Airside Vehicle Operator's Permit (AVOP) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the first action upon discovering a fuel spill on the ramp?

Ignore small spills
Drive through quickly
Clean it up immediately
Notify airport operations and evacuate the area (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Notify airport operations and evacuate the area

Report any fuel spill immediately and move away. Do not attempt cleanup unless trained.

Question 2: Every vehicle must approach or depart at the proper angle:

it does not mater
at 75 degree
at 90 degree (Correct answer)
at any angle

Correct answer: at 90 degree

The correct answer is "at 90 degrees." This means that every vehicle must approach or depart at a right angle, perpendicular to the designated path or area.

Question 3: Which zone requires continuous two-way radio communication with ATC?

Public area
Non-movement area
Sterile area
Movement area (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Movement area

The movement area requires continuous radio communication.

Question 4: What does the term "GSE PARKING BOX" mean?

The continuous white border encircles three broken orange lines. It indicates a vehicle path where an aircraft's tail at the gate may have an impact.
A vehicle route marked on the mobility area that crosses the taxiway for an aircraft stand
The long-term GSE and tenant-specific parking spots are identified by white dashed marks within the apron safety lines. (Correct answer)
A section of an apron designated as a taxiway, for the purpose of exclusively granting access to aircraft stands

Correct answer: The long-term GSE and tenant-specific parking spots are identified by white dashed marks within the apron safety lines.

The term "GSE PARKING BOX" refers to the long-term Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and tenant-specific parking spots that are identified by white dashed marks within the apron safety lines. These markings designate specific areas on the apron where ground service equipment can be parked for extended periods. So, the correct option from the provided choices is: <br> <br> "The long-term GSE and tenant-specific parking spots are identified by white dashed marks within the apron safety lines."

Question 5: Which of the following is considered FOD that must be reported or removed?

Aircraft tie-down points
Painted runway markings
Runway lighting fixtures
A loose bolt found on the apron (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A loose bolt found on the apron

A loose bolt on the apron is FOD and must be removed or reported immediately because it can be ingested by aircraft engines.

Question 6: What must a vehicle operator do before crossing any runway?

Sound the horn twice
Obtain explicit ATC clearance and visually check for aircraft (Correct answer)
Wait for a green light signal
Flash headlights three times

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.

Question 7: What information must a vehicle operator include when initially contacting the tower?

Vehicle make and model
Driver's name and AVOP number
Destination and ETA only
Call sign, location, and request or intention (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Call sign, location, and request or intention

Include your vehicle call sign, current location, and your request.

Question 8: How should you acknowledge a frequency change instruction from ATC?

Say 'roger' only
Flash vehicle lights
Read back the new frequency and your call sign (Correct answer)
Switch without responding

Correct answer: Read back the new frequency and your call sign

Read back the new frequency and call sign before switching.

Question 9: Why should operators avoid using the word 'repeat' on the radio?

Too informal
Wastes airtime
In military usage it means to fire again, so 'say again' is used instead (Correct answer)
ATC does not understand it

Correct answer: In military usage it means to fire again, so 'say again' is used instead

'Repeat' has a military meaning (fire again); 'say again' is the correct aviation term.

Question 10: Under 14 CFR Part 139, what is the airport operator responsible for?

Passenger screening only
Maintaining safe conditions including pavement, markings, lighting, and FOD control (Correct answer)
ATC staffing
Only aircraft maintenance

Correct answer: Maintaining safe conditions including pavement, markings, lighting, and FOD control

Part 139 requires maintaining all airfield infrastructure and safe operating conditions.

Question 11: When is it permissible to drive in the airport's airside area?

A yellow beacon, headlights, parking lights and tail lights
All of the above (when escorted by a valid YYC-specific AVOP holder, when holding a valid YYC-specific AVOP, or when authorized by the Authority AVOP Coordinator) (Correct answer)
Come to a complete STOP and look left and right to ensure that the way is clear
Cannot use the D permit for Company Y

Correct answer: All of the above (when escorted by a valid YYC-specific AVOP holder, when holding a valid YYC-specific AVOP, or when authorized by the Authority AVOP Coordinator)

Driving airside is permitted in all of the listed circumstances: when escorted by a valid YYC-specific AVOP holder, when holding a valid YYC-specific AVOP yourself, or when authorised by the Authority AVOP Coordinator. Because each is a legitimate form of authorisation, 'all of the above' is correct; the other options describe permit limits, stop procedures, and vehicle lighting rather than when airside driving is allowed.

