ARFF Chapter 2 Flashcards
What is the FAA index determined by?
Combination of length of air carrier aircraft (expressed in groups) and average number of daily departures by air carrier aircraft.
What happens when an airport has 5+ average daily departures in a single Index group?
Use the Index of the group with the longest aircraft.
What is the minimum designated FAA Index?
Index A.
What is the width and length of the CRFFAA according to NFPA® 402?
500 ft (152 m) from the runway centerline each side and 3,300 ft (1,000 m) beyond each runway end.
What must the first ARFF vehicle do in the Rapid Response Area (RRA)?
Arrive within 4 minutes.
What is the safety area width beyond each runway end for large jets?
1,000–2,000 ft (300–600 m) beyond each runway end.
What lighting color is used for taxiway edges?
Blue lights or reflectors.
What lighting color is used to identify hold bars and controlled crossing points?
Yellow or amber lights.
What does a red light indicate at an airport?
Obstructions, parked aircraft, unserviceable areas, and the departure end of the runway.
What are Runway Status Lights (RWSL)?
Embedded lights that automatically turn red to warn of unsafe conditions; no ATC input required.
What is indicated by a white on red sign at an airport?
Mandatory instruction signs, such as runway hold position signs.
What marking separates movement areas from non-movement areas?
Two lines — one solid and one dashed (Non-Movement Area Boundary Marking).
What is the purpose of a segmented circle at an airport?
To indicate the appropriate landing pattern and contains a windsock.
Where is the segmented circle located and how is it used at night?
Located at the center of the airport and illuminated at night.
What are grid maps used for at airports?
To plan emergency response routes and identify ground locations.
What are the typical traffic pattern components for aircraft?
Crosswind leg, downwind leg, base leg, final approach.
What is a displaced threshold indicated by?
A solid white line followed by eight threshold markers and white arrows.
How should fueling trucks be grounded during fueling operations?
With bonding cables to equalize static electrical potential.
What is the minimum fire extinguisher rating required for fueling operations per NFPA® 407?
20-B rated extinguisher.
What are the visual color indicators for location signs?
Yellow on black background (Where you’re at).
How far must open flames be kept from fueling operations?
50 feet (15 m).
What is the most common method of fuel delivery to aircraft?
Tank trucks with capacities ranging from 500 to 10,000 gallons.
What is the ‘dead man rope’ used for on fuel trucks?
It shuts down fueling if released and is a spring-loaded safety shutoff device.
How should ramps slope in regard to fuel spills?
Away from terminals, hangars, and loading walkways.
What is a key function of the EMAS (Engineered Material Arresting System)?
To crush under aircraft weight and decelerate the aircraft predictably.
What kind of map must include hospitals, terrain features, water, bridges, and drainage?
Grid map.
What colors mark the last 1,000 feet of a runway?
All red lights.
What defines the term ‘Movement Area’?
Runways, taxiways, and areas used for taxiing, takeoff, and landing (excluding ramps and parking).
How often are airport fuel facilities required to be inspected under FAR Part 139?
Quarterly.
What kind of weather conditions can contribute to static electricity hazards?
Low humidity, dust, dry snow, or ice crystals.
Where should emergency shutoff switches be located on a fuel truck?
At both ends of the vehicle.
What type of light is used to mark the approach end of runways?
Green lights.
How are taxiways designated?
With letters such as Alpha, Bravo, Charlie.
What is the primary hazard of vapor during fuel transfers?
Explosive vapor-air mixtures can form near fueling sites.
What hazard does electromagnetic energy pose during fueling?
Onboard radar, radios, and cell phones can ignite vapors.
What are examples of ignition sources for fuel vapors?
Static electricity, electromagnetic energy, open flames, adverse weather.
What is an apron or ramp area used for?
Loading/unloading, refueling, maintenance, baggage handling, and vehicle traffic.
What are FOD and its risks?
Foreign Object Debris; it can cause damage to aircraft and systems.
What should ARFF firefighters do regarding airport security badges?
Secure all badges, uniforms, gear, vehicles, and stations when unattended.
What is the width and length of the Rapid Response Area (RRA)?
500 ft (152 m) from each side of the runway centerline and 1,650 ft (500 m) beyond each runway end.
What is the purpose of the Critical Rescue and Fire Fighting Access Area (CRFFAA)?
To encompass the area where most aircraft accidents occur and provide access for ARFF vehicles.
What topographical features can affect ARFF response and fire behavior?
Elevation, slope, wind, mud, water collection, nearby rivers, and snow.
What equipment may be needed for ARFF response in difficult topography?
Boats, helicopters, rafts, floating platforms, diving gear, and flotation devices.
What are common structures ARFF personnel must be familiar with at an airport?
Terminals, maintenance facilities, airfreight buildings, parking structures, and the ATC tower.
What are some hazards found in aircraft maintenance facilities?
Fuel tank repairs, hazardous chemicals, electrical repairs, welding, cutting, and grinding operations.
What are the components of an airport water supply system?
Wells, drafting pits, pumps, storage tanks, water mains, fire hydrants.
