AVOP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AVOP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does a yellow sign with black text and directional arrows indicate? → Direction and designation of intersecting taxiways
2. Which of the following is the most critical reason for controlling Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on the airside? → To prevent ingestion by jet engines, which can cause catastrophic failure.
3. What is the proper procedure approaching a runway/taxiway intersection? → Slow down, scan, stop at holding position, and get ATC clearance
4. What role do AVOP holders play in wildlife hazard management? → Serve as additional observers, reporting sightings and strikes
5. What vehicle lighting is required for nighttime airside operations? → Headlights, taillights, amber beacon, and additional airport-required lighting
6. To avoid confusion with similar-sounding letters over the radio, the ICAO phonetic alphabet is used. How would you correctly spell out "TAXIWAY B9"? → "TAXIWAY, BRAVO, NINER."
7. When using airport aprons without an escort, all self-propelled vehicles with cabs need to have which of the following lights or markers installed? → A yellow beacon, headlights, parking lights and tail lights
8. When conducting a vehicle pre-use inspection, what FOD-related check should you perform? → Inspect the vehicle for loose parts, unsecured cargo, or items that could fall off
9. While driving on an airside vehicle roadway, you approach a sign with a red background and white text that reads 'RWY 33'. What does this sign indicate? → A mandatory instruction sign for an upcoming runway holding position.
10. What category of runway incursion represents the most critical level of severity where a collision was narrowly avoided? → Category A
11. When operating a vehicle on the airside, which of the following has the absolute right-of-way under all circumstances? → An aircraft in distress
12. Under 14 CFR Part 139, what is the airport operator responsible for? → Maintaining safe conditions including pavement, markings, lighting, and FOD control
13. What color are taxiway centerline markings? → Yellow
14. What is the proper technique for driving in wet conditions on the airfield? → Reduce speed, increase following distance, avoid sudden braking, watch for hydroplaning
15. What is the primary danger of ignoring a small piece of metal debris spotted on a taxiway? → It could be ingested by an engine or puncture a tire, causing a serious incident
16. What is the recommended action when a vehicle operator becomes unsure of their position on the airfield at night or in reduced visibility? → Stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact ATC for guidance
17. Every vehicle must approach or depart at the proper angle: → at 90 degree
18. What do yellow chevron markings adjacent to a runway indicate? → Blast pad or stopway—not for normal use
19. Under what condition may a vehicle operator deviate from ATC instructions? → To avoid an imminent safety hazard
20. An AVOP typically restricts the holder to specific areas of the airside. What term describes these authorized areas? → Defined movement areas listed on the permit or associated access badge
21. When communicating with Air Traffic Control, what is the primary purpose of using the ICAO phonetic alphabet (e.g., Alfa, Bravo, Charlie)? → To ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings between letters that sound similar.
22. What is the proper procedure for parking near an aircraft gate? → Park only in designated areas, clear of equipment limit lines and aircraft paths
23. What is the correct procedure when a construction zone is active on the airfield? → Follow all barricades, NOTAMs, and restrictions—never enter without authorization
24. What should you do if you see a vehicle in the movement area without an amber beacon? → Report to airport operations immediately
25. On which frequency do most vehicle operations in the movement area occur? → Ground control frequency
26. What is the significance of the movement/non-movement boundary for communications? → Marks where ATC communication becomes mandatory
27. What is the primary authority for airside safety regulations at YYC? → Transport Canada
28. What is the primary purpose of using standardized radiotelephony phraseology, such as "AFFIRMATIVE" instead of "Yes," on the airside? → To prevent misunderstandings that can arise from non-standard or ambiguous language.
29. What is a destination sign at an airport? → Direction to a specific destination like a runway or terminal
30. What does 'say again' mean in radio communications? → Please repeat your entire last transmission