Certified Transportation Security Administration Driver TSA Driver Communication & Emergency Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A TSA vehicle driver observes smoke coming from an aircraft on the ramp. After calling the emergency in, the driver should:
- Drive toward the aircraft to assist passengers
- Move the vehicle to at least 300 feet away and await instructions from the operations center (Correct answer)
- Continue normal duties and let fire crews handle it
- Park immediately wherever the vehicle is and run to a terminal
Correct answer: Move the vehicle to at least 300 feet away and await instructions from the operations center
Drivers must clear the immediate area to prevent interference with emergency response and remain available for further instructions.
Question 2: In the context of TSA driver communications, what does 'read back' mean?
- Reviewing a written log entry for accuracy
- Repeating back a critical instruction verbatim to confirm receipt and accuracy (Correct answer)
- Sending a message a second time due to poor signal
- Reviewing radio recordings at the end of a shift
Correct answer: Repeating back a critical instruction verbatim to confirm receipt and accuracy
Read-back is a standard safety procedure where the receiver repeats a critical instruction to verify it was heard and understood correctly.
Question 3: When approaching a controlled intersection on the airside during poor visibility conditions, a TSA driver must:
- Accelerate to clear the intersection quickly
- Reduce speed, announce position on the designated radio channel, and proceed cautiously (Correct answer)
- Use the vehicle horn only and maintain normal speed
- Wait for another vehicle to cross first as a visual guide
Correct answer: Reduce speed, announce position on the designated radio channel, and proceed cautiously
Poor visibility increases collision risk; announcing position on radio ensures other operators are aware of your movement.
Question 4: A TSA driver is instructed to transport a controlled item requiring chain-of-custody documentation. If the receiving party is not present at the drop-off point, the driver should:
- Leave the item secured in the vehicle and proceed to the next task
- Contact the operations center immediately and await further instructions (Correct answer)
- Leave the item with the nearest available airport employee
- Return the item to the origin point without notification
Correct answer: Contact the operations center immediately and await further instructions
Chain-of-custody items require verified handoff; the driver must report the situation and await authorized direction rather than improvising.
Question 5: During an active shooter drill on airport property, TSA drivers are instructed to follow the 'Run, Hide, Fight' protocol. In this context, the driver's first option should be to:
- Hide in the vehicle with doors locked
- Fight the threat to protect passengers
- Evacuate the area via the safest available route (Correct answer)
- Alert other drivers via radio and coordinate a group response
Correct answer: Evacuate the area via the safest available route
Running (evacuating) to safety is always the first priority when an escape route is available in active threat situations.
Question 6: What is the correct procedure when a TSA driver's vehicle experiences a tire blowout on an active taxiway?
- Maintain speed to clear the taxiway as quickly as possible
- Brake hard and stop immediately in the center of the taxiway
- Control the vehicle, move to the nearest safe stopping point off the active area, and immediately notify the tower (Correct answer)
- Turn on hazard lights only and wait for assistance without making radio contact
Correct answer: Control the vehicle, move to the nearest safe stopping point off the active area, and immediately notify the tower
The driver must maintain vehicle control, clear the active area as soon as safe, and immediately report to the tower to prevent aircraft conflicts.
Question 7: When communicating a vehicle breakdown to the operations center, which detail is LEAST critical to include in the initial call?
- Exact location on the airfield
- Nature of the vehicle problem
- Vehicle identification number (Correct answer)
- Whether the vehicle is blocking any active pathways
Correct answer: Vehicle identification number
The vehicle identification number is administrative information; location, problem type, and obstruction status are operationally critical for immediate response.
Certified Transportation Security Administration Driver TSA Driver Communication & Emergency Procedures 3
A TSA vehicle driver observes smoke coming from an aircraft on the ramp.
After calling the emergency in, the driver should: