Airport Operations Flashcards

What does ARFF stand for in airport operations?

Answer: Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting

ARFF stands for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, the specialized emergency services required at certificated airports.

Which document serves as the primary operational reference for an airport's compliance with FAA Part 139 requirements?

Answer: Airport Certification Manual (ACM)

The Airport Certification Manual (ACM) describes how the airport complies with Part 139 regulations and must be approved by the FAA.

What is the purpose of runway end identifier lights (REILs)?

Answer: To provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a runway

REILs consist of two synchronized flashing lights at the runway threshold to help pilots quickly identify the runway end.

An airport's SIFL (Scheduled Interstate Flying) index is used to determine:

Answer: Aircraft rescue and firefighting index category

The ARFF index (not SIFL) — but the largest aircraft type and frequency of operations determine an airport's ARFF index category under Part 139.

What is a displaced threshold?

Answer: A threshold moved inward from the physical runway end, restricting landing use of the pavement before it

A displaced threshold is located at a point other than the physical beginning of the runway; the pavement before it may be used for takeoff but not landing.

Under FAA Part 139, how often must airport self-inspections be conducted?

Answer: Daily

Part 139 requires daily inspections of the airport's movement areas and safety areas to ensure compliance with certification requirements.

What is the function of a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)?

Answer: To indicate to pilots whether they are on the correct glide path visually

PAPI uses a row of lights showing red/white combinations to tell pilots if they are above, on, or below the correct glide slope.