ARFF Chapter 2

Question 1

What is the FAA index determined by?

Answer 1

Combination of length of air carrier aircraft (expressed in groups) and average number of daily departures by air carrier aircraft.

Question 2

What happens when an airport has 5+ average daily departures in a single Index group?

Answer 2

Use the Index of the group with the longest aircraft.

Question 3

What is the minimum designated FAA Index?

Answer 3

Index A.

Question 4

What is the width and length of the CRFFAA according to NFPA® 402?

Answer 4

500 ft (152 m) from the runway centerline each side and 3,300 ft (1,000 m) beyond each runway end.

Question 5

What must the first ARFF vehicle do in the Rapid Response Area (RRA)?

Answer 5

Arrive within 4 minutes.

Question 6

What is the safety area width beyond each runway end for large jets?

Answer 6

1,000–2,000 ft (300–600 m) beyond each runway end.

Question 7

What lighting color is used for taxiway edges?

Answer 7

Blue lights or reflectors.

Question 8

What lighting color is used to identify hold bars and controlled crossing points?

Answer 8

Yellow or amber lights.

Question 9

What does a red light indicate at an airport?

Answer 9

Obstructions, parked aircraft, unserviceable areas, and the departure end of the runway.

Question 10

What are Runway Status Lights (RWSL)?

Answer 10

Embedded lights that automatically turn red to warn of unsafe conditions; no ATC input required.

Question 11

What is indicated by a white on red sign at an airport?

Answer 11

Mandatory instruction signs, such as runway hold position signs.

Question 12

What marking separates movement areas from non-movement areas?

Answer 12

Two lines — one solid and one dashed (Non-Movement Area Boundary Marking).

Question 13

What is the purpose of a segmented circle at an airport?

Answer 13

To indicate the appropriate landing pattern and contains a windsock.

Question 14

Where is the segmented circle located and how is it used at night?

Answer 14

Located at the center of the airport and illuminated at night.

Question 15

What are grid maps used for at airports?

Answer 15

To plan emergency response routes and identify ground locations.

Question 16

What are the typical traffic pattern components for aircraft?

Answer 16

Crosswind leg, downwind leg, base leg, final approach.

Question 17

What is a displaced threshold indicated by?

Answer 17

A solid white line followed by eight threshold markers and white arrows.

Question 18

How should fueling trucks be grounded during fueling operations?

Answer 18

With bonding cables to equalize static electrical potential.

Question 19

What is the minimum fire extinguisher rating required for fueling operations per NFPA® 407?

Answer 19

20-B rated extinguisher.

Question 20

What are the visual color indicators for location signs?

Answer 20

Yellow on black background (Where you’re at).

Question 21

How far must open flames be kept from fueling operations?

Answer 21

50 feet (15 m).

Question 22

What is the most common method of fuel delivery to aircraft?

Answer 22

Tank trucks with capacities ranging from 500 to 10,000 gallons.

Question 23

What is the ‘dead man rope’ used for on fuel trucks?

Answer 23

It shuts down fueling if released and is a spring-loaded safety shutoff device.

Question 24

How should ramps slope in regard to fuel spills?

Answer 24

Away from terminals, hangars, and loading walkways.

Question 25

What is a key function of the EMAS (Engineered Material Arresting System)?

Answer 25

To crush under aircraft weight and decelerate the aircraft predictably.

Question 26

What kind of map must include hospitals, terrain features, water, bridges, and drainage?

Answer 26

Grid map.

Question 27

What colors mark the last 1,000 feet of a runway?

Answer 27

All red lights.

Question 28

What defines the term 'Movement Area'?

Answer 28

Runways, taxiways, and areas used for taxiing, takeoff, and landing (excluding ramps and parking).

Question 29

How often are airport fuel facilities required to be inspected under FAR Part 139?

Answer 29

Quarterly.

Question 30

What kind of weather conditions can contribute to static electricity hazards?

Answer 30

Low humidity, dust, dry snow, or ice crystals.

Question 31

Where should emergency shutoff switches be located on a fuel truck?

Answer 31

At both ends of the vehicle.

Question 32

What type of light is used to mark the approach end of runways?

Answer 32

Green lights.

Question 33

How are taxiways designated?

Answer 33

With letters such as Alpha, Bravo, Charlie.

