-type” jets

• Often powered by twin jet engines


(Continued)

ARFF3–14

Types of Aircraft — Business/Corporate

• Typically pressurized• Six to nineteen passengers• Custom-designed interiors• Most have one entry door• Varying types of escape hatches

ARFF3–15

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Fighter and Attack Aircraft

• Air-to-air and/or air-to-ground combat

• AC-130 gunship is large

• Most have a one- or two-seat configuration

Photo by TSgt Bob Simons (USAF), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

(Continued)

ARFF3–16

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Fighter and Attack Aircraft

• Carry weapons• Equipped with

canopy-removal systems and ejection seats

Photo by SrA Joshua Strang (USAF), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

ARFF3–17

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Bomber Aircraft

• Carry and drop large quantity of air-to-ground weapons

• Four- to eight-engines

• Crew of two to eightPhoto by PH2 Jorge L. Mendez (USN), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

(Continued)

ARFF3–18

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Bomber Aircraft

• Have explosive ejection seats• Carry weapons internally, externally, or

both• Large fuel load• Significant quantities of high explosives

ARFF3–19

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Cargo Aircraft

• Used to carry cargo• Examples include C-5,

C-17, and C-130• Range from small to

quite large• Carry cargo and/or

personnel

Photo by TSgt Richard t. Kaminsky (USAF), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

(Continued)

ARFF3–20

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Cargo Aircraft

• Do not have ejection seats or canopy-removal systems

• May have jet-assisted takeoff units• Wide variety of cargo

ARFF3–21

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Tanker Aircraft

• Cargo aircraft modified for in-flight refueling– KC-10, KC-135

• May perform cargo transport and fuel tanker functions

• Large fuel load

Photo by MSgt Lance Cheung (USAF), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

ARFF3–22

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Uti l i ty Aircraft

• Identified with a U• Usually small aircraft• Perform support

functions• Do not carry weapons

or have ejection systems

Photo by LCPL Antonio (USMC), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

(Continued)

ARFF3–23

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Uti l i ty Aircraft

• Similar to general aviation aircraft• Passenger load varies

ARFF3–24

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Special Purpose Aircraft

• Serve many functions– Reconnaissance– Command and control– Testing– Electronic surveillance

(Continued)

ARFF3–25

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Special Purpose Aircraft

• Designator letter varies with mission

Photo by SSgt Jason W. Gamble (USAF), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

ARFF3–26

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Helicopters

• Used for military assaults and transportation

• Large part of aviation fleet• Crew of two to five

(Continued)

ARFF3–27

Types of Aircraft — Mil i tary Helicopters

• May carry passengers and equipment

Photo by SSgt Jason W. Gamble (USAF), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

ARFF3–28

Types of Aircraft — Rotary Wing (Helicopters)

• Range from small, single-seat to large transports carrying up to 50 passengers

• Not as rigidly constructed as “fixed-wing” aircraft

(Continued)

ARFF3–29


• Tend to collapse• Little glide slope• Piston or gas turbine engines• Fuel capacity to 1,000 gallons (4 000 L)

(Continued)

ARFF3–30


• Main rotor — provides lift and directional motion

• Tail rotor — provides directional control• Constructed of materials similar to

those used for fixed-wing aircraft

ARFF3–31

Types of Aircraft — Fire Fighting Aircraft

• Medevac, high-angle rescue and other roles

• Fixed-wing– Transporting smoke

jumpers– Tankers to drop

extinguishing agent

Courtesy of Ron Stoffel, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division.

(Continued)

ARFF3–32

Types of Aircraft — Fire Fighting Aircraft

• Rotary-wing aircraft– Carry agent in slung buckets or mounted

tanks– Transport firefighters and cargo– Infrared imaging platforms– Tool for backfiring operations

ARFF3–33

Fixed-wing Aircraft Components — Fuselage

• Main body of an aircraft• Wings and tail are attached• Aluminum used in construction

(Continued)

ARFF3–34


• Trend toward composite materials• Houses crew, passengers, cargo, and

additional fuel storage

(Continued)

ARFF3–35


ARFF3–36

Fixed-wing Aircraft — Fuselage Compartments and Equipment

• Landing gear• Cockpit• Passenger compartment• Static eliminators• Pitot tubes

ARFF3–37

Fixed-wing Aircraft Components — Wings

• Designed to develop lift required for flight

• Generally constructed of aluminum• Carry a majority of fuel

(Continued)

