Rescue and Fire Fighting RFF

RFF target response time

2 MINUTES.

RFF maximum response time

3 MINUTES.

RFF response measured from

Initial alarm received by RFF service until first responding vehicle in position applying foam at 50 percent or more of specified discharge rate.

RFF response to

Any point on the movement area in optimum conditions of visibility and surface.

Less than optimum conditions

Response times may be longer in degraded visibility or poor surface like snow, ice, or rain. Satellite fire stations may be required.

Fire station location

Normally within aerodrome confines. Permitted outside if 3-minute target can still be achieved.

Fire station access

Direct access to runway area. Minimum turns. Clear access route.

RFF category determination

Based on the LONGEST aircraft type normally using the aerodrome considering BOTH fuselage length AND fuselage width.

RFF Category 1

Up to less than 9 metres fuselage. Maximum width 2 metres. Light general aviation like Cessna 172.

RFF Category 2

9 metres to less than 12 metres fuselage. Maximum width 2 metres. Beechcraft 1900, Pilatus PC-12.

RFF Category 3

12 metres to less than 18 metres fuselage. Maximum width 3 metres. ATR 42, DHC-6 Twin Otter.

RFF Category 4

18 metres to less than 24 metres fuselage. Maximum width 4 metres. ATR 72, Fokker 50.

RFF Category 5

24 metres to less than 28 metres fuselage. Maximum width 4 metres. Boeing 737-100 and 200, Airbus A318.

RFF Category 6

28 metres to less than 39 metres fuselage. Maximum width 5 metres. Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320, Airbus A321.

RFF Category 7

39 metres to less than 49 metres fuselage. Maximum width 5 metres. Boeing 757-200, Airbus A300B4.

RFF Category 8

49 metres to less than 61 metres fuselage. Maximum width 7 metres. Boeing 767-300, Airbus A330-200.

RFF Category 9

61 metres to less than 76 metres fuselage. Maximum width 7 metres. Boeing 777-200, Boeing 747-400.

RFF Category 10

76 metres and over. Maximum width 8 metres. Airbus A380-800, Boeing 747-8.

RFF vehicles Category 1 and 2

1 vehicle minimum.

RFF vehicles Category 3 to 5

2 vehicles minimum.

RFF vehicles Category 6 and 7

3 vehicles minimum.

RFF vehicles Category 8 to 10

Minimum 3 vehicles plus additional based on aerodrome layout.

Reduced category allowance

If aerodrome busiest 3-month period shows less than 700 movements of the highest category aircraft, aerodrome may reduce by ONE category only.

Reduced category approval

Requires National Aviation Authority approval and must be published in Aeronautical Information Publication.

Principal Extinguishing Agent PEA

FOAM. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam or AFFF.

AFFF Performance Level A

At least 6.5 litres per square metre per minute on fuel surface.

AFFF Performance Level B

At least 5.5 litres per square metre per minute on fuel surface.

AFFF mix ratio

Water plus foam concentrate at 3 percent or 6 percent ratio.

PFAS issue

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in traditional AFFF now banned in many states. PFAS-free alternatives like fluorine-free foam now required.

Complementary extinguishing agents

Dry chemical powder, Carbon Dioxide, Halon which is largely phased out due to Montreal Protocol ozone depletion.