Question 34

What is the primary hazard of vapor during fuel transfers?

Answer 34

Explosive vapor-air mixtures can form near fueling sites.

Question 35

What hazard does electromagnetic energy pose during fueling?

Answer 35

Onboard radar, radios, and cell phones can ignite vapors.

Question 36

What are examples of ignition sources for fuel vapors?

Answer 36

Static electricity, electromagnetic energy, open flames, adverse weather.

Question 37

What is an apron or ramp area used for?

Answer 37

Loading/unloading, refueling, maintenance, baggage handling, and vehicle traffic.

Question 38

What are FOD and its risks?

Answer 38

Foreign Object Debris; it can cause damage to aircraft and systems.

Question 39

What should ARFF firefighters do regarding airport security badges?

Answer 39

Secure all badges, uniforms, gear, vehicles, and stations when unattended.

Question 40

What is the width and length of the Rapid Response Area (RRA)?

Answer 40

500 ft (152 m) from each side of the runway centerline and 1,650 ft (500 m) beyond each runway end.

Question 41

What is the purpose of the Critical Rescue and Fire Fighting Access Area (CRFFAA)?

Answer 41

To encompass the area where most aircraft accidents occur and provide access for ARFF vehicles.

Question 42

What topographical features can affect ARFF response and fire behavior?

Answer 42

Elevation, slope, wind, mud, water collection, nearby rivers, and snow.

Question 43

What equipment may be needed for ARFF response in difficult topography?

Answer 43

Boats, helicopters, rafts, floating platforms, diving gear, and flotation devices.

Question 44

What are common structures ARFF personnel must be familiar with at an airport?

Answer 44

Terminals, maintenance facilities, airfreight buildings, parking structures, and the ATC tower.

Question 45

What are some hazards found in aircraft maintenance facilities?

Answer 45

Fuel tank repairs, hazardous chemicals, electrical repairs, welding, cutting, and grinding operations.

Question 46

What are the components of an airport water supply system?

Answer 46

Wells, drafting pits, pumps, storage tanks, water mains, fire hydrants.

Question 47

What is a SIDA and who must display visible ID?

Answer 47

Security Identification Display Area; all personnel must display visible ID on outer clothing.

Question 48

Where should fire extinguishers be located during aircraft fueling?

Answer 48

Upwind and within 100 feet of the aircraft.

Question 49

What are the typical capacities of aircraft fuel trucks?

Answer 49

500 to 10,000 gallons (2,000 to 40,000 liters).

Question 50

What does a dead man device do?

Answer 50

Shuts down fueling automatically if the operator releases control.

Question 51

What is the FAA AC that covers airport markings?

Answer 51

AC 150/5340-1.

Question 52

What are ramp envelope areas used for?

Answer 52

To designate space occupied by parked aircraft, marked with red and white lines.

Question 53

How are taxiway feeder/stub routes designated?

Answer 53

With designations such as Alpha 1, Alpha 2.

Question 54

What causes Foreign Object Damage (FOD)?

Answer 54

Debris or articles alien to the system that cause physical or economic damage.

Question 55

What should be checked before entering aircraft areas to avoid FOD?

Answer 55

Vehicle tires for rocks and objects; ensure tools and equipment are secured.

Question 56

What distance must emergency vehicles maintain during elevated threat levels?

Answer 56

10 feet (3 m) between each other.

Question 57

What must be done if breakaway fences are removed for security?

Answer 57

ARFF must identify alternate off-airport routes for emergency access.

Question 58

What systems may pose electrical hazards to ARFF personnel?

Answer 58

Airfield lighting systems and navigational aids.

Question 59

What do red and white dashed lines indicate at a SIDA boundary?

Answer 59

Mandatory security markings; access usually staffed by guards.

Question 60

What is the role of an observation tower in a fire station?

Answer 60

Enhances surveillance and serves as a dispatch center.

Question 61

Why is bonding required during fueling?

Answer 61

To equalize electrostatic potential and prevent ignition from static electricity.

Question 62

Where are yellow chevrons used at an airport?

Answer 62

To mark areas not suitable for aircraft operations.

Question 63

What is the function of blast fences in run-up areas?

Answer 63

To control debris and reduce noise during engine testing.

Question 64

Where should drainage from fueling ramps be directed?

