Success or failure on the fireground for a ladder company is often measured by how well an aerial operator initially positions the apparatus. Ladder truck placement at an emergency scene is often the "make or break" moment for any operator. The individual skills and abilities of the aerial apparatus operator can dictate how successful a truck company will be in achieving their goals at a fire scene. Aerial apparatus are typically placed to allow members to work offensively to effect a rescue, gain entry to the upper floors of a structure, or access the roof for vertical ventilation operations. These concepts seem pretty simple and straightforward, but often we find that the actual execution at a fire scene can quickly become much more difficult. This class will prepare aerial operators to systematically approach an emergency scene to achieve an effective apparatus placement that will allow the ladder crew to make a positive impact on the outcome of any emergency.