According to FAA Part 139.319, how quickly must the first ARFF vehicle reach the midpoint of the farthest runway?

• A. 1 minute
• B. 2 minutes
• C. 3 minutes
• D. 5 minutes

Answer: (C)

The requirement under FAA Part 139.319 stipulates that the first Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle must reach the midpoint of the farthest runway within three minutes after the alarm has been sounded. This standard is set to ensure a timely and effective response to any incidents that may occur on the runway, which is crucial for the safety of aircraft operations and passengers.

The specified three-minute timeframe is designed to provide a critical response window that reflects the urgency of potential fire-related situations or accidents, which can escalate rapidly. Meeting this requirement allows ARFF personnel to begin assessing the situation and implementing necessary emergency measures without delay, significantly increasing chances of mitigating damage and protecting lives.

In comparing the other options, one-minute and two-minute response times are not aligned with the established regulatory guidelines, as they would be too restrictive for the realistic operational conditions at most airports. A five-minute threshold exceeds the recommended response time, which would undermine the effectiveness of emergency services in aviation incidents.