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

What is the result of pushing both FWD and AFT cargo fire switches and then the DISH switch?

1. Only FWD compartment discharges

2. Only AFT compartment discharges

3. Both compartments receive discharge

4. Neither compartment discharges

The correct answer is: Both compartments receive discharge

When both the FWD and AFT cargo fire switches are pushed, along with the DISH switch activation, the correct response is that both compartments receive discharge. This procedure is designed as a safety measure to ensure that if a fire or smoke condition is detected in either the forward or aft cargo compartments, appropriate action can be taken to extinguish the potential threat in both areas. The logic behind this design is that if a fire were to occur in either compartment, immediate and effective suppression of that fire is crucial for the safety of the aircraft. By allowing simultaneous discharge, the system mitigates the risk of fire spreading or causing extensive damage before it can be managed. In scenarios where only one compartment would discharge, such as in options indicating that either the FWD or AFT compartment alone receives discharge, the system would not provide the comprehensive safety response intended for high-risk situations, hence those choices do not align with the operational procedures. Thus, the ability to discharge both compartments simultaneously is integral to maintaining safety and enhances the crew's response effectiveness in emergencies relating to cargo fires.