Airframe Fire Protection Systems

Question 1

Does a thermocouple fire detection system warn the pilot of a general overheat condition?

Answer 1

No, it operates on the rate of temperature rise, and it identifies only a fire.

Question 2

Does a thermal switch fire detection warn the pilot of a general overheat condition?

Answer 2

No, it only actuates when there is a fire.

Question 3

What type of fire extinguishing agent is best for both cabin fires and engine fires?

Answer 3

Halon 1301.

Question 4

What is a major disadvantage of “CB” fire extinguishing agent for extinguishing aircraft fires?

Answer 4

It is corrosive to aluminum and magnesium.

Question 5

Why is carbon tetrachloride not recommended as a fire extinguishing agent?

Answer 5

Carbon tetrachloride produces phosgene, a deadly gas, when it is exposed to flames.

Question 6

What is used as a fire extinguishing agent in most of the high-rate discharge systems installed in aircraft?

Answer 6

One of the halogenated hydrocarbons, such as Halon 1301, pressurized with nitrogen.

Question 7

What happens when the Fire-Pull T-handle is pulled in a jet transport aircraft?

Answer 7

The bottle discharge switch is uncovered and armed, the generator field relay is tripped, fuel is shut off to the engine, and hydraulic fluid is shut off to the pump.
The engine bleed air is shut off and the hydraulic pump low-pressure lights are deactivated.

Question 8

What releases the fire extinguishing agent in a high-rate discharge bottle?

Answer 8

An electrically ignited powder charge blows a knife through a seal in the HRD bottle.

Question 9

What three types of fire extinguishers are recommended for extinguishing cabin fires in an aircraft?

Answer 9

Water, Halon 1301, and carbon dioxide.

Question 10

How does a carbon monoxide detector warn the occupant of an aircraft of an excess of carbon monoxide?

Answer 10

The detector crystals in the indicator change color.

Question 11

What are two types of smoke detectors that are used in an aircraft?

Answer 11

Photoelectric and visual smoke detectors.

Question 12

Where are smoke detectors normally located in an aircraft?

Answer 12

Smoke detectors are located in baggage compartments and cargo areas.

Question 13

What type of fire extinguisher is recommended for extinguishing a brake fire?

Answer 13

A dry-powder type extinguisher.

Question 14

How is a COz fire extinguisher checked for the amount of charge it contains?

Answer 14

By its weight.

Question 15

How can you determine whether or not a built-in fire extinguishing system has been discharged?

Answer 15

By checking the blowout plugs on the outside of the aircraft near the extinguisher agent bottles.

Question 16

What precaution must you observe when checking the electrical squib of an HRD fire extinguisher bottle for electrical continuity?

Answer 16

It takes only a small amount of current to ignite the powder charge, and the method of testing must not send this amount of current through it.

Question 17

What is indicated if the red disc in a built-in fire extinguishing system is blown out?

Answer 17

The agent bottle has been discharged because of an overheating condition.