ACE Airport Operations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does ARFF stand for in airport operations?
- Airport Runway Fire Fighting
- Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (Correct answer)
- Airfield Response and First Aid
- Aviation Rescue, Foam, and Fire
Correct answer: Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting
ARFF stands for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, the specialized emergency services required at certificated airports.
Question 2: Which document serves as the primary operational reference for an airport's compliance with FAA Part 139 requirements?
- Airport Emergency Plan (AEP)
- Airport Certification Manual (ACM) (Correct answer)
- Airport Master Plan
- Airport Layout Plan (ALP)
Correct 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.
Question 3: What is the purpose of runway end identifier lights (REILs)?
- To mark the centerline of the runway during low visibility
- To provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a runway (Correct answer)
- To indicate the threshold displacement on a runway
- To warn pilots of obstacles beyond the runway end
Correct 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.
Question 4: An airport's SIFL (Scheduled Interstate Flying) index is used to determine:
- Runway capacity during peak hours
- Aircraft rescue and firefighting index category (Correct answer)
- Fuel storage limits for jet aircraft
- Noise abatement curfew schedules
Correct 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.
Question 5: What is a displaced threshold?
- A threshold moved inward from the physical runway end, restricting landing use of the pavement before it (Correct answer)
- A threshold that shifts during construction periods only
- A temporary threshold used during ILS calibration
- A threshold at the far end of the runway used for departures
Correct 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.
Question 6: Under FAA Part 139, how often must airport self-inspections be conducted?
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Daily (Correct answer)
- After every aircraft operation
Correct answer: Daily
Part 139 requires daily inspections of the airport's movement areas and safety areas to ensure compliance with certification requirements.
Question 7: What is the function of a Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)?
- To provide lateral guidance to pilots on final approach
- To indicate to pilots whether they are on the correct glide path visually (Correct answer)
- To replace an ILS when it is out of service
- To alert ground crews that an aircraft is on final approach
Correct 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.
ACE Airport Operations 3
What does ARFF stand for in airport operations?