Question 12: Which of the following best describes the primary danger that requires vehicle operators to maintain a safe distance from aircraft with running engines?

The high-velocity exhaust can overturn vehicles, damage equipment, and propel debris at dangerous speeds. (Correct answer)
The heat from the exhaust can melt vehicle tires.
The loud noise can damage the vehicle's radio system.
The fumes can be toxic if the vehicle's windows are open.

Correct answer: The high-velocity exhaust can overturn vehicles, damage equipment, and propel debris at dangerous speeds.

While heat, noise, and fumes are concerns, the most immediate and severe danger from jet blast or prop wash is the immense force of the displaced air. It can easily move or overturn vehicles, Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and turn loose objects into high-speed projectiles.

Question 13: Which of the following is NOT a common way FOD ends up on the airside?

Generated by normal pavement wear and cracking
Being blown in by wind
Controlled deposition by ground crews (Correct answer)
Falling from aircraft or vehicles

Correct answer: Controlled deposition by ground crews

FOD is never intentionally deposited by ground crews; it is unintentionally introduced through equipment, wind, pavement deterioration, or items falling from vehicles or aircraft.

Question 14: What does 'read back' mean in radio communications?

Repeat the controller's instruction to confirm understanding (Correct answer)
Ask the controller to repeat
Read the NOTAM board
Read the airport manual

Correct answer: Repeat the controller's instruction to confirm understanding

Read-back requires repeating the ATC instruction verbatim to confirm correct understanding.

Question 15: What should you do if your vehicle runs over or causes injury to wildlife on the airside?

Only report it if it happens on a runway
Stop, secure the area, and immediately notify airport operations (Correct answer)
Continue your duties and report it at the end of your shift
Remove the animal from the surface and dispose of it

Correct answer: Stop, secure the area, and immediately notify airport operations

Any wildlife incident must be reported immediately to airport operations so they can assess the situation, document it, and take appropriate action.

Question 16: What is a Controlled Access Point (CAP) at an airport?

A weather observation station
A radar facility
A location where aircraft refuel
A designated entry or exit point to restricted airside areas with security controls (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A designated entry or exit point to restricted airside areas with security controls

A CAP is a security checkpoint where personnel and vehicles must present proper credentials before entering restricted airside areas.

Question 17: What color are runway edge lights?

Blue
White (Correct answer)
Red
Green

Correct answer: White

Runway edge lights are white along most of the length, changing to yellow in the last 2,000 feet.

Question 18: What is the general speed limit on an airport apron in close proximity to a parked aircraft, unless otherwise posted?

30 km/h (20 mph)
A speed equivalent to a walking pace (Correct answer)
25 km/h (15 mph)
The same as the adjacent vehicle service road

Correct answer: A speed equivalent to a walking pace

When driving near parked aircraft, baggage areas, or in areas with high pedestrian traffic, the speed limit is typically reduced to a walking pace, often specified as 5 mph or less, to ensure maximum safety and reaction time. General apron speed limits are higher but do not apply this close to aircraft.

Question 19: During an airport evacuation, what is the primary responsibility of airside vehicle operators?

Continue normal operations
Follow the evacuation plan, direct traffic from affected areas, and report to staging points (Correct answer)
Leave the airport
Drive to terminal for passengers

Correct answer: Follow the evacuation plan, direct traffic from affected areas, and report to staging points

Follow established procedures, help clear the area, and report to assigned staging points.

Question 20: When operating a vehicle airside, what is the general rule regarding the use of vehicle lights during both day and night?

Only hazard lights are necessary when parked on an aircraft stand.
The rotating amber beacon must be active at all times the vehicle is operating. (Correct answer)
Headlights are only required between sunset and sunrise.
High beams should be used at night for maximum visibility.

Correct answer: The rotating amber beacon must be active at all times the vehicle is operating.

