What factors does FAA consider to determine the ARFF Index?

• A. Aircraft fuel type and runway length
• B. Aircraft length and daily departures
• C. Weather conditions and local emergency services
• D. Airport size and surrounding infrastructure

Answer: (B)

The ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) Index is primarily influenced by characteristics related to aircraft operations at an airport. The combination of aircraft length and the volume of daily departures plays a crucial role in determining the index. This is because larger aircraft tend to have more complex firefighting needs due to their size and the potential fuel load they carry in case of an emergency. Additionally, the number of daily departures provides insight into the overall activity level at the airport, which directly impacts the level of preparedness and resource allocation for firefighting services.

In essence, the ARFF Index is a measure that helps categorize the type and level of firefighting service required based on the operational profile of the airport, clearly linking back to aircraft size and the frequency of flights. This understanding allows the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that airports meet appropriate firefighting capabilities proportional to the types of aircraft they serve.