Fire Apparatus Operator: Aerial

This course is based on NFPA 1002: Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications. This course is designed to provide the structural fire fighter with the needed knowledge and skills to successfully operate an aerial apparatus. A must for departments using aerial apparatus, this course covers such topics as types and construction of aerial apparatus, positioning aerial apparatus, stabilizing systems, and maintenance and testing.

The NFPA 1010 is a standard published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that consolidates previous professional qualification standards for firefighters into a single document. It combines NFPA 1001, NFPA 1002, NFPA 1003, and NFPA 1005 to establish criteria for various fire service personnel, including the Alabama Fire College’s Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Airport Fire Fighter, Marine Fire Fighter, and Fire Apparatus Operator: Pumper, Aerial, and Mobile Water supply programs.

In response to the 2024 update of NFPA 1010, Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters, the Fire Apparatus Operator: Aerial course will be transitioning to: IFSTA’s Pumping and Aerial Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 4th Edition.

These changes will take effect starting June 1, 2026, and will impact course content and certification requirements. For more information regarding Curriculum and Certification Updates, please visit the following link: Curriculum and Certification Updates