To ensure vehicles are visible to aircraft and other vehicles, the rotating amber beacon (or strobe light) must be turned on at all times when operating on the airside, including during daylight hours. Dipped headlights are also required at night and during periods of low visibility.

Question 21: What is the primary danger of ignoring a small piece of metal debris spotted on a taxiway?

It could block ground crew communication
It could scratch aircraft paint
It could trigger a false alarm on the airside radar
It could be ingested by an engine or puncture a tire, causing a serious incident (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It could be ingested by an engine or puncture a tire, causing a serious incident

Even small metal objects can cause tire blowouts or be ingested by engines, potentially leading to catastrophic aircraft failure.

Question 22: Where should FOD collected from the airside be disposed of?

Left at the edge of the taxiway for later collection
Taken off the airside and placed in any available trash bin
In designated FOD containers or bins located throughout the airside (Correct answer)
Thrown into the grass infield area

Correct answer: In designated FOD containers or bins located throughout the airside

Collected FOD must be placed in designated FOD bins or containers provided throughout the airside to ensure proper tracking and disposal.

Question 23: Who is in charge of confronting and/or reporting someone who is not wearing a RAIC and is within an airport's restricted area?

The Avop Holder
The Employer
Everyone who has a RAIC (Correct answer)
Groomers only

Correct answer: Everyone who has a RAIC

It's the responsibility of anyone holding a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC) to confront or report someone who is not wearing a RAIC and is within an airport's restricted area. This ensures the security and integrity of the restricted areas.

Question 24: What is the role of the Airport Certification Inspector (ACI)?

Issue AVOP permits
Conduct FAA oversight of Part 139 compliance (Correct answer)
Manage ATC schedules
Inspect aircraft before departure

Correct answer: Conduct FAA oversight of Part 139 compliance

ACIs are FAA inspectors verifying airport compliance with Part 139 requirements.

Question 25: Which organization operates Calgary International Airport?

City of Calgary
The Calgary Airport Authority (Correct answer)
WestJet Airlines
Transport Canada

Correct answer: The Calgary Airport Authority

The Calgary Airport Authority operates YYC under a long-term lease from the federal government.

Question 26: What category of runway incursion represents the most critical level of severity where a collision was narrowly avoided?

Category B
Category D
Category A (Correct answer)
Category C

Correct answer: Category A

A Category A runway incursion is the most severe, involving a situation in which a collision was narrowly avoided.

Question 27: What PPE is typically required for all airside vehicle operators?

Hard hat and steel-toed boots only
Full body armor
High-visibility vest, hearing protection in high-noise areas, and eye protection as needed (Correct answer)
No PPE required

Correct answer: High-visibility vest, hearing protection in high-noise areas, and eye protection as needed

At minimum, high-visibility clothing is required. Additional PPE varies by area and activity.

Question 28: What does FOD stand for in the context of airport airside operations?

Federal Oversight Division
Forward Operations Deck
Flight Operations Data
Foreign Object Debris (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Foreign Object Debris

FOD stands for Foreign Object Debris, which refers to any object on the airside that could potentially damage aircraft or injure personnel.

Question 29: What are requirements for operating on a closed runway or taxiway?

Any AVOP holder can use as shortcuts
Must have specific authorization from operations and follow all closure conditions (Correct answer)
No vehicles ever
Closure markings are advisory

Correct answer: Must have specific authorization from operations and follow all closure conditions

Specific authorization from operations is required, plus compliance with all closure conditions.

Question 30: What is NAV CANADA's role at YYC?

Customs
Airline scheduling
Airport maintenance
Air traffic control and navigation services (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Air traffic control and navigation services

NAV CANADA provides ATC, flight information, and navigation services.

Question 31: While performing your duties on the apron, you witness an unattended bag left next to a security fence. Which of the following is the correct course of action?

Pick up the bag and take it to the lost and found office.
Assume someone will be back for it and continue with your work.
Open the bag to try and identify its owner.
Do not touch or move the bag; move a safe distance away and immediately report it to airport security or your supervisor. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Do not touch or move the bag; move a safe distance away and immediately report it to airport security or your supervisor.

