AIRPORT EMPLOYEE Airport Operations and Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'displaced threshold' on a runway?
- A threshold moved from the physical end of the runway, with the area before it usable only for taxiing and takeoffs (Correct answer)
- A runway that has been officially closed
- A temporary landing area during runway repairs
- A secondary runway used by smaller aircraft only
Correct answer: A threshold moved from the physical end of the runway, with the area before it usable only for taxiing and takeoffs
A displaced threshold is a landing threshold located away from the runway's physical beginning, with the area ahead of it available for taxiing and takeoffs but not landings.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of de-icing an aircraft before departure?
- To remove ice, snow, or frost from aircraft surfaces that can impair aerodynamic performance (Correct answer)
- To cool the aircraft cabin for passenger comfort
- To prevent the landing gear from freezing during flight
- To clean the aircraft exterior for UV protection
Correct answer: To remove ice, snow, or frost from aircraft surfaces that can impair aerodynamic performance
De-icing removes contamination from aerodynamic surfaces because even a thin layer of frost can disrupt airflow and reduce lift, potentially causing an accident on takeoff.
Question 3: What is 'pushback' in aircraft ground operations?
- The process of using a tow tractor to push an aircraft from the gate onto the taxiway (Correct answer)
- Moving aircraft baggage back to passengers
- Reversing a jetway from the aircraft door
- Returning an aircraft to the hangar after maintenance
Correct answer: The process of using a tow tractor to push an aircraft from the gate onto the taxiway
Pushback uses a tow tractor attached to the nose landing gear to move the aircraft backward from the gate to a position where it can taxi under its own power.
Question 4: What does ATIS stand for in airport operations?
- Automatic Terminal Information Service (Correct answer)
- Airport Traffic Information System
- Air Traffic Intelligence Service
- Automated Terminal Instruction System
Correct answer: Automatic Terminal Information Service
ATIS is a continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information at busy airports providing weather, runways in use, NOTAMs, and other pertinent data to pilots.
Question 5: What is a 'slot' at a slot-controlled airport?
- An assigned time for an aircraft to arrive or depart, managed to limit congestion (Correct answer)
- A designated gate for a specific airline
- A parking space reserved for wide-body aircraft
- A reserved check-in counter time
Correct answer: An assigned time for an aircraft to arrive or depart, managed to limit congestion
A slot is an authorization to operate a flight at a specific time at capacity-controlled airports, allocated to manage traffic and reduce delays.
Question 6: What is the role of a Load Controller (Load Planner) at an airport?
- To calculate and distribute weight and balance of passengers, cargo, and fuel for safe aircraft loading (Correct answer)
- To manage the airport's cargo warehouse staffing
- To assign loading zones for ground vehicles
- To inspect baggage for overweight items
Correct answer: To calculate and distribute weight and balance of passengers, cargo, and fuel for safe aircraft loading
A Load Controller calculates the weight and balance of an aircraft to ensure it stays within safe center-of-gravity limits and maximum takeoff weight.
AIRPORT EMPLOYEE Airport Operations and Regulations 2
What is a 'displaced threshold' on a runway?