ARFF3–38

Fixed-wing Aircraft Components — Wings

• Some use composite materials• Military aircraft — weapons and

additional fuel tanks

ARFF3–39

Fixed-wing Aircraft Components — Wing Components

• Engines• Nacelle• Ailerons• Flaps and slats• Spoilers and speed brakes• Vortex generators

ARFF3–40

Fixed-wing Aircraft Components — Tail

• Vertical and horizontal stabilizers, rudders, and elevators

• Generally houses APU• Rear stairs or tail-cone jettison system• Flight surface controls include elevator

and rudder

ARFF3–41

Rotary-wing Aircraft Components

• Fuselage– Not built for high altitude pressurization– Not as ruggedly constructed

• Main rotor – provides lift and propulsion• Tail rotor – provides directional control

(Continued)

ARFF3–42

Rotary-wing Aircraft Components

• Landing gear– Conventional gear– Skids

ARFF3–43

Internal-combustion Reciprocating Engines

• Operate through combustion of fuel and vapors

• Use AVGAS

(Continued)

Courtesy of Doddy Photography.

ARFF3–44


• Primarily used in general aviation• Hazards to ARFF personnel

– Spinning propellers– Hot engine parts– Magneto

(Continued)

ARFF3–45


• 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.

ARFF3–46

Gas-turbine Engines

• Air is drawn in through the front, compressed, mixed with fuel and ignited, exhausted out the back

• Use jet fuel

(Continued)

ARFF3–47

Gas-turbine Engines

• Major components of gas turbine engines– Compressor section– Combustion section– Turbine and exhaust section– Accessory section

ARFF3–48

Gas-turbine Engines – Main Types

• Turbojet — simplest engine

• Turbofan — most common

(Continued)

ARFF3–49

Gas-turbine Engines – Main Types

• Turboprop — used for small- and medium-sized commuter and cargo aircraft

• Turboshaft — used in helicopters


ARFF3–50

Engine Additions and Variations

• Exhaust nozzles• Afterburner• Thrust reversal

systems

Photo by SGT Ezekiel R. Kitandwe (USMC), Defense Visual Information Center (DVIC).

ARFF3–51

Metals Used in Aircraft Construction

• Aluminum and aluminum alloys• Steel• Magnesium and magnesium alloys• Titanium

ARFF3–52

Composites, Advanced Composites, and Advanced Aerospace Materials

• Percentage will increase• Success of NLA’s is because of these

materials• Composed of two or more organic or

inorganic components

(Continued)

ARFF3–53

Composites, Advanced Composites, and Advanced Aerospace Materials

• Advanced composites– High strength and stiffness– Other properties

• Advanced aerospace materials — specialized to meet specific needs

ARFF3–54

Plastics in Aircraft Construction

• Often replace wooden components• Used in variety of tubing, conduit, and

other components

ARFF3–55

Wood in Aircraft Construction

• Older aircraft may have wood in structural areas

• Corporate-style aircraft incorporate elaborate wood fixtures

ARFF3–56

Aircraft Systems — Fuel Systems

• Largest system in the aircraft• Components located throughout aircraft

– Tanks– Lines– Control valves– Pumps

(Continued)

ARFF3–57

Aircraft Systems — Fuel Systems

• Presents greatest hazard in an accident• Two major parts

– Tanks– Distribution system

ARFF3–58

Aircraft Systems — Fuel System Tanks

• Separate units or integral part of aircraft• Small general aviation — tanks in the

wings• Business-style, commuter, and

commercial aircraft — wings and center fuselage store fuel

(Continued)

ARFF3–59


• Double-walled fuselage tanks for long distances

• Fuel may be released if aircraft is damaged

• Civilian and military aircraft use auxiliary fuel tanks

• Crash-resistant tanks in limited use(Continued)

ARFF3–60


• Fuel tanks may be filled in various ways

Courtesy of Doddy Photography.

