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Transporting chemical oxygen candles

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 7 of 15