3. DISCUSSION QUESTION
Why is the apparatus stabilization
process so critical?
7–3
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
4. • When parked, somewhere along
longitudinal midline of chassis, between
front and rear axles
• When aerial device extended over front
of apparatus, shifts toward front
• Shifts as aerial device is rotated
Center of Gravity
(Continued)
7–4
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
16. Explain transferring power to the
hydraulic system.
Learning Objective 2
7–16
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
17. • Must be engaged to deploy stabilizers
and aerial device
• Engaged by activating power take-off
(PTO) system
• Automatic transmission without fire
pump
Aerial Hydraulic System
(Continued)
7–17
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
18. • Manual transmission without fire pump
• Automatic transmission with fire pump
in use
• Manual transmission with fire pump in
use
Aerial Hydraulic System
7–18
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
19. Transfer power to the hydraulic system
of an apparatus equipped with a fire
pump.
Objective 3 is measured in Skill Sheet 7-1.
Learning Objective 3
7–19
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
20. Transfer power to the hydraulic system
of an apparatus not equipped with a fire
pump.
Objective 4 is measured in Skill Sheet 7-2.
Learning Objective 4
7–20
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
22. • PTO engagement light is on
• Wheels properly chocked
• Stabilizers do not strike or land on
objects
• Check stabilizers when they are in
place
• Icy patches or frozen ground
Preliminary Checks
7–22
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
23. • Operated once preliminary activities are
successfully completed
• Provides hydraulic power to stabilizing
system
• Located on rear step or midship on
driver’s side
• Operation
Operating the Selector Valve
7–23
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
24. • Ideal situation for stabilization
• Maximum stability
Stabilizing on Even Terrain
7–24
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
25. • Many are lever-type valves
• Engine idle speed is regulated
• When driver/operator operates control,
increase in engine speed occurs
• Rough and jerky operation should be
avoided
Stabilizer Controls
7–25
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
26. • Extend straight down
• Fulcrum-types swing down into position
• Box types first extend outward and then
down
Positioning of Stabilizers
7–26
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
27. • Extend parallel extension arms to their
maximum travel distance
• Center portable stabilizer pads
• Lower stabilizing jacks
• Lower both stabilizers on one side
• Lower stabilizers onto pads
Operation of
Box Type Stabilizers
7–27
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
28. DISCUSSION QUESTION
What is a good way to judge
appropriate deployment of the
stabilizers?
7–28
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
29. • Lower stabilizers on the other side
• Alternate between sides to raise the
vehicle to working position, as close to
level as possible
Operation of
Box Type Stabilizers
7–29
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
32. • Similar to box-type
• Exception – Should be lowered to within
a few inches of ground prior to the
placement of stabilizer pads
Operation of
Fulcrum-Type Stabilizers
7–32
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
33. • Unavoidable in some situations
• Lateral unevenness
• Longitudinal unevenness
Stabilizing on Uneven Terrain
7–33
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
43. • Avoided whenever
possible
• Treat same as
setting up on
lateral incline
Stabilizing on Curbs or
Other Obstructions
7–43
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
Courtesy of Ron Jeffers
47. • After use of aerial device is complete
and it is returned to the bed
• Reverse of stabilization process
• Prepares apparatus for departure from
the scene
Retracting the Stabilizers
7–47
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
48. • Remove safety pins from jacks.
• Return selector valve to stabilization
position.
• Move wheel chocks.
• Check around apparatus.
• Raise stabilizers.
Procedure for
Retracting the Stabilizers
7–48
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
49. • Return selector valve to neutral
position.
• Disengage PTO system.
• Return stabilizer pads and stow them in
their appropriate storage location.
Procedure for
Retracting the Stabilizers
7–49
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
51. • Still in use on older apparatus
• Similar to box-type hydraulic stabilizers
• Consist of extension arm that has a
screw jack attached to the end of arm
• Extension arm must be swung into
position by hand
Manual Stabilizers
(Continued)
7–51
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
52. • Placing stabilizers on midship aerials in
service
• Placing stabilizers on tractor-trailer
aerials in service
Manual Stabilizers
(Continued)
7–52
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
55. Deploy, lock, unlock, and raise
hydraulic stabilizers on even terrain.
Objective 9 is measured in Skill Sheet 7-3.
Learning Objective 9
7–55
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
56. Deploy, lock, unlock, and raise
hydraulic stabilizers on laterally uneven
terrain.
Objective 10 is measured in Skill Sheet 7-4.
Learning Objective 10
7–56
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
57. Deploy, lock, unlock, and raise
hydraulic stabilizers on longitudinally
uneven terrain.
Objective 11 is measured in Skill Sheet 7-5.
Learning Objective 11
7–57
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
58. Deploy, lock, and then unlock and stow
manual stabilizers.
Objective 12 is measured in Skill Sheet 7-6.
Learning Objective 12
7–58
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
60. • Stability is given by manner it is parked
and positioned at scene
• Creating an angle between tractor and
trailer can increase stability
• Maximum stability occurs at 60 degrees
• Angles less than 60 degrees provide
less stability
Stabilizing Tractor-Trailer
Aerial Apparatus
(Continued)
7–60
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
61. • Degrees 61 to 90 provide less stability
• Should never be positioned at an angle
greater than 90 degrees
• Procedure for placing vehicle into
angled position
Stabilizing Tractor-Trailer
Aerial Apparatus
(Continued)
7–61
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
63. Stabilize tractor-trailer aerial apparatus.
Objective 14 is measured in Skill Sheet 7-7.
Learning Objective 14
7–63
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
64. Summary
• Because the suspension alone cannot
support the outboard weight of an
extended aerial device, effective
stabilization methods must be used.
(Continued)
7–64
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
65. • While the apparatus has built-in
stabilization hardware, the
driver/operator must understand the
dynamics of weight transfer and use
this understanding to optimize the
positioning of the apparatus before
stabilization is complete.
Summary
(Continued)
7–65
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
66. • Aerial apparatus are manufactured by
several different companies; therefore,
it is important for the driver/operator to
review the specifics of the stabilization
system and its limitations by continual
review of the operator’s manual.
Summary
7–66
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
67. Review Questions
1. What may be the most critical
aspect of preparing an aerial device
for use?
2. Why must apparatus stabilizers
be set prior to deploying an aerial
device?
3. Why would a driver/operator use
the practice of short-jacking? (Continued)
7–67
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
68. Review Questions
4. What is the purpose of the
power take-off (PTO) system?
5. What observations must be
made by the driver/operator prior to
deploying stabilizers?
6. Why is stabilization ideally
performed on even terrain?
(Continued)
7–68
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
69. 7. In what three ways may
stabilizers move into position?
8. In what ways can an apparatus
be uneven?
9. How is a manual stabilizer put into
service on a midship aerial?
Review Questions
(Continued)
7–69
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
70. 10. What is the best way to place a
tractor-trailer apparatus into an
angled position?
Review Questions
7–70
Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator
