FRA Mechanical & Inspection Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the required inspection interval for a locomotive's main reservoir air pressure relief valve under 49 CFR Part 229?
- Every 30 days
- Every 92 days (Correct answer)
- Every 6 months
- Annually
Correct answer: Every 92 days
Under 49 CFR Part 229, the main reservoir relief valve must be tested and inspected at least every 92 days as part of the periodic inspection cycle.
Question 2: Which condition would require a freight car to be placed out of service under 49 CFR Part 215?
- A broken knuckle pin (Correct answer)
- A faded reporting mark
- A worn but in-tolerance wheel tread
- A minor paint scratch on the car body
Correct answer: A broken knuckle pin
A broken knuckle pin is a defect that compromises coupler integrity and requires the freight car to be removed from service immediately.
Question 3: Under FRA rules, the maximum allowable brake cylinder piston travel for a standard freight car during a brake application is:
- 5 inches
- 7.5 inches
- 9 inches (Correct answer)
- 12 inches
Correct answer: 9 inches
FRA regulations specify that brake cylinder piston travel must not exceed 9 inches for standard freight cars to ensure effective brake application.
Question 4: What does the term 'single car test' refer to in FRA freight car inspection?
- A test of only the lead car's brakes
- A test device used to verify brake system performance on an individual car (Correct answer)
- An inspection performed on cars with only one truck
- A visual-only check performed without air pressure
Correct answer: A test device used to verify brake system performance on an individual car
A single car test uses a specialized device to verify that an individual freight car's brake system meets FRA performance standards.
Question 5: Under 49 CFR Part 229, which of the following is a required daily inspection item for a locomotive in service?
- Fuel tank capacity measurement
- Sanders operation check (Correct answer)
- Cab heater thermostat calibration
- Wheel tread diameter measurement
Correct answer: Sanders operation check
Sander operation is a required daily inspection item on locomotives because sanders are critical for traction on slippery rail.
Question 6: Under FRA regulations, what is the minimum flange height required for a locomotive wheel to remain in service?
- 7/8 inch (Correct answer)
- 1 inch
- 11/16 inch
- 1-1/4 inch
Correct answer: 7/8 inch
FRA regulations require a minimum flange height of 7/8 inch for locomotive wheels to ensure proper rail engagement and prevent derailment.
Question 7: Which FRA regulation addresses the qualification and certification of locomotive engineers?
- 49 CFR Part 240 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 242
- 49 CFR Part 229
- 49 CFR Part 218
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 240
49 CFR Part 240 establishes the qualification and certification standards for locomotive engineers operating in the United States.
FRA Mechanical & Inspection Standards 3
What is the required inspection interval for a locomotive's main reservoir air pressure relief valve under 49 CFR Part 229?