Who determines the type of ARFF organization at an airport?

• A. The FAA
• B. The airport's emergency management team
• C. The airport owner/operator
• D. The state government

Answer: (C)

The airport owner/operator is responsible for determining the type of Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) organization at an airport. This decision is influenced by several factors including the size of the airport, the types and volume of aircraft operations, and the specific safety requirements that need to be met.

The airport owner/operator must ensure that the ARFF organization aligns with regulatory requirements, such as those established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), while also considering the operational needs and resources of the airport. This responsibility extends to ensuring that the ARFF services are adequately equipped and staffed to effectively handle emergencies that may arise.

In contrast, while the FAA provides guidelines and standards for ARFF services and may play an oversight role, it is ultimately the owner/operator who tailors the organization to fit their specific airport environment. Emergency management teams play crucial roles in coordinating responses during incidents, but they function within the framework established by the airport owner/operator. Similarly, state governments may have regulations and oversight in place but do not directly decide the internal organization of a specific airport's ARFF capabilities.