REC Locomotive Mechanical & Safety Inspections 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FRA regulations, how often must a locomotive receive a Class IA inspection?
- Every 92 days (Correct answer)
- Every 184 days
- Every 365 days
- Every 30 days
Correct answer: Every 92 days
FRA regulations require a Class IA inspection every 92 days for locomotives in service.
Question 2: Which component must be tested before each locomotive departure to ensure safe brake application?
- Automatic air brake system (Correct answer)
- Horn circuit
- Headlight intensity
- Fuel pump pressure
Correct answer: Automatic air brake system
A brake test of the automatic air brake system is required before each departure to confirm proper operation.
Question 3: What is the minimum brake cylinder piston travel limit before corrective action is required on most freight locomotives?
- 7 inches (Correct answer)
- 10 inches
- 14 inches
- 5 inches
Correct answer: 7 inches
FRA regulations specify that brake cylinder piston travel should not exceed 7 inches without corrective maintenance.
Question 4: When inspecting locomotive wheels, a flat spot exceeding what length requires the unit to be removed from service?
- 2½ inches (Correct answer)
- 1 inch
- 4 inches
- ½ inch
Correct answer: 2½ inches
A wheel flat spot exceeding 2½ inches in length requires the locomotive to be removed from service per FRA rules.
Question 5: What does a 'blue flag' displayed on a locomotive indicate?
- Workers are on or under the equipment — do not move (Correct answer)
- The locomotive has passed inspection
- The locomotive is out of fuel
- The locomotive is cleared for departure
Correct answer: Workers are on or under the equipment — do not move
A blue flag or blue light indicates that workers are on, under, or between equipment, and the locomotive must not be moved.
Question 6: Which FRA regulation part specifically governs locomotive safety standards?
- 49 CFR Part 229 (Correct answer)
- 49 CFR Part 232
- 49 CFR Part 238
- 49 CFR Part 240
Correct answer: 49 CFR Part 229
49 CFR Part 229 establishes the railroad locomotive safety standards enforced by the FRA.
Question 7: What action must an engineer take upon discovering a non-complying condition on a locomotive at an away-from-home terminal?
- Report it and wait for authorization to operate or have the defect repaired (Correct answer)
- Continue operating at reduced speed
- Immediately abandon the locomotive
- Radio dispatch and continue at normal speed
Correct answer: Report it and wait for authorization to operate or have the defect repaired
The engineer must report the defect and either wait for authorized permission to continue or have the defect corrected before proceeding.
REC Locomotive Mechanical & Safety Inspections 2
Under FRA regulations, how often must a locomotive receive a Class IA inspection?