AFC AFC Equipment & Apparatus Knowledge 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum recommended ceiling height for a standard aerial fitness class using aerial silks?
- 10 feet
- 14 feet
- 18 feet (Correct answer)
- 22 feet
Correct answer: 18 feet
A minimum ceiling height of 18 feet is recommended to allow safe aerial silk performance with adequate drop space.
Question 2: Which hardware component is used to connect an aerial apparatus to a rigging point and allows rotation?
- Carabiner
- Swivel (Correct answer)
- Shackle
- Eye bolt
Correct answer: Swivel
A swivel allows the aerial apparatus to rotate freely, preventing dangerous twisting of the apparatus and rigging hardware.
Question 3: What material are most professional-grade aerial silks made from?
- 100% cotton
- Nylon
- Polyester-lycra blend (Correct answer)
- Hemp
Correct answer: Polyester-lycra blend
Professional aerial silks are typically made from a polyester-lycra blend, providing the right combination of stretch, strength, and grip.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a 'crash mat' in an aerial fitness studio?
- Warm-up surface only
- Decorative flooring
- Fall protection directly beneath the apparatus (Correct answer)
- Equipment storage
Correct answer: Fall protection directly beneath the apparatus
A crash mat is placed directly beneath the aerial apparatus to absorb impact and reduce injury risk from accidental falls.
Question 5: What does the 'working load limit' (WLL) on rigging hardware refer to?
- The weight of the hardware itself
- The maximum load the hardware should routinely bear (Correct answer)
- The breaking strength of the hardware
- The recommended warm-up weight
Correct answer: The maximum load the hardware should routinely bear
The working load limit is the maximum load that rigging hardware should routinely be subjected to in normal use, which is a fraction of the breaking strength.
Question 6: An aerial hoop (lyra) is typically made of which material?
- Aluminum
- Steel (Correct answer)
- Carbon fiber
- Titanium
Correct answer: Steel
Aerial hoops are typically made of steel because it provides the necessary strength and rigidity to safely support an aerialist's body weight.
AFC AFC Equipment & Apparatus Knowledge 1
What is the minimum recommended ceiling height for a standard aerial fitness class using aerial silks?