General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Practice Exam

How is cargo fire detection performed?

1. Heat sensors

2. Smoke detectors

3. Pressure sensors

4. Infrared cameras

The correct answer is: Smoke detectors

Cargo fire detection is primarily performed using smoke detectors, as they are specifically designed to identify the presence of smoke, which is a common indicator of a fire. Smoke detectors are effective in detecting fires during the early stages, providing critical information that can enable timely response to prevent the escalation of a fire in cargo areas. Heat sensors, while capable of detecting temperature increases, may not react as quickly as smoke detectors to the onset of a fire. If a fire is in its incipient stages, it may produce smoke without a significant temperature rise that would activate a heat sensor. Pressure sensors can serve a role in monitoring conditions within cargo holds, but they are not specifically designed for fire detection and may not provide the necessary information to identify a fire early. Infrared cameras can be utilized for monitoring heat signatures but are generally more complex and may not directly signal the presence of fire as effectively as smoke detectors. Overall, the selection of smoke detectors for cargo fire detection is based not only on their ability to respond quickly to the presence of smoke but also on their operational reliability and relatively straightforward installation and maintenance requirements.