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

Question 1: What do Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs) look like?

Blue lights at the departure end
Steady green lights at the threshold
A pair of synchronized flashing white lights on each side of the runway threshold (Correct answer)
Red lights along the runway edge

Correct answer: A pair of synchronized flashing white lights on each side of the runway threshold

REILs are paired synchronized flashing white strobe lights at the runway threshold.

Question 2: What is the Airport Movement Area Safety System (AMASS)?

Passenger tracking system
Maintenance scheduler
Automated alerts for potential runway incursions and ground conflicts (Correct answer)
Fuel level monitor

Correct answer: Automated alerts for potential runway incursions and ground conflicts

AMASS detects potential conflicts between aircraft and vehicles on the ground.

Question 3: What color are runway edge lights?

White (Correct answer)
Blue
Green
Red

Correct answer: White

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

Question 4: What is the maximum number of vehicles a single escort may typically supervise?

Unlimited
3 (Correct answer)
1
5

Correct answer: 3

Most airports limit escort ratios to 1:3 to maintain visual contact.

Question 5: What category of runway incursion represents the most critical level of severity where a collision was narrowly avoided?

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

Correct answer: Category A

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

Question 6: At what point must a vehicle operator stop at a runway holding position?

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

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 7: What is the proper procedure for refueling a vehicle on the airside?

Use designated areas, shut off engine, ground if required, have fire equipment available (Correct answer)
No special procedures
Refuel anywhere
Keep engine running

Correct answer: Use designated areas, shut off engine, ground if required, have fire equipment available

Refuel at designated locations with engine off, proper grounding, and fire equipment available.

Question 8: What is a Tabletop Exercise in airport emergency preparedness?

Physical fitness test
Computer simulation
A discussion-based exercise walking through scenarios without deploying resources (Correct answer)
Training with model aircraft

Correct answer: A discussion-based exercise walking through scenarios without deploying resources

Tabletop exercises bring decision-makers together to discuss response procedures for scenarios.

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

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

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: When conducting a vehicle pre-use inspection, what FOD-related check should you perform?

Verify the vehicle's paint is intact
Inspect the vehicle for loose parts, unsecured cargo, or items that could fall off (Correct answer)
Confirm the vehicle ID number matches the permit
Check the vehicle's fuel level only

Correct answer: Inspect the vehicle for loose parts, unsecured cargo, or items that could fall off

Before operating airside, you must inspect your vehicle for any loose parts or unsecured items that could detach and become FOD during operations.

Question 11: What do blue taxiway edge lights indicate?

Aircraft parking position
Taxiway edge (Correct answer)
Closed taxiway
Runway edge

Correct answer: Taxiway edge

Blue lights outline taxiway edges, helping navigation during low-visibility conditions.

Question 12: During an aircraft emergency, what should non-emergency vehicles do?

Drive to help
Park and leave
Clear the area and follow ATC/operations instructions (Correct answer)
Continue normal operations

Correct answer: Clear the area and follow ATC/operations instructions

Non-emergency vehicles must clear active surfaces and move to holding areas as directed.

Question 13: When operating a vehicle on an airport apron, which of the following has the absolute right-of-way?

Emergency vehicles responding to an incident
A catering truck servicing an aircraft
The Airport Operations Manager's vehicle
Aircraft being pushed back from a gate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Aircraft being pushed back from a gate

Aircraft always have the right-of-way over all vehicles and pedestrians on the airside. This includes aircraft under tow or being pushed back. While emergency vehicles have priority over other ground vehicles, they must still yield to aircraft unless directed otherwise by Air Traffic Control.

Question 14: What condition can result in an automatic suspension of an AVOP?

Being found under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating airside (Correct answer)
Requesting a different shift assignment
Taking approved leave from your position
Failing a non-essential skills refresher

Correct answer: Being found under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating airside

Operating airside while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a zero-tolerance violation that results in immediate AVOP suspension and possible criminal charges.

Question 15: What does a steady red light gun signal directed at a ground vehicle mean?

Stop and hold position (Correct answer)
Return to starting point
Exercise extreme caution
Cleared to proceed

Correct answer: Stop and hold position

Steady red means stop and hold your current position.

Question 16: 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?

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.
Increase your speed to stay ahead of the emergency vehicle.
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 17: What inspection is required after a vehicle is involved in any airside incident?

Wait for scheduled maintenance
Thorough inspection for damage, leaks, loose parts, and FOD hazards before returning to service (Correct answer)
Check tire pressure only
None if vehicle looks OK

Correct answer: Thorough inspection for damage, leaks, loose parts, and FOD hazards before returning to service

Any vehicle in an incident must be thoroughly inspected before returning to service.

