NFPA (Fire) 403 Historical

Aircraft fire fighting is a technically complex task, and NFPA 403 helps you protect life and property and comply with national standards. 

When fire strikes an airliner, the situation can be extraordinarily dangerous and complex. With so many flight systems, propellants, and moving parts involved, adhering to a set of established rules and regulations is imperative. Updated for 2018, NFPA 403: Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Services at Airports covers essential requirements for the proper management of accidents and incidents involving any fire on airport property. 

NFPA 403 includes detailed standards for many important aspects of the process, including aircraft fire emergencies and fire-fighting services and equipment. Further regulations in the Standard govern:

• Response times for aircraft rescue and fire-fighting (ARFF) apparatus
• Minimum ARFF personnel staffing levels
• Minimum number of ARFF vehicles based on airport category
• Minimum amounts of extinguishing agents and discharge and response capabilities

Changes in the 2018 edition include:

• Added definitions pertaining to special events, specifically air shows occurring at airports
• Revised requirements pertaining to foam, with the intent of limiting variation due to confusion or complication in testing
• Clarification of terms, including arriving and responding
• New text to help ensure that staffing levels can be modified based on the AHJ completing a task and resource analysis based on the airport's individual needs and demands
• New response times relating to passenger boarding areas of the airport, such as jet bridges

Aircraft fire safety is the top priority at any working airport, and NFPA 403 contains all the information necessary for compliance.