ARFF3–61

Aircraft Systems – Fuel System Distribution

• Fuel is distributed from tanks to engines through fuel lines, control valves, and pumps

• Fuel lines vary in size and material• Deactivating fuel pumps can control fuel

system leaks

(Continued)

ARFF3–62

Aircraft Systems — Fuel System Distribution

• Temperature changes cause fuel to expand and contract– Tanks are equipped with vents and vent

tanks– Usually not hazardous

(Continued)

ARFF3–63

Aircraft Systems — Fuel System Distribution

• Heating of fuel cells can cause fuel expansion

• Two basic types of fuel – AVGAS – Jet fuel

ARFF3–64

Aircraft Systems — Hydraulic Systems

• Generate power – Operate the control surfaces on an aircraft– Extend and retract landing gear

(Continued)

ARFF3–65


• Consists of– Hydraulic fluid reservoir– Electric or engine-driven pumps– Appliances– Various hydraulic accumulators– Tubing

(Continued)

ARFF3–66


• Synthetic hydraulic fluids – Most widely used– Present reduced flammability hazard

• Vintage aircraft hydraulic fluids• Avoid cutting pressurized hydraulic

lines

(Continued)

ARFF3–67


• Guard against hydraulic fluid contacting skin, eyes, and protective clothing– Severe skin and eye irritation– Erode protective clothing surfaces

(Continued)

ARFF3–68


• WARNING! When dealing with aircraft emergencies around operating aircraft, keep personnel aware and clear of areas containing hydraulically and pneumatically operated parts.

ARFF3–69

Aircraft Systems – Wheel Assemblies

• Consists of rims, brakes, and tires

• Rims — equipped with fusible plugs

(Continued)


ARFF3–70

Aircraft Systems – Wheel Assemblies

• Brakes designed to slow and stop aircraft

(Continued)

ARFF3–71

Aircraft Systems — Wheel Assemblies

• WARNING! When dealing with a landing gear emergency such as a hot brake or gear fire, always approach landing gear either forward or aft of the gear assembly.

ARFF3–72

Aircraft Systems — Power, Electrical, and Auxil iary Systems

• Electrical systems – Supply current for various devices– Use both AC and DC current

• Aircraft batteries– Lead acid– Nickel cadmium

(Continued)

ARFF3–73


• Auxiliary power unit (APU)– Small jet engine with generator– Used while aircraft is on the ground

(Continued)

ARFF3–74


• Emergency power unit (EPU)– Provide electrical power and hydraulic

power aboard airborne aircraft– Three types: ram-air-turbine, jet-fuel, and

monopropellant

(Continued)

ARFF3–75


• Monopropellent EPUs– Extremely hazardous – Powered by hydrazine

(Continued)

ARFF3–76


• WARNING! Wear full personal protective equipment 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.

(Continued)

ARFF3–77


• Ground power units (GPU)– Provide onboard

electrical power while engines or APU not operating

– Can be mobile, fixed-mounted, or bridge-mounted


(Continued)

ARFF3–78


• Ground power units (GPU)– AC or DC power – Diesel- or gas-fueled– shutdown and

disconnection procedures


(Continued)

ARFF3–79


• 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.

ARFF3–80

Aircraft Systems — Aircraft Lighting

• Personnel can designate location relative to aircraft at night

• Red light at left wingtip• Green light at right wingtip• White light at tail section and end of

fuselage

(Continued)

ARFF3–81

Aircraft Systems — Aircraft Lighting

• Landing lights — high-intensity spotlights

• Rotating or flashing red anti-collision lights

ARFF3–82

Aircraft Systems — Oxygen Systems

• Aircraft intended for high-altitude operations use an oxygen-supply system for life-support

• Stored in a gaseous or liquid state• Cylinders found in various locations

(Continued)

ARFF3–83


• Commercial aircraft — system for chemically generating oxygen

• Passenger aircraft — drop-down oxygen systems

• Cylinders have manual shut off on its valve

(Continued)

ARFF3–84


• WARNING! High concentrations of compressed gaseous oxygen will accelerate combustion.

(Continued)

ARFF3–85


• Liquid Oxygen (LOX) – Light blue and transparent– May produce burns– Will support combustion

• Present hazards to firefighters• Don’t disturb cylinders• In LOX fires, stop flow of oxygen and/or

fuel (Continued)

ARFF3–86


• WARNING! Do not disturb asphalt onto which LOX has been spilled because it is explosively unstable and extremely shock-sensitive.

