When must ARFF equipment be available at an airport?

• A. 30 minutes before to 30 minutes after an air carrier operation
• B. 15 minutes before to 15 minutes after an air carrier operation
• C. Only during operations
• D. Within 60 minutes after an operation

Answer: (B)

ARFF equipment must be available during the period when an air carrier operation can begin and end, specifically 15 minutes before to 15 minutes after the operation. This ensures immediate response coverage during preflight activities, pushback, taxi, takeoff, landing, and the immediate postflight period, when incidents can occur or escalate. Having readiness only during actual operations or extending far beyond the operation would leave gaps or be unnecessarily extended. The 15-minute-before to 15-minute-after window aligns with the need for timely access to rescue and firefighting resources when they’re most likely to be needed.