ACE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ACE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under TSA regulations, what is the minimum fence height required for the perimeter of a commercial service airport's Air Operations Area (AOA)? → 8 feet
2. Which agency is responsible for airport security screening in the U.S.? → TSA
3. Which of the following is a mandatory requirement for escort of unescorted access authorization in SIDA areas? → The escort must maintain constant visual contact and control of the unescorted person
4. What is the purpose of runway end identifier lights (REILs)? → To provide rapid and positive identification of the approach end of a runway
5. Which federal offense carries the most severe penalties related to airport security violations? → Providing false information on a security credential application
6. Which characteristic of deer makes them especially dangerous on runways compared to birds? → Their large body mass means even a low-speed strike can cause catastrophic airframe damage
7. What is the purpose of the Airport Layout Plan (ALP)? → To document current and future airport facilities and ensure FAA airspace compatibility
8. What is the significance of the term 'WILCO' in aviation radio communications? → The instruction was received and will be complied with
9. Under a 'compensatory' airport use agreement, airline rates and charges are set to: → Recover only the actual costs of facilities used by each airline
10. A pyrotechnic device used for wildlife dispersal at airports is classified as a: → Non-lethal frightening device
11. What is the standard color code for 'Immediate' priority patients in the START triage system? → Red
12. Which document outlines the specific roles and responsibilities of airport employees during a security breach? → Airport Security Program (ASP)
13. Airport landing fees are most commonly calculated based on which aircraft characteristic? → Maximum certificated gross landing weight
14. A series circuit airport lighting system fails completely when one lamp burns out. What component prevents this? → Series isolation transformer
15. Which FAA advisory circular provides standards for airport pavement design, including flexible and rigid pavement thickness requirements? → AC 150/5320-6
16. What action is required when a security checkpoint alarm is triggered and the cause cannot be resolved after multiple screening attempts? → The individual must be referred to additional screening or law enforcement
17. FAA Order 5100.38 provides guidance on which airport financial management topic? → Airport Improvement Program (AIP) handbook procedures
18. Which habitat modification technique most directly reduces grass-feeding bird activity on airfield turf? → Maintaining grass height between 7 and 14 inches
19. An airport employee's access badge is found lying unattended in a public area. What should happen to the badge? → It should be turned in to the airport security office immediately
20. Which FAA advisory circular provides guidance on sustainable airport planning, including energy, water, and waste management? → AC 150/5100-17
21. Which SMS activity would be most appropriate immediately following a significant operational change, such as the opening of a new terminal? → Conducting a post-implementation safety review to verify new risk controls are effective
22. Which federal regulation governs the handling of security-sensitive information (SSI) at airports? → 49 CFR Part 1520
23. Which SMS pillar is most directly responsible for communicating safety lessons learned to all airport personnel? → Safety Promotion
24. What document must U.S. airports comply with to maintain certification under Part 139? → Airport Certification Manual
25. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) scores range from 0 to 100; a score between 10 and 25 indicates pavement in which condition category? → Very Poor / Failed
26. Which FAA document must an airport operator follow for installing new airfield lighting systems under a federal grant? → FAA Advisory Circular 150/5340-30
27. When airports apply for AIP discretionary grants, which federal agency reviews and approves those applications? → FAA
28. A controller tells an aircraft 'Taxi to runway 28L via Alpha, hold short of runway 10.' What must the pilot do? → Taxi via taxiway Alpha and stop before entering runway 10
29. An aircraft declares an emergency and is inbound. What alert level should the Airport Operations Center declare? → Alert Level 1 (standby)
30. Which of the following is a key performance indicator (KPI) for airport parking facility management? → Occupancy rate and revenue per available parking space