Aeronautical Information ManualChange 3 · Effective 7/9/2026
Chapter 6 · Section 5
Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Communications
3 Paragraphs6-5-1–6-5-3
6-5-1 Discrete Emergency Frequency
Direct contact between an emergency aircraft flight crew, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Incident Commander (ARFF IC), and the Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), is possible on an aeronautical radio frequency (Discrete Emergency Frequency [DEF]), designated by Air Traffic Control (ATC) from the operational frequencies assigned to that facility.
Emergency aircraft at airports without an ATCT, (or when the ATCT is closed), may contact the ARFF IC (if ARFF service is provided), on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) published for the airport or the civil emergency frequency 121.5 MHz.
6-5-2 Radio Call Signs
Preferred radio call sign for the ARFF IC is “(location/facility) Command” when communicating with the flight crew and the FAA ATCT.
EXAMPLE
LAX Command. Washington Command.
6-5-3 ARFF Emergency Hand Signals
In the event that electronic communications cannot be maintained between the ARFF IC and the flight crew, standard emergency hand signals as depicted inFIG 6-5-1 through FIG 6-5-3should be used. These hand signals should be known and understood by all cockpit and cabin aircrew, and all ARFF firefighters.
FIG 6-5-1 Recommend Evacuation
FIG 6-5-2 Recommend Stop
FIG 6-5-3 Emergency Contained