What is a key factor in determining the number of vehicles needed at an airport?

• A. The size of the airport terminal
• B. The length of the aircraft served
• C. The number of flights scheduled
• D. The presence of passenger services

Answer: (B)

The length of the aircraft served is a key factor in determining the number of vehicles needed at an airport because different types of aircraft require varying levels of support and equipment during both emergency and routine operations. Larger aircraft, such as wide-body jets, demand more personnel, more firefighting and rescue equipment, and specialized vehicles to ensure effective fire-fighting and emergency response measures can be deployed quickly and efficiently.

Larger aircraft may necessitate the availability of additional fire apparatus, specialized rescue vehicles, and more comprehensive resources to adequately address the potential risks associated with their size and weight. The ability to respond effectively in the event of an incident involving larger aircraft is critical to ensuring passenger safety and minimizing potential damage, thus influencing the total number of vehicles stationed at the airport.

While other options may seem relevant, they do not have as direct an impact on vehicle needs. The size of the airport terminal generally relates to passenger flow and terminal operations, whereas the number of flights scheduled focuses on traffic volume rather than vehicle allocation. The presence of passenger services tends to address non-emergency operational aspects rather than the specific firefighting and rescue needs dictated by aircraft size.