MDOT Airport Manager Certification Practice Exam

The requirement for Type B fire extinguishers on aircraft fueling vehicles is based on the nature of the fire hazards present in such environments. Type B extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires fueled by flammable liquids, which include fuels commonly used in aircraft. These extinguishers can effectively extinguish flames involving gasoline, oil, paint, and other flammable liquid materials that may pose a risk during fueling operations.

Aircraft fueling vehicles are particularly vulnerable to fire hazards due to the flammable nature of the fuel they transport. Using a Type B extinguisher ensures that personnel are equipped with the right tools to handle a fire that could occur in the event of a spill or a fuel ignition. In aviation environments, safety protocols dictate that vehicles involved in fueling operations must have appropriate fire protection measures to minimize the risk to personnel and aircraft.

In contrast, Type A extinguishers are intended for ordinary combustible materials like wood or paper, Type C extinguishers are used for fires involving electrical equipment, and Type D extinguishers are suitable for combustible metals. However, none of these classifications directly address the primary fire hazards associated with fueled aircraft and their fueling vehicles, which is why a Type B extinguisher is the correct and required choice in this scenario.