ADX Passenger Safety and Service 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passenger with a battery-powered wheelchair wants to check it as baggage. What is the primary hazard the dispatcher and carrier must manage?
- Excessive weight on cargo floor
- Lithium battery fire risk if terminals are not protected (Correct answer)
- Electromagnetic interference with avionics
- FAA prohibition on all electric wheelchairs in cargo holds
Correct answer: Lithium battery fire risk if terminals are not protected
Lithium batteries in electric wheelchairs pose a fire risk in the cargo hold if terminals are not properly insulated and the battery is not handled per IATA DGR.
Question 2: When turbulence is anticipated en route, what is the dispatcher's responsibility with respect to passenger safety?
- Issue a NOTAM to all aircraft in the area
- Brief the captain on the PIREPs and SIGMETs so the crew can illuminate the fasten seat belt sign proactively (Correct answer)
- Require the captain to file an alternate flight plan
- Contact TSA to flag the flight for inspection
Correct answer: Brief the captain on the PIREPs and SIGMETs so the crew can illuminate the fasten seat belt sign proactively
The dispatcher is responsible for providing PIREPs and SIGMETs to the captain who can then activate the seat belt sign and brief flight attendants ahead of the turbulence.
Question 3: Under FAR 121.585, a carrier must refuse transportation to a passenger who:
- Is traveling with more than one carry-on bag
- Appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance (Correct answer)
- Has not enrolled in the frequent flyer program
- Is wearing clothing deemed inappropriate by gate staff
Correct answer: Appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance
FAR 121.585 allows carriers to refuse transport to passengers whose condition poses a hazard, including intoxication, to ensure the safety of all aboard.
Question 4: Which document provides passengers and crew with evacuation procedures specific to the aircraft type?
- The Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
- The Cabin Safety Manual / Flight Attendant Manual for that aircraft type (Correct answer)
- The Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
- The Weight and Balance Manual
Correct answer: The Cabin Safety Manual / Flight Attendant Manual for that aircraft type
The Cabin Safety Manual or Flight Attendant Manual contains evacuation commands, slide deployment procedures, and crew assignments specific to each aircraft type.
Question 5: A passenger is seated in an emergency exit row but does not speak English. What action is required?
- The passenger may remain if they can demonstrate understanding through gestures
- The passenger must be reseated to a non-exit row seat (Correct answer)
- A bilingual flight attendant must be assigned to that exit
- TSA must be notified before departure
Correct answer: The passenger must be reseated to a non-exit row seat
FAR 121.585 and carrier procedures require that exit row passengers be able to read, speak, and understand English to follow crew instructions during an evacuation.
Question 6: During a ground delay, at what point does FAR 259 (Enhanced Protections for Airline Passengers) require that passengers be offered the opportunity to deplane?
- After 1 hour on the tarmac
- After 3 hours for domestic flights (4 hours for international) (Correct answer)
- After 2 hours, at the discretion of the captain
- After 30 minutes if the gate is available
Correct answer: After 3 hours for domestic flights (4 hours for international)
DOT's tarmac delay rule (FAR 259) requires carriers to allow passengers to deplane after 3 hours for domestic and 4 hours for international flights, with limited exceptions.
Question 7: What is the purpose of the 'able-bodied passenger' (ABP) briefing conducted by flight attendants?
- To upgrade frequent flyers to first class in an emergency
- To identify passengers willing and able to assist crew with evacuation procedures (Correct answer)
- To assign emergency medical duties to volunteer passengers
- To meet TSA screening requirements for armed passengers
Correct answer: To identify passengers willing and able to assist crew with evacuation procedures
Briefing ABPs identifies willing passengers who can assist with door operation or crowd management during an evacuation, supplementing the flight crew.
ADX Passenger Safety and Service 3
A passenger with a battery-powered wheelchair wants to check it as baggage.
What is the primary hazard the dispatcher and carrier must manage?