AVOP Airside Rules and Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum speed limit for vehicles on the airside ramp area at most airports?
- 30 mph (48 km/h)
- 25 mph (40 km/h)
- 15 mph (24 km/h) (Correct answer)
- 10 mph (16 km/h)
Correct answer: 15 mph (24 km/h)
Most airports enforce a 15 mph (24 km/h) speed limit on the ramp/apron area.
The standard maximum speed on airport ramp and apron areas is typically 15 mph (24 km/h). Some airports have lower limits in congested areas. Speed must always be adjusted for conditions. Exceeding limits can result in permit suspension or revocation.
Question 2: When must a vehicle operator activate their rotating beacon or amber flashing light?
- Only at night
- Only in the movement area
- At all times while operating on the airside (Correct answer)
- Only during emergencies
Correct answer: At all times while operating on the airside
Amber rotating beacons must be activated at all times while on the airside.
Airport regulations require all airside vehicles to display an activated amber rotating beacon or flashing light at all times, regardless of time of day or weather. This ensures visibility to aircraft, other vehicles, and pedestrians. Failure to display a beacon can result in AVOP violations.
Question 3: What should a vehicle operator do if they become lost on the airfield?
- Continue driving until finding a landmark
- Stop immediately, turn on all lights, and contact ATC or operations (Correct answer)
- Drive to the nearest runway
- Exit through the perimeter fence
Correct answer: Stop immediately, turn on all lights, and contact ATC or operations
Stop, illuminate your vehicle, and contact ATC or operations for guidance.
If disoriented, stop immediately, activate all available lights, and contact ATC or airport operations by radio. Continuing to drive while disoriented dramatically increases the risk of a runway incursion or collision. ATC will provide directions to guide you to safety.
Question 4: Who has the ultimate right-of-way on the airfield?
- Emergency vehicles with lights activated (Correct answer)
- Aircraft at all times
- Airport operations vehicles
- Vehicles already on the taxiway
Correct answer: Emergency vehicles with lights activated
Emergency vehicles responding to an emergency have the ultimate right-of-way.
The right-of-way hierarchy places emergency vehicles responding to emergencies at the highest priority, followed by aircraft, then airport operations vehicles, then all other authorized vehicles. During emergencies, all other traffic must yield to emergency vehicles.
Question 5: What must a vehicle operator do before crossing any runway?
- Flash headlights three times
- Obtain explicit ATC clearance and visually check for aircraft (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn twice
- Wait for a green light signal
Correct answer: Obtain explicit ATC clearance and visually check for aircraft
Before crossing, receive explicit ATC clearance, read it back, and visually scan for aircraft.
Before crossing a runway: (1) contact ATC and receive explicit verbal clearance, (2) read back the clearance correctly, and (3) visually scan the full runway length and approach/departure paths. Even with clearance, the operator is responsible for ensuring the crossing is safe.
Question 6: What is the minimum safe distance from an aircraft under its own power?
- 10 feet (3 meters)
- 25 feet (7.5 meters)
- 50 feet (15 meters) (Correct answer)
- 200 feet (60 meters)
Correct answer: 50 feet (15 meters)
Maintain at least 50 feet from aircraft under power to avoid jet blast and collision hazards.
The standard minimum distance for vehicles near aircraft under their own power is typically 50 feet (15 meters). This provides protection from jet blast, propeller wash, and collision risk. Greater distances may be required for larger aircraft types.
AVOP Airside Rules and Procedures 2
What is the maximum speed limit for vehicles on the airside ramp area at most airports?