NFPA 1002 Driver/Operator - Tiller study plan

Map the full coupling sequence from memory: tractor-to-trailer air lines, electrical pigtail, gladhands, locking pin, and safety devices, in the order you would actually perform them

List at least 10 tiller-position duties and safety responsibilities and rank them by consequence of failure

Explain the difference between the tractor driver's and the tiller operator's authority during backing and tight turns, and who calls the stop

Practice a verbal walk-around checklist aloud, naming each item you touch and why

Identify the three most common tiller injuries or near-misses described in your department SOPs and state the prevention for each

Rehearse radio phrasing for left, right, straight, stop, and hold so each call is short, directional, and unambiguous

Describe the blind spots from the tiller seat and explain how the tractor driver's mirrors and your position complement each other

Demonstrate the hand signals and light or radio backup used when voice contact is lost

Sequence a simulated reverse turn into a narrow street, narrating each command you would give the tractor driver

State the procedure for a lost-communication event during a backing maneuver, including the immediate action

Perform and document a pre-trip inspection covering tires, air brake system, lights, siren, steering, trailer connection points, and aerial locking devices

Explain the tractor-trailer off-tracking and swept-path difference versus a straight-frame apparatus, with numbers for a typical turning radius

Describe air brake testing steps and the acceptable leakage and pressure-build results

Identify the maintenance items a tiller operator must report versus correct personally, and the reporting chain

State the load limits and axle weight considerations that affect how the rig handles when the aerial is loaded

Execute a documented driving course covering straight-line backing, a 90-degree reverse turn, and a confined forward turn, recording the number of pull-ups and any contact

Explain how grade, surface, and weather change stopping distance and trailer behavior for a tractor-drawn aerial

Describe the approach and setup sequence from arrival on scene to chocks and wheel immobilization

State the ground conditions that require cribbing, pads, or repositioning, and how to judge them on arrival

Identify the position of the tiller relative to overhead obstructions, wires, and collapse zones during setup

Set the apparatus for an aerial operation: stabilization, wheel chocks, ground pads, and confirmation that all outriggers or stabilizers are deployed and pinned

State the load chart limits relevant to your rig and explain what changes them (angle, extension, tip load, wind)

Describe the aerial device pre-use check and the interlocks or safety systems that must be verified before raising

Explain the emergency lowering procedure and the manual override steps if hydraulic or power failure occurs

State the actions when the aerial contacts an energized line or when the device will not stow

Walk through three emergency scenarios (power loss aloft, stabilization failure indication, operator incapacitation) and state the first three actions in each

Explain the tiller operator's role during an aerial rescue or patient removal, including scene control and communication

Describe the rehab, hydration, and fatigue rules that apply to a tiller operator on a long incident

State the post-incident shutdown and stow sequence, including who confirms the device is secured before the rig moves

Identify the reporting requirements after any near-miss or equipment fault

List the NFPA 1002 general driver/operator requirements that apply regardless of apparatus type and state how each is demonstrated

Explain the pump or water supply interface on your rig: tank-to-pump, pump-to-aerial, and the pressure limits the aerial imposes

Describe what the tiller operator must confirm about water supply and aerial waterway readiness before the device is raised

State the driver/operator's responsibilities for apparatus licensing, records, and refresher training

Explain how a water supply problem affects aerial operations and the decision to continue or abort

Run a full timed sequence: pre-trip, drive to a marked spot, set up, raise, stow, and return to quarters

Perform the coupling and uncoupling sequence unaided with no prompts and no missed safety step

Execute the reverse turn and confined forward turn within the course limits set in week 4

Complete a mock oral board covering all nine domains with at least 80 percent correct answers

Write a personal remediation plan for any domain scoring below 80 percent