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Quizzes > General Knowledge & Mixed

Airfield Driving Test Answers: Runway Safety Practice Quiz

Quick, free runway safety quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jeseca MendezUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for airfield driving skills quiz on teal background

This quiz helps you check airfield driving skills and runway safety rules. Practice vehicle positioning, lighting, and incursion prevention, then see instant feedback to spot gaps before a test or check ride. For more practice, try airfield driving practice, explore the runway markings quiz, or build wider knowledge with the aviation knowledge quiz.

What must you obtain before entering the movement area at a controlled airport?
Pilot's permission
ATC clearance
Company ID badge
Visual signal from the aircraft
Drivers must obtain explicit clearance from Air Traffic Control before entering any movement area to ensure safety and avoid conflicts with active aircraft. This procedure is mandated by FAA regulations governing airfield driving. Failure to comply can lead to runway incursions and severe safety hazards.
What color are taxiway edge lights?
Amber
Green
Blue
White
Taxiway edge lights are always blue to delineate the boundaries of a taxiway during low visibility or at night. Green is used for taxiway centerline lights and white for runway edge lights. Recognizing blue edge lights helps drivers avoid leaving the taxiway surface.
Which of the following best describes a runway holding position marking?
Two solid and two dashed yellow lines
Two dashed yellow lines
One solid and one dashed yellow line
Four solid yellow lines
A runway holding position marking consists of two solid yellow lines adjacent to two dashed yellow lines. The solid lines indicate the driver's side to stop, while the dashed lines are on the runway side. This marking prevents inadvertent runway entry without clearance.
What is the primary function of runway guard lights ("wig-wag" lights)?
Alert drivers they are approaching a runway
Mark taxiway centerline
Indicate runway exit
Guide aircraft during taxi
Runway guard lights, often called wig-wag lights, flash amber to warn vehicle drivers and pilots that they are about to enter or cross an active runway. They supplement the holding position markings to enhance situational awareness. Their primary role is incursion prevention, especially in low-visibility conditions.
What is the typical maximum speed limit for ground vehicles in the movement area unless otherwise posted?
35 mph
15 mph
10 mph
25 mph
Most airports set a 15 mph speed limit for ground vehicles operating within the movement area to maintain safe stopping distances and allow time to react to aircraft movements. This limit can be lowered in certain zones but rarely increased without signage. Adhering to this speed helps prevent runway incursions.
What color are runway edge lights on a standard runway?
Red
Blue
White
Green
Runway edge lights are white to clearly define the lateral limits of the runway surface at night or in low visibility, except near the runway end where they turn red. Blue is used for taxiway edges and green for taxiway centerline. Recognizing these color conventions is critical for safe vehicle operation.
Which document outlines the airport driving procedures and movement area boundaries?
Aeronautical Information Publication
Aeronautical Information Manual
Airport Operations Manual
NOTAM
The Airport Operations Manual details all local procedures, including airfield driving rules and the exact location of movement area boundaries. NOTAMs may temporarily change conditions but do not outline standard policies. The AIP and AIM contain general information but lack specific airport-centric driving rules.
Which ATC facility controls vehicle movement on taxiways and runways at a controlled airport?
En Route Center
Ground control
Approach Control
Clearance Delivery
Ground control is responsible for all vehicle and aircraft ground movements on taxiways and runways at controlled airports. Clearance Delivery issues IFR clearances but does not manage ground traffic. Approach and en route centers handle arriving/departing traffic in the airspace, not on the surface.
True or False: Vehicle drivers must hold short of the runway holding position marking until they receive explicit clearance from ATC.
True
False
Holding short of runway holding position markings until receiving specific clearance from ATC is a fundamental safety requirement to prevent runway incursions. Crossing without clearance can lead to collisions with landing or departing aircraft. This rule applies at all controlled airports.
What area of the airport is defined as the movement area?
Taxiways and runways
Aprons and ramps
Service roads
Parking areas
The movement area consists of runways and taxiways under ATC control, where aircraft and vehicles must have clearance to operate. Aprons, ramps, and parking areas are considered non-movement areas with different access rules. Differentiating these areas helps ensure proper communication.
What color are runway threshold lights at the departure end?
Green
Red
White
Amber
Runway threshold lights at the departure end appear green to pilots and drivers on the ground, indicating the beginning of the usable runway. From the approach end, the same lights appear red. This color convention provides orientation cues at all times.
What is a runway incursion?
Noise disturbance
A bird strike on runway
Any incorrect presence of a vehicle, person or aircraft on the protected area of a surface designated for landing and take-off
Spillage of fuel on apron
A runway incursion occurs whenever an unauthorized entity enters the runway protected area, creating a collision risk. This includes vehicles, personnel, or other aircraft. Understanding this definition is critical to preventing serious safety incidents.
Under what condition can a vehicle driver cross a runway holding position marking?
Between sunset and sunrise
If tail number matches vehicle permit
When no aircraft is visible
Only with specific ATC clearance authorizing the crossing
Crossing a runway holding position marking without explicit ATC clearance is strictly prohibited. Even if the runway appears clear, only ATC can authorize entry to ensure separation. This rule minimizes the risk of runway incursions.
What do runway distance remaining markers look like?
White signs with black numerals
Black signs with white numerals indicating distance in thousands of feet
Yellow signs with black numerals
Green signs with white numerals
Runway distance remaining markers have a black background with white numerals showing how many thousands of feet remain on the runway. They help pilots and drivers gauge stopping distance during takeoff or taxi operations. The high-contrast design ensures visibility.
