703 Aerial Operations
Aerial Operations – Course Description
Ricky Rescue Training Academy’s “703 Aerial Operations” is a 45-hour blended (self-paced online with 16 hours in-person) course with continuous open enrollment that fulfills a Florida State Fire College pre-certification requirement for Aerial Apparatus Operator. The course aligns with NFPA 1002 (2014) Job Performance Requirements and covers emergency vehicle operation, driving techniques, hydraulics, and safety protocols.
Detailed Course Content
703 Aerial Operations
A 45-hour open enrollment, self-paced blended course, including 16 hours of in-person instruction. Approved by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training at the Florida State Fire College. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience operating aerial apparatus.
Key learning outcomes:
- Familiarize with laws, rules, and established safe driving techniques for aerial apparatus.
- Understand setup, stabilization, positioning, and safe deployment of aerial devices.
- Review hydraulic systems relevant to aerial ladder and platform operations.
- Apply NFPA 1002 (2014) standards for safe vehicle handling and pump/hydraulics competency.
- Gain practical experience during in-person sessions at designated training locations.
- Prerequisites: Completion of Fire Service Hydraulics (ATPC1301) and Apparatus Operations (ATPC1302).
- Perform required NFPA 1002 (2014) JPRs including inspections, stabilization, aerial deployment, emergency lowering, and elevated master stream operations.
- Hands-on exercises: Driving maneuvers, confined-space turns, setup on varied terrain, and master stream deployment.
- Grading based on quizzes, individual exercises, group project, and final written exam.
- Attendance requirement: Maximum 10% absence permitted, with mandatory participation in all practical evolutions.
- PPE required: Gloves, hardhat, and protective gear for ladder and platform operations.
Suggested textbook: Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 3rd Ed., IFSTA (Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0879395712)
Course Summary Table
Course | Hours / CEUs | NFPA Alignment | Coverage Highlights |
703 Aerial Operations | 45 h / 45 CEUs | NFPA 1002 (2014) | Aerial apparatus operations, hydraulics, prerequisites, practical skills, attendance requirements |
- CHAMILO_CODE 703
When completing an online or blended class through Ricky Rescue Training Academy, you will be held completely responsible for your own achievements. You must ensure that you work consistently and diligently to complete the coursework and related requirements in order to move forward. These open enrollment courses allow you to pace yourself, but will require sufficient self-discipline to keep up to date with the workload. Therefore, it is your responsibility to set aside the time required to complete the various units of these courses.