ARLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
ISSUED: MARCH 2002
TACTICAL GUIDELINES
AIRPORT EMERGENCIES
204.04
The Arlington Municipal Airport has one runway. It is designated "16" for air traffic from the north and "34" for
air traffic from the south. The runway has white or amber lights and a white center stripe. Taxiways have blue
lights or reflectors and a yellow center stripe. At all times, exercise extreme caution when traveling in aircraft
operating areas. Aircraft always have the right of way over ground vehicles. If the aircraft is stopped and
disabled on the runway, airport personnel will issue radio notice of the incident to all aircraft.
NOTE: BE AWARE THAT ARLINGTON AIRPORT IS NOT A CONTROLLED AIRPORT AND THEREFORE
CANNOT BE “CLOSED” TO TRAFFIC. AIRCRAFT MAY LAND AS LONG AS THE PILOT
DETERMINES IT IS SAFE TO DO SO. IN ADDITION, AIRCRAFT SOMETIMES LAND WITH
LIMITED RADIO CONTACT. IN OTHER WORDS, ANYTIME YOU ARE ON OR NEAR THE
RUNWAY, BE CAUTIOUS OF INCOMING AIRCRAFT.
There are several considerations that are helpful for operating at airports:
1.
Engine 12 has a supplemental radio that allows for contact with aircraft and airport personnel.
2.
In fighting an aircraft fire, attack from upwind high ground. The main priority in an aircraft fire is
protecting the means of access/egress for the aircraft occupants.
3.
Use AFFF when necessary. Depending on the aircraft type, the amount of fuel on board may range
from as little as 50 gallons to several thousand gallons.
4.
When responding to a “wheel fire” or “hot brakes,” approach the landing gear from the front or rear, not
the side. DO NOT spray water onto a hot wheel/brake assembly. Utilize a dry powder extinguisher to
extinguish any visible flames and then allow the assembly to cool down.
5.
If you must cross a runway to get to an incident on the west side of the airport property, only cross at
the extreme north or south ends of the runway.
6.
It is the responsibility of the owner/operator of an aircraft to make any required notifications or reports
regarding accidents or incidents to the FAA or NTSB.
7.
If the incident involves Military aircraft, DO NOT approach the aircraft unless an extreme hazard to the
aircrew exists (i.e. rescue attempt). Military personnel will be on the scene very quickly to take control
of the incident and render the aircraft safe to approach.
The following classifications of aircraft emergencies are used by the Arlington Airport and Fire Department to
describe an unsafe condition or situation involving an aircraft:
1.
Ground Emergency
Fuel spill, hot brakes, plane on fire, etc.
2.
In-flight Emergency
Engine out, oil leak, warning light on, hydraulic failure, landing gear malfunction, fire on board, etc.
3.
Plane Crash
Classified as small plane or large plane, passenger or cargo if known. Station #12 is the staging area
for aircraft emergencies. Fire Department stand-by positions for incoming aircraft will be on the ramp
due west of the control building. After touch down, Fire Department units should follow the aircraft at a
distance of no closer than 300 feet until it comes to a complete stop. Fire Department units should
utilize taxiways whenever possible.
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ARLINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
ISSUED: MARCH 2002
TACTICAL GUIDELINES
AIRPORT EMERGENCIES
204.04
Only use runways when necessary (i.e., aircraft is stopped and disabled on the runway). Use extreme caution
and watch for aircraft landing.
Mutual Aid to Bell Helicopter
The staging area for Bell Helicopter emergencies will be on Osprey Drive, approximately 1,000 feet north of the
plant. Fire Department units will stand by on the ramp of the Bell Helicopter building or where directed by Bell
Helicopter Fire Department personnel for incoming rotorwing aircraft in trouble. Fire Department units will not
move until the rotorwing aircraft is on the ground.
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