Which color runway centerline lights indicate you have cleared the runway and are on a taxiway?
Solid yellow lights
Solid green lights
Flashing white lights
Alternating green and yellow lights
Runway centerline lights change from white to alternating green and yellow at the end of the runway, indicating the driver or pilot has exited the runway onto the taxiway. Solid green lights mark taxiway centerlines. This visual cue prevents inadvertent re-entry.
What does a stop bar at a runway exit hold position indicate when illuminated?
Do not cross the runway without clearance
Runway is closed
Proceed with caution
Taxiway is clear
An illuminated stop bar consists of a row of red lights across the taxiway at the runway exit hold line, indicating vehicles must not proceed without ATC clearance. It provides an additional layer of protection in low-visibility conditions. Drivers must wait until the stop bar is turned off and clearance is received.
What do taxiway direction signs look like?
White background with black letters
Black background with white letters
Red background with white letters
Yellow background with a black arrow and taxiway designation
Taxiway direction signs have a yellow background with a black arrow pointing the way and the taxiway letter or number. These signs guide aircraft and vehicle operators along the correct route. Incorrect reading of these signs can lead to excursions or incursions.
What is the recommended phraseology to request permission to cross a runway?
"Ground, crossing now"
"Ground, [vehicle ID], request crossing runway XX at taxiway Y"
"Request permission to proceed"
"Tower, we go"
Using clear and precise phraseology such as "Ground, [vehicle ID], request crossing runway XX at taxiway Y" ensures ATC fully understands the vehicle's intent and location. Ambiguous requests can lead to misunderstandings and potential incursions. Standard phraseology is prescribed in FAA communication guidelines.
Which system provides radar monitoring of aircraft and vehicle movements on the airport surface?
Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS)
Airport Surface Movement Radar (ASMR)
Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS)
Airport Surface Detection Equipment - Model X (ASDE-X)
ASDE-X uses primary and secondary radar along with multilateration to accurately track aircraft and vehicles on the airport surface. It enhances controller situational awareness and reduces runway incursion risk. ASMR is an older radar system without multilateration integration.
On an airport diagram, what does the term "hot spot" refer to?
An area designated for engine testing
A location with elevated pavement temperature
An area with complex or confusing taxiway intersections likely to require extra vigilance
A high-traffic passenger terminal area
A 'hot spot' is identified on airport diagrams as a location where runway incursions or ground conflicts are more likely due to complex geometry or reduced visibility. Pilots and drivers are cautioned to exercise extra vigilance. This designation helps target training and awareness.
What is the standard width of a taxiway for ICAO Code C aircraft?
18 meters
30 meters
23 meters
15 meters
ICAO standards specify an 18-meter width for taxiways serving Code C aircraft to accommodate wingspans up to 36 meters. Wider taxiways are required for larger aircraft categories. Correct width prevents wingtip conflicts and ensures safe clearance.
What is the purpose of an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) at runway ends?
To provide a visual threshold cue
To store runway maintenance equipment
To decelerate aircraft that overrun the runway in an overrun scenario
To guide vehicles during inclement weather
EMAS is designed with crushable materials that safely decelerate aircraft that overrun runway ends. It mitigates damage and injury when space constraints prevent extending runway safety areas. EMAS deployment has proven effective in numerous overrun incidents.
According to FAA runway incursion categories, which category involves a situation in which separation decreases and there is a significant potential for collision?
Category C
Category D
Category A
Category B
Category B incursions are events in which separation decreases and there is a significant potential for collision, though no unsafe event per se. Category A involves actual collision or very near misses. Category C and D are less severe. Understanding these helps in safety analysis.
Under low-visibility operations, what is the primary role of runway guard lights at a runway holding position?
Indicate that runway maintenance is ongoing
Signal that taxi speed should be reduced
Enhance visibility of runway entry/exit points to drivers and pilots
Show runway slope
Runway guard lights flash amber at holding positions to make runway boundaries conspicuous in low visibility conditions. They work in conjunction with markings and stop bars. Their purpose is to prevent inadvertent runway entry.
Which advisory circular outlines the standards for runway surface friction evaluation?
AC 150/5200-30
AC 150/5320-12
AC 150/5300-13
AC 150/5000-1
AC 150/5320-12 provides guidance on airport pavement surface friction testing to assess runway braking performance. It outlines test methods, equipment, and evaluation criteria. Regular friction testing is critical for safe operations.
What does ASDE stand for in airport surface movement guidance?
Automated Surface Documentation Equipment
Airfield Security Detection Equipment
Airport Surveillance Docking Equipment
Airport Surface Detection Equipment
ASDE, or Airport Surface Detection Equipment, tracks surface movements using radar and multilateration. Variants like ASDE-X integrate multiple sensors for enhanced coverage. This system is foundational in ground surveillance.
How frequently must taxiway centerline and edge markings be repainted to maintain visibility?
At least annually or as specified by airport maintenance manual
Only when they appear completely worn
Every five years
After any runway incursion
Taxiway markings should be repainted at least annually or according to the airport's maintenance schedule to ensure high contrast and visibility in all conditions. Delaying maintenance increases the risk of misinterpretation. FAA standards recommend regular inspections and timely repainting.
According to ICAO Annex 14, what is the allowable lateral tolerance for runway centerline marking placement?
±50 centimeters
±5 centimeters
±30 centimeters
±10 centimeters
ICAO Annex 14 specifies that runway centerline markings must be aligned within ±10 cm of the runway center to ensure pilots and drivers maintain accurate runway alignment. Tight tolerances help minimize deviation risks during low-visibility operations. Regular inspections verify compliance.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Vehicle Positioning -

