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

What is a consequence of activating the cargo heat system during a fire?

1. It enhances the fire hazard

2. It provides additional airflow

3. It aids in extinguishing the fire

4. It initiates an emergency descent

The correct answer is: It enhances the fire hazard

Activating the cargo heat system during a fire is a critical action that significantly increases the fire hazard. The primary function of the cargo heat system is to maintain an optimal temperature in the cargo hold, which can lead to a substantial risk because heat can exacerbate the conditions for combustion. If a fire is already present, introducing further heat may promote its spread and intensify flames, making containment and extinguishing efforts more challenging. The temperature rise can cause materials within the cargo compartment to reach their ignition points, thereby increasing the overall danger to the aircraft and its occupants. While the other options present some effects related to the cargo heat system, they do not directly address the scenario of a fire effectively. Additional airflow might inadvertently increase the spread of the fire rather than help manage it. Providing airflow under these circumstances is not typically advisable, as it can nurture the fire rather than suppress it. Similarly, while there might be systems in place to extinguish a fire, the activation of the cargo heat system does not assist in this process. Therefore, identifying that activating the cargo heat system enhances the fire hazard is critical for safety awareness in aviation operations.