ARS Equipment Operation 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During deicing operations, what is the main reason a deicing truck operator must coordinate with the flight crew?
- To arrange catering
- To confirm engines and APU bleed air settings and readiness (Correct answer)
- To refuel the aircraft
- To unload baggage
Correct answer: To confirm engines and APU bleed air settings and readiness
Crews configure the aircraft (bleeds off, surfaces neutral) so fluid doesn't enter the cabin or harm controls.
Question 2: Type IV deicing/anti-icing fluid is typically identified by which color?
- Red
- Orange
- Clear
- Green (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Green
Type IV anti-icing fluid is dyed green, while Type I is commonly orange.
Question 3: What is the main hazard when a high-lift catering truck is raised near an aircraft door?
- Running out of fuel
- Contact with the fuselage as the aircraft settles during unloading (Correct answer)
- Excessive engine noise
- Overheating of food carts
Correct answer: Contact with the fuselage as the aircraft settles during unloading
Aircraft rise or settle as weight changes, so the raised platform must be monitored to avoid damaging the door or fuselage.
Question 4: In winter, what extra precaution should GSE operators take on icy ramps?
- Turn off headlights
- Reduce speed and increase stopping distance (Correct answer)
- Drive faster to avoid getting stuck
- Release the parking brake when parked
Correct answer: Reduce speed and increase stopping distance
Ice greatly increases stopping distance, so slower speeds prevent sliding into aircraft or people.
Question 5: Which item must be checked during a pre-use inspection of a baggage cart?
- Radio frequency
- Cabin pressure
- Engine oil only
- Tongue/hitch, brakes, curtains, and tires (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Tongue/hitch, brakes, curtains, and tires
Carts must have working hitches, brakes, curtains, and tires to tow safely and keep baggage secure.
Question 6: Why should GSE never be driven under an aircraft wing unless it is specifically required for servicing?
- Risk of striking the wing, flaps, or engines (Correct answer)
- It blocks the jet bridge
- It interferes with radio signals
- It slows down boarding
Correct answer: Risk of striking the wing, flaps, or engines
Low clearance under wings and engines makes collisions likely and costly.
Question 7: What should an operator do after parking a fuel truck near an aircraft for fueling?
- Bond the truck to the aircraft to equalize static charge (Correct answer)
- Leave the engine idling in gear
- Attach the GPU cable
- Open the cargo doors
Correct answer: Bond the truck to the aircraft to equalize static charge
Bonding prevents static discharge sparks that could ignite fuel vapors.
ARS Equipment Operation 5
During deicing operations, what is the main reason a deicing truck operator must coordinate with the flight crew?