What is mainly not a function of an aerial ladder?

An aerial ladder primarily serves several critical functions in firefighting and rescue operations, including providing elevated rescue, delivering water to fires, and accessing upper levels of a scene. While it is capable of assisting personnel in ascending to higher locations, the aspect of creating a controlled descent is not a standard function of an aerial ladder.

Aerial ladders are designed for stability and direct vertical access, focusing on reaching heights rather than facilitating a controlled descent. Personnel typically use other specialized equipment, such as ropes or lowering devices, for safe descents. Thus, while an aerial ladder can be used to bring individuals down in an emergency situation, that is not its intended primary function, making this option the one that does not align with the main capabilities of an aerial ladder.