Aerial Operator Fundamentals

By: G. Howard Blythe 

In Aerial Operator Fundamentals, FDNY veteran G. Howard Blythe delivers the definitive guide to mastering aerial operations—combining operational objectives, device-specific design knowledge, and proven tactics into one essential reference. This comprehensive resource explains not just how to operate, but why standard practices and design features matter on the fireground, enabling you to adapt to the complex and evolving challenges of modern fire operations.

Whether you’re positioning for rescue, managing master stream operations, or conducting critical inspections, this book equips you with the skills and judgment needed to operate as a disciplined, effective and efficient operator should. Detailed case studies—including references to NIOSH investigation reports—reinforce lessons learned, while more than 200 photographs illustrate best practices in real-world contexts.

Key topics include:

• History, types, and design of aerial devices
• Codes, standards, and operator discipline
• Maintenance, inspection, and testing requirements
• Stabilization, loading, and movement
• Positioning strategies for varied incident priorities
• Tip placement and master stream operations
• Strategy, tactics, and practical application on the fireground

With its blend of technical detail, operational insight, and actionable guidance, Aerial Operator Fundamentals sets the new standard for aerial apparatus training and performance.

*****

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. History and Types of Aerial Devices

• Aerial Device History
• Types of Aerial Devices
• Chapter 1 Questions
• Chapter 1 Key Terms

2. Codes and Standards

• Standards for Aerial Operation
• Other Codes and Standards
• Chapter 2 Questions

3. Aerial Design, Components, and Hydraulics

• Aerial Design
• Aerial Device Components
• Chapter 3 Questions
• Chapter 3 Key Terms

4. Driving Laws and Regulations and Operator Discipline

• Driving Laws and Regulations
• Operator Discipline
• Disciplined Driving in General
• Chapter 4 Questions
• Chapter 4 Key Terms

5. Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing

• Maintenance
• Inspection
• Testing
• Chapter 5 Questions
• Chapter 5 Key Terms

6. Stabilization

• Force Transfer
• Types of Stabilizers
• Primary stabilizers
• Secondary stabilizers
• Stabilizer Deployment
• Chapter 6 Questions
• Chapter 6 Key Terms

7. Loading and Movement

• Aerial Device Loads
• Aerial Device Movements
• Emergency Power Usage
• Chapter 7 Questions
• Chapter 7 Key Terms

8. Positioning

• Step 1. Rescue
• Step 2. Exposure Protection/Master Stream Operations
• Step 3. Support Confinement

Final Position

• Other Considerations
• Chapter 8 Questions
• Chapter 8 Key Terms

9. Tip Placement and Master Stream Operations

• Tip Placement
• Master Stream Operations
• Chapter 9 Questions
• Chapter 9 Key Terms

10. Strategy and Tactics

• Chapter 10 Questions
• Chapter 10 Key Terms

11. Practical Application

• Chapter 11 Questions
• Chapter 11 Key Terms

Answers to Chapter Questions

Glossary

Notes

Index