What is a SIDA and who must display visible ID?
Security Identification Display Area; all personnel must display visible ID on outer clothing.
Where should fire extinguishers be located during aircraft fueling?
Upwind and within 100 feet of the aircraft.
What are the typical capacities of aircraft fuel trucks?
500 to 10,000 gallons (2,000 to 40,000 liters).
What does a dead man device do?
Shuts down fueling automatically if the operator releases control.
What is the FAA AC that covers airport markings?
AC 150/5340-1.
What are ramp envelope areas used for?
To designate space occupied by parked aircraft, marked with red and white lines.
How are taxiway feeder/stub routes designated?
With designations such as Alpha 1, Alpha 2.
What causes Foreign Object Damage (FOD)?
Debris or articles alien to the system that cause physical or economic damage.
What should be checked before entering aircraft areas to avoid FOD?
Vehicle tires for rocks and objects; ensure tools and equipment are secured.
What distance must emergency vehicles maintain during elevated threat levels?
10 feet (3 m) between each other.
What must be done if breakaway fences are removed for security?
ARFF must identify alternate off-airport routes for emergency access.
What systems may pose electrical hazards to ARFF personnel?
Airfield lighting systems and navigational aids.
What do red and white dashed lines indicate at a SIDA boundary?
Mandatory security markings; access usually staffed by guards.
What is the role of an observation tower in a fire station?
Enhances surveillance and serves as a dispatch center.
Why is bonding required during fueling?
To equalize electrostatic potential and prevent ignition from static electricity.
Where are yellow chevrons used at an airport?
To mark areas not suitable for aircraft operations.
What is the function of blast fences in run-up areas?
To control debris and reduce noise during engine testing.
Where should drainage from fueling ramps be directed?
Away from terminals and through approved separators before entering storm drains.
What is a critical consideration when placing fire stations?
Proximity to runways and minimizing response time with direct access routes.
What is the primary concern in terminal buildings for ARFF?
Life safety due to large crowds and evacuation challenges.
What does the term ‘movement area’ exclude?
Ramps and parking areas.
What is the ICAO category system based on?
Longest airplane using the airport and fuselage width.
What color is used for information signs at an airport?
Yellow background with black text.
What should ARFF personnel do during mutual aid training regarding airport access?
Make arrangements with air traffic control or airport operations for mutual/automatic aid personnel to drive vehicles on and around the airfield.
What factors determine how runways are used?
Prevailing winds and aircraft traffic patterns.
Who may control ground aircraft movements at some small airports outside the U.S.?
Flight service specialists.
How does NFPA®, ICAO, and Transport Canada classify airports?
Based on the longest airplane using the airport and fuselage width.
What is the traffic pattern flow for aircraft?
Prescribed path for aircraft landing or taking off from an airport.
What determines runway numbers?
The nearest compass bearing rounded to the nearest 10 degrees.
What is a ‘base leg’ in an aircraft traffic pattern?
Flight path at a right angle to the landing runway off the approach end.
What indicates a runway or taxiway is closed to operations?
A painted or lighted ‘X’.
What are yellow chevrons used for on runways?
Indicate areas not suitable for aircraft operations.
Where should fuel not be allowed to enter?
Directly into storm water systems.
What is the purpose of glycol containment tanks in the summer?
To drain hazardous waste and allow rainwater to flow directly into storm drains.
How far must emergency vehicles stay apart during elevated threat levels?
A minimum of 10 feet (3 meters).
What is the function of a jetway eyebrow?
Protects passengers from weather and adapts to aircraft contours.
Why must ARFF firefighters be familiar with topography?
It affects apparatus response, drainage, and fire spread.
What is the purpose of fuel shutoff valve training for ARFF personnel?
To prepare them for response and enable emergency fuel shutoff.
What are ARFF fire stations strategically located for?
Direct access to runways and to meet response time requirements.
How wide is the safety area surrounding a typical large jet runway?
250 feet (75 meters) each side.
What should be avoided near ILS critical areas?
Parking vehicles that could obstruct signals.
What is the color of markings for taxiways?
Yellow.
What is a hold bar and when must vehicles stop?
A marker for restricted areas; vehicles must stop unless cleared.
What lighting marks the last 3,000 ft of a runway?
Alternating red and white lights.
What is the typical spacing of white runway edge lights?
200 feet (60 meters) apart.
Why must airport roads be pre-planned for alternate routes?
To ensure access during adverse weather conditions.
What is the purpose of pushback procedures?
To safely move aircraft away from terminals using tugs or engines.
How does static electricity build up on aircraft?
From airflow, dust, low humidity, or fueling operations.
Why should non-intrinsically safe radios be avoided near fueling?
They can ignite fuel vapors and cause fires.
What is the main reason fueling operations are considered a constant hazard?
The 24/7 nature and pressure to perform increase the risk of fire.
What type of fuel delivery system is used at larger airports?
Underground piping systems connected to subsurface hydrants at each gate.
How should fire extinguishers be positioned if not fixed at fueling sites?
Stationed upwind and within 100 feet (30 meters) of aircraft.
