AVOP Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What federal regulation governs airport security programs including access control?
- 14 CFR Part 91
- 49 CFR Part 1542 (Correct answer)
- 14 CFR Part 139
- 49 CFR Part 1544
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 1542
49 CFR Part 1542 establishes requirements for airport security programs including access control.
49 CFR Part 1542 (Airport Security) establishes requirements for airport operators to implement security programs controlling access to secured areas. It mandates identification display requirements and access control measures administered by the TSA.
Question 2: What is a NOTAM and why is it important for AVOP holders?
- A noise ordinance
- A Notice to Air Missions with critical airport condition information (Correct answer)
- A vehicle maintenance schedule
- A training notification
Correct answer: A Notice to Air Missions with critical airport condition information
NOTAMs communicate time-critical information about airport conditions and changes.
A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) contains information about conditions, hazards, or changes at an airport. For AVOP holders, NOTAMs may include closures, construction zones, and lighting outages. AVOP holders should review current NOTAMs before beginning operations each day.
Question 3: What does FOD stand for in airport operations?
- Flight Operations Director
- Foreign Object Debris (Correct answer)
- Federal Operations Division
- Fuel Operations Department
Correct answer: Foreign Object Debris
FOD is any object on the airfield that could damage aircraft or injure personnel.
Foreign Object Debris refers to any object not part of the airfield infrastructure that could cause damage or injury. Examples include loose hardware, tools, plastic bags, and stones. All AVOP holders are responsible for reporting and removing FOD when safe to do so.
Question 4: Under 14 CFR Part 139, what is the airport operator responsible for?
- Only aircraft maintenance
- Maintaining safe conditions including pavement, markings, lighting, and FOD control (Correct answer)
- Passenger screening only
- ATC staffing
Correct answer: Maintaining safe conditions including pavement, markings, lighting, and FOD control
Part 139 requires maintaining all airfield infrastructure and safe operating conditions.
14 CFR Part 139 requires certificated airports to maintain safe conditions: pavement surfaces, markings, lighting, signage, safety areas, FOD control, wildlife management, and emergency response. Airport operators must conduct daily inspections and correct discrepancies promptly.
Question 5: What is the Airport Movement Area Safety System (AMASS)?
- Passenger tracking system
- Automated alerts for potential runway incursions and ground conflicts (Correct answer)
- Fuel level monitor
- Maintenance scheduler
Correct answer: Automated alerts for potential runway incursions and ground conflicts
AMASS detects potential conflicts between aircraft and vehicles on the ground.
AMASS processes surface radar data to detect potential runway incursions and ground conflicts. When it detects a potential conflict, it generates alerts for controllers. Understanding that unauthorized movements trigger safety alerts reinforces the importance of following procedures.
Question 6: What is the 'sterile cockpit' concept applied to airside vehicle operations?
- Keeping vehicle interiors clean
- Minimizing distractions during critical phases of operation (Correct answer)
- Operating only in sterile areas
- Using hands-free devices
Correct answer: Minimizing distractions during critical phases of operation
Eliminate distractions during critical operations like crossing runways or navigating the movement area.
Adapted from aviation regulations, the sterile cockpit concept requires operators to minimize non-essential activities during critical phases: no phone calls, texting, eating, or distractions while in the movement area, crossing runways, or operating near aircraft.
AVOP Knowledge 2
What federal regulation governs airport security programs including access control?