    Recognize proper placement of vehicles on taxiways, aprons, and runways to maintain safe distances and prevent inadvertent aircraft contact.

  2. Identify Runway Lighting and Signage -

    Distinguish between different runway lights, markings, and signs to navigate effectively and comply with airfield driving test standards.

  3. Apply Runway Incursion Prevention Techniques -

    Implement best practices for incursion avoidance, including communication protocols and speed control, to enhance overall airfield safety.

  4. Interpret Airfield Traffic Patterns -

    Analyze standard traffic flows and communication signals to coordinate vehicle movements in busy airside environments.

  5. Analyze Real-World Scenarios -

    Evaluate scenario-based questions that simulate actual runway operations and apply critical thinking to solve safety challenges.

  6. Recall Key Regulations and Guidelines -

    Memorize essential airfield driving test rules, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance during assessments.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Airfield Layout Familiarization -

    Review official airport diagrams from the FAA Chart Supplement or Jeppesen manuals to understand hot spots, movement areas, and runway intersection layouts. Knowing taxiway labels and runway thresholds ensures you'll ace that airfield driving test, and reviewing official airfield driving test answers can highlight common pitfalls. Try marking the runway incursion prevention pre-test hot spots with colored pens for quick recall.

  2. Vehicle Positioning and Safe Distances -

    FAA advisory circular AC 150/5210-20 recommends maintaining at least 15 feet (4.6 meters) from any aircraft wingtip or fuselage when taxiing or parked. Practicing "wing walking" drills on a low-traffic apron helps internalize safe clearances. Mnemonic tip: "One wing, 15 brings a safe thing!" keeps distance rules top of mind.

  3. Runway Marking and Sign Recognition -

    Memorize pavement markings: threshold stripes signal the runway start, while the aiming point blocks guide touchdown (ICAO Annex 14). Spot and differentiate runway holding position markings (two solid/two dashed lines) to prevent incursions. Use flashcards with runway incursion prevention pre-test exercises to quiz yourself on sign shapes and meanings.

  4. Runway Lighting Systems -

    Identify edge lights (white/amber), threshold lights (green), and runway end lights (red) from FAA AC 150/5345-46 guidance. Practice the "Green to Go, White Glide, Red to Bed" rhyme to recall light colors at night easily. Familiarity with PAPI bars and taxiway centerline lights from the air force airfield driving website boosts confidence during low-visibility exercises.

  5. Radio Communication and Phraseology -

    Adhere to ICAO standard phraseology when requesting taxi clearance or runway entry, such as "Taxi to holding point Alpha, runway 27," and always read back hold short instructions. Jot down common terms and responses to reinforce them before your airfield driving test quiz. Consistent practice with runway incursion prevention pre-test call-and-response drills ensures crisp, accurate transmissions.

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