Question 18: What hazard does propeller wash from turboprop aircraft pose to vehicles?

Can overturn light vehicles and launch FOD at high velocity (Correct answer)
No significant hazard
Hazard only at takeoff thrust
Only affects vehicles directly behind

Correct answer: Can overturn light vehicles and launch FOD at high velocity

Propeller wash generates significant forces that can overturn vehicles and propel debris even at reduced power.

Question 19: A vehicle operator is cleared by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to cross Runway 27. After crossing, the operator realizes they also need to cross Runway 33. What is the correct procedure?

Stop completely clear of Runway 27 and wait for ATC to provide the next clearance without being prompted.
Flash the vehicle's headlights towards the tower three times to signal the intention to cross the next runway.
Proceed to cross Runway 33 as the initial clearance implies permission for all subsequent runway crossings on the route.
Stop completely clear of the Runway 27 safety area and contact ATC to request a specific clearance to cross Runway 33. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop completely clear of the Runway 27 safety area and contact ATC to request a specific clearance to cross Runway 33.

ATC clearances for runway crossings are issued one at a time. A clearance to cross one runway does not authorize crossing any other runway. The operator must stop after clearing the first runway and obtain a separate, specific clearance before proceeding across the next.

Question 20: Which action is PROHIBITED when wildlife is observed on or near a runway?

Waiting at a safe distance and monitoring
Reporting to ATC immediately
Notifying airport operations
Attempting to drive through or scatter the wildlife without authorization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Attempting to drive through or scatter the wildlife without authorization

Driving through wildlife without authorization can scatter them unpredictably and may not effectively clear the runway, and must only be done by trained wildlife control personnel.

Question 21: What does 'roger' mean in radio communication?

I will comply
Please repeat
Yes, I agree
I have received and understood your message (Correct answer)

Correct answer: I have received and understood your message

'Roger' means received and understood. It does NOT mean agreement or compliance.

Question 22: Runway Guard Lights (also called 'wig-wag' lights) are installed to warn vehicle operators of what?

The threshold of a runway cleared for landing traffic only
The boundary between the aircraft parking apron and the taxiway
The approach to a runway holding position where a runway crossing requires ATC clearance (Correct answer)
An active construction zone along the taxiway edge

Correct answer: The approach to a runway holding position where a runway crossing requires ATC clearance

Runway guard lights are alternately flashing yellow lights installed at taxiway/runway intersections to alert operators that they are approaching a runway holding position.

Question 23: What is a NOTAM and why is it important for AVOP holders?

A Notice to Air Missions with critical airport condition information (Correct answer)
A noise ordinance
A training notification
A vehicle maintenance schedule

Correct answer: A Notice to Air Missions with critical airport condition information

NOTAMs communicate time-critical information about airport conditions and changes.

Question 24: Which of the following best describes why FOD management is a shared responsibility on the airside?

FOD management is solely the airline's responsibility
Every person working airside can contribute to or prevent FOD incidents (Correct answer)
Only maintenance crews are responsible for FOD
FOD is only a concern during bad weather

Correct answer: Every person working airside can contribute to or prevent FOD incidents

FOD management is a shared responsibility because every airside worker can either introduce debris or help remove it, making collective vigilance essential to safety.

Question 25: What is NAV CANADA's role at YYC?

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

Correct answer: Air traffic control and navigation services

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

Question 26: 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, BAKER, NINER."
"TAXIWAY, BRAVO, NUMBER 9."
"TAXIWAY, BRAVO, NINER." (Correct answer)
"TANGO ALPHA X-RAY INDIA WHISKEY ALPHA YANKEE, BRAVO, NINE."

Correct answer: "TAXIWAY, BRAVO, NINER."

The word "Taxiway" is standard and does not need to be spelled out. The letter 'B' is "Bravo" in the ICAO phonetic alphabet, and the number '9' is pronounced "Niner" to avoid confusion with the number '5' (Fife).

Question 27: Your vehicle becomes disabled on a taxiway, and you are unable to move it. After turning on your hazard lights, what is your most urgent and immediate responsibility?

Wait for a routine airport patrol to spot you and offer assistance.
Get out and direct other vehicles around your location.
Immediately use your two-way radio to inform Air Traffic Control (ATC) of your precise location and situation. (Correct answer)
Attempt to push the vehicle off the taxiway by yourself.

Correct answer: Immediately use your two-way radio to inform Air Traffic Control (ATC) of your precise location and situation.

A disabled vehicle on a movement area is a critical hazard for aircraft. Your top priority must be to inform ATC immediately so they can halt aircraft traffic in the area and prevent a potential collision. All other actions are secondary to this essential notification.

Question 28: What should you do if you witness a bird strike on an aircraft?

