With the advent in recent years of increased commercial jet operations it has become clear that there is a definite need for more highly sophisticated aircraft and fire fighting apparatus as well as increased effectiveness of the crews who operate them. Now with supersonic aircraft nearly a reality, updating of equipment and procedures has become mandatory. Such groups as the National Fire Protection Association, The Airline Pilots Association and the American Association of Airport Executives have become involved in the field. In the United States, aircraft fire-fighting and rescue facilities are maintained and operated generally by independent airport management officials, while in foreign countries such facilities are usually a function of the government itself. But regardless of the administrative procedures employed, it is nevertheless evident that capabilities and effectiveness must advance if airports are to surmount the increasingly complex problems involved in the handling of high speed air traffic.
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