Answer 64

Away from terminals and through approved separators before entering storm drains.

Question 65

What is a critical consideration when placing fire stations?

Answer 65

Proximity to runways and minimizing response time with direct access routes.

Question 66

What is the primary concern in terminal buildings for ARFF?

Answer 66

Life safety due to large crowds and evacuation challenges.

Question 67

What does the term 'movement area' exclude?

Answer 67

Ramps and parking areas.

Question 68

What is the ICAO category system based on?

Answer 68

Longest airplane using the airport and fuselage width.

Question 69

What color is used for information signs at an airport?

Answer 69

Yellow background with black text.

Question 70

What should ARFF personnel do during mutual aid training regarding airport access?

Answer 70

Make arrangements with air traffic control or airport operations for mutual/automatic aid personnel to drive vehicles on and around the airfield.

Question 71

What factors determine how runways are used?

Answer 71

Prevailing winds and aircraft traffic patterns.

Question 72

Who may control ground aircraft movements at some small airports outside the U.S.?

Answer 72

Flight service specialists.

Question 73

How does NFPA®, ICAO, and Transport Canada classify airports?

Answer 73

Based on the longest airplane using the airport and fuselage width.

Question 74

What is the traffic pattern flow for aircraft?

Answer 74

Prescribed path for aircraft landing or taking off from an airport.

Question 75

What determines runway numbers?

Answer 75

The nearest compass bearing rounded to the nearest 10 degrees.

Question 76

What is a 'base leg' in an aircraft traffic pattern?

Answer 76

Flight path at a right angle to the landing runway off the approach end.

Question 77

What indicates a runway or taxiway is closed to operations?

Answer 77

A painted or lighted 'X'.

Question 78

What are yellow chevrons used for on runways?

Answer 78

Indicate areas not suitable for aircraft operations.

Question 79

Where should fuel not be allowed to enter?

Answer 79

Directly into storm water systems.

Question 80

What is the purpose of glycol containment tanks in the summer?

Answer 80

To drain hazardous waste and allow rainwater to flow directly into storm drains.

Question 81

How far must emergency vehicles stay apart during elevated threat levels?

Answer 81

A minimum of 10 feet (3 meters).

Question 82

What is the function of a jetway eyebrow?

Answer 82

Protects passengers from weather and adapts to aircraft contours.

Question 83

Why must ARFF firefighters be familiar with topography?

Answer 83

It affects apparatus response, drainage, and fire spread.

Question 84

What is the purpose of fuel shutoff valve training for ARFF personnel?

Answer 84

To prepare them for response and enable emergency fuel shutoff.

Question 85

What are ARFF fire stations strategically located for?

Answer 85

Direct access to runways and to meet response time requirements.

Question 86

How wide is the safety area surrounding a typical large jet runway?

Answer 86

250 feet (75 meters) each side.

Question 87

What should be avoided near ILS critical areas?

Answer 87

Parking vehicles that could obstruct signals.

Question 88

What is the color of markings for taxiways?

Answer 88

Yellow.

Question 89

What is a hold bar and when must vehicles stop?

Answer 89

A marker for restricted areas; vehicles must stop unless cleared.

Question 90

What lighting marks the last 3,000 ft of a runway?

Answer 90

Alternating red and white lights.

Question 91

What is the typical spacing of white runway edge lights?

Answer 91

200 feet (60 meters) apart.

Question 92

Why must airport roads be pre-planned for alternate routes?

Answer 92

To ensure access during adverse weather conditions.

Question 93

What is the purpose of pushback procedures?

Answer 93

To safely move aircraft away from terminals using tugs or engines.

Question 94

How does static electricity build up on aircraft?

Answer 94

From airflow, dust, low humidity, or fueling operations.

Question 95

Why should non-intrinsically safe radios be avoided near fueling?

Answer 95

They can ignite fuel vapors and cause fires.

Question 96

What is the main reason fueling operations are considered a constant hazard?

Answer 96

The 24/7 nature and pressure to perform increase the risk of fire.

Question 97

What type of fuel delivery system is used at larger airports?

Answer 97

Underground piping systems connected to subsurface hydrants at each gate.

Question 98

How should fire extinguishers be positioned if not fixed at fueling sites?

Answer 98

Stationed upwind and within 100 feet (30 meters) of aircraft.