Report location, species, and aircraft involved to operations immediately (Correct answer)
Chase remaining birds
Ignore it
Pick up remains immediately

Correct answer: Report location, species, and aircraft involved to operations immediately

Report with as much detail as possible to support wildlife management and safety programs.

Question 29: If a vehicle operator realizes they have inadvertently entered an active runway, what is the immediate action?

Proceed forward to the nearest taxiway exit at maximum speed
Exit the runway as quickly as possible without contacting ATC
Stop the vehicle in place and activate hazard lights
Immediately notify ATC of the incursion and follow ATC instructions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately notify ATC of the incursion and follow ATC instructions

Immediately notifying ATC allows them to stop any aircraft on approach or departure and direct the vehicle to safety as quickly as possible.

Question 30: What does a flashing red light signal from the control tower mean to a vehicle operator on the airside?

Stop immediately and wait for further instructions
Clear the runway or taxiway — there is danger (Correct answer)
Return to your starting position and await clearance
Proceed to the nearest exit road at reduced speed

Correct answer: Clear the runway or taxiway — there is danger

A flashing red light directed at a vehicle means to clear the runway or taxiway immediately because there is danger.

Question 31: Which organization operates Calgary International Airport?

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

Correct answer: The Calgary Airport Authority

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

Question 32: If you spot a dead bird on an active taxiway, what should you do first?

Remove it yourself immediately
Report it to airport operations or wildlife control (Correct answer)
Drive around it and continue your route
Wait for aircraft operations to stop

Correct answer: Report it to airport operations or wildlife control

You should immediately report dead wildlife to airport operations or wildlife control, as they have trained staff and proper procedures for removal.

Question 33: What is the penalty for an unauthorized runway incursion by a vehicle?

Verbal warning only
Required to retake written exam only
Small fine
Immediate AVOP suspension or revocation and potential FAA enforcement action (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediate AVOP suspension or revocation and potential FAA enforcement action

Runway incursions result in immediate AVOP suspension or revocation and may trigger FAA investigation.

Question 34: How should you acknowledge a frequency change instruction from ATC?

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

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

Read back the new frequency and call sign before switching.

Question 35: What does the two-solid-two-dashed yellow line marking across a taxiway indicate?

Taxiway edge
Runway holding position—stop on the solid side without ATC clearance (Correct answer)
Vehicle parking
Taxiway closed

Correct answer: Runway holding position—stop on the solid side without ATC clearance

This runway holding position marking means stop before the solid lines.

Question 36: What does the term "Aircraft Tail Overhang Markings" mean exactly?

The edge of the aircraft load-bearing surface is indicated by two solid yellow lines that are 15 cm broad and separated by 15 cm.
A vehicle route marked on the mobility area that crosses the taxiway for an aircraft stand
The apron safety lines have white dashed marks that designate tenant-specific parking spaces for their cars and GSE Long Term
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. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 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.

The term "Aircraft Tail Overhang Markings" refers to the continuous white border encircling three broken orange lines. These markings indicate a vehicle path where an aircraft's tail at the gate may have an impact. They serve as a visual warning to ground service vehicles and personnel to avoid getting too close to the aircraft's tail to prevent potential collisions or damage. So, the correct option from the provided choices is: <br> <br> "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."

Question 37: When communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC), which of the following is the correct way to state your vehicle identification 'Maintenance 3' and your location 'Taxiway G'?

"Hey Ground, Maintenance vehicle three here, I'm on the G taxiway."
"Ground, Maintenance 3, Taxiway G." (Correct answer)
"This is Maintenance 3 on Taxiway G."
"Ground Control, this is Maintenance vehicle 3 requesting instructions from Taxiway G."

Correct answer: "Ground, Maintenance 3, Taxiway G."

Standard radiotelephony procedure requires you to state the station you are calling (Ground), followed by your call sign (Maintenance 3), and then your location (Taxiway G). This format is clear, concise, and follows established aviation communication protocols.

Question 38: What wildlife hazards are most common at YYC?

Alligators and snakes
No wildlife hazards
Bears and mountain lions exclusively
Deer, coyotes, geese, and raptors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Deer, coyotes, geese, and raptors

YYC's location near natural habitats means deer, coyotes, and various birds are common hazards.

Question 39: Which of the following wildlife species is most commonly associated with bird strike incidents at US airports?

Penguins
Owls
Canada Geese, gulls, and starlings (Correct answer)
Eagles

Correct answer: Canada Geese, gulls, and starlings

Canada Geese, gulls, and starlings are among the most commonly reported species involved in bird strikes at US airports due to their abundance and flight patterns.

Question 40: How many runways does YYC currently operate?

Three
Two
One
Four (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Four

YYC operates four runways for its traffic volume.

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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