ARFF3–87

Aircraft Systems — Radar Systems

• Ignition sources and health hazards• Activated on ground before takeoff and

deactivated after landing• Located in aircraft nose• Do NOT approach an aircraft’s nose

(Continued)

ARFF3–88

Aircraft Systems — Radar Systems

• Radar energy – Can generate heat within nearby materials– Act as an ignition source

• Energy causes adverse health effects• Once engines and power are shut off,

radar is also turned off

ARFF3–89

Aircraft Systems — Fire Protection Systems

• Activated by flight/ground crew to extinguish fires

• Consists of several components• After crash, systems may or may not be

usable

(Continued)

ARFF3–90

Aircraft Systems — Fire Protection Systems

• Once battery disconnected/electrical power removed, suppression system will not operate

• Handheld extinguishers in cockpit/ throughout cabin

• Lavatories have detection and suppression units

ARFF3–91

Aircraft Systems — Passenger/Crew Air Bags

• Recently been applied to aircraft• Industry adopting aircraft restraint

systems in some areas• FAA has approved systems• Airbags may not deploy in a crash and

pose hazards

ARFF3–92

Aircraft Systems — Flight Deck Emergency Shutdown Systems

• ARFF personnel may conduct emergency shutdown procedures

• Vary from simple, single action to complicated sequence

• Military aircraft — highly detailed procedures

ARFF3–93

Aircraft Systems — Ingress/egress Systems

• Evacuated in 90 seconds are less• Primary means of egress — cabin doors • Secondary means

– Over-/under-wing hatches– Tail-cone jettison systems– Rear air-stairs/stairs that lower at rear– Roof hatches

(Continued)

ARFF3–94


• Aircraft slides • Aircraft hatches• Windows

(Continued)Courtesy of William D. Stewart.

ARFF3–95


• Other means of egress– Rear stairs– Emergency exit doors– Overhead hatches– Tail-cone jettison exits

• Emergency cut-in areas

Courtesy of William D. Stewart.

(Continued)

ARFF3–96


• WARNING! Firefighters must use caution when walking under a tail cone as it may be jettisoned while they are underneath it.

ARFF3–97

Aircraft Systems — Data Recording Systems

• Important to accident investigation• Flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit

voice recorder (CVR)• Located in cargo compartment wall or

tail section of fuselage

(Continued)

ARFF3–98

Aircraft Systems — Data Recording Systems

• Painted international orange or bright red

• Protect in place when possible

ARFF3–99

Miscellaneous Systems/Components

• Anti-icing systems• Pressurized cylinders• Pitot tubes• Antennas

(Continued)

ARFF3–100

Miscellaneous Systems/Components

• 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.

ARFF3–101

Summary

• An airport firefighter’s safety is linked to the level of training and familiarization the firefighter has with the types of aircraft that may be encountered during ARFF operations.

(Continued)

ARFF3–102

Summary

• ARFF personnel must be thoroughly familiar with the various civilian and military aircraft. They must be able to recognize the unique features and components of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

(Continued)

ARFF3–103

Summary

• To function safely around aircraft engines under normal and emergency conditions, airport firefighters need to be familiar with the types and applications of the different engines that are used to power aircraft.

(Continued)

ARFF3–104

Summary

• ARFF personnel should be trained to recognize the materials used in the manufacture of aircraft and understand how these materials behave during aircraft crashes and fires.

(Continued)

ARFF3–105

Summary

• Additionally, airport firefighters must be able to identify and deal with the numerous fuel, power, and safety systems used aboard aircraft.

ARFF3–106

Review Questions

1. What rescue concerns are emerging with the use of new large aircraft (NLA)?2. Which designator letter is assigned to unmanned aerial vehicles?3. How do static eliminators work?

(Continued)

ARFF3–107

Review Questions

4. List the main sections of a rotary-wing aircraft. 5. Which type of gas turbine engine is most commonly found on aircraft today?6. Why is magnesium commonly used for engine-mounting brackets?

(Continued)

ARFF3–108

Review Questions

7. Why are labels necessary in the use of standardized coding?8. What systemic effects can be caused by exposure to hydrazine vapor?9. How are escape slides disconnected from aircraft to be used as rafts?10. What color are flight data recorders (FDRs)?

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Chapter 03 Aircraft Familiaration