Unattended items in a restricted airport environment are a potential security threat. The correct protocol is to never touch or move the item. You must report it to the proper authorities (airport security, police, or a supervisor) from a safe distance, providing a clear description and location.

Question 32: What defines the boundary between the movement area and the non-movement area?

A physical fence
A painted white line
Non-movement area boundary markings with a dashed yellow line paired with a solid yellow line (Correct answer)
A concrete barrier

Correct answer: Non-movement area boundary markings with a dashed yellow line paired with a solid yellow line

The boundary is indicated by a solid yellow line on the non-movement side and a dashed yellow line on the movement side.

Question 33: When must operators reduce speed below posted limits?

Never
When conditions warrant: poor visibility, wet surfaces, congestion, construction, pedestrians (Correct answer)
Only during enforcement
Only with passengers

Correct answer: When conditions warrant: poor visibility, wet surfaces, congestion, construction, pedestrians

Speed must be adjusted below limits whenever conditions reduce visibility, traction, or safety margins.

Question 34: At what point must a vehicle operator stop at a runway holding position?

Anywhere within 50 feet of the edge of the runway
With the front bumper directly over the first solid yellow line
Before the hold short markings, so the entire vehicle remains on the taxiway side (Correct answer)
At a point where the driver can visually confirm no aircraft are on final approach

Correct answer: Before the hold short markings, so the entire vehicle remains on the taxiway side

The entire vehicle must remain on the non-runway side of the holding position markings until ATC clearance is received to cross.

Question 35: After completing work on the airside, what FOD-related responsibility do you have before leaving the area?

No additional action is required once work is complete
Check the area for any debris, tools, or materials left behind and remove them (Correct answer)
Submit a written report only if debris was found
Leave any waste for the next shift to manage

Correct answer: Check the area for any debris, tools, or materials left behind and remove them

Before leaving any airside work area, you must inspect it for leftover debris, tools, or materials and remove them to prevent FOD hazards.

Question 36: What does 'say again' mean in radio communications?

Please repeat your entire last transmission (Correct answer)
Repeat your call sign
Switch frequencies
Confirm you understood

Correct answer: Please repeat your entire last transmission

'Say again' requests a repetition of the last transmission.

Question 37: What is the difference between ground control and tower frequencies?

No difference
Ground is aircraft only
Tower handles everything
Ground handles taxiway movements, tower controls runway operations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ground handles taxiway movements, tower controls runway operations

Ground control manages taxiway traffic; tower manages runway operations.

Question 38: Who is in charge of making sure an AVOP holder is informed on the most recent revisions to the Airside Traffic Directives?

The Vehicle operator
The AVOP holder (Correct answer)
The employer
The Pass office

Correct answer: The AVOP holder

It's the responsibility of the AVOP holder to ensure they are informed about the most recent revisions to the Airside Traffic Directives. This ensures that they are aware of any changes or updates that may affect their operations and compliance with regulations.

Question 39: You are driving on an airside vehicle corridor when you see an Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle approaching from behind with its emergency lights and siren activated. Which of the following actions is required?

Increase your speed to stay ahead of the emergency vehicle.
Contact ATC on the radio to ask the ARFF vehicle for its destination.
Flash your headlights to acknowledge them and then maintain your course and speed.
Safely pull over to the side of the roadway, come to a complete stop, and wait for the vehicle to pass. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Safely pull over to the side of the roadway, come to a complete stop, and wait for the vehicle to pass.

Standard procedure on any road, including airside, is to yield the right-of-way to responding emergency vehicles. This involves pulling over to the side safely and stopping completely to provide a clear path for the emergency response.

Question 40: What does the term 'squawk' refer to in airport operations?

Engine noise complaint
Bird strike report
Radio malfunction report
A transponder code assigned by ATC for radar identification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A transponder code assigned by ATC for radar identification

'Squawk' refers to a transponder code. Vehicle operators should understand this terminology from radio monitoring.

Airside Vehicle Operator's Permit (AVOP) Exam

The AVOP exam certifies individuals to operate vehicles on airport airside areas, covering safety procedures, markings, communications, and regulatory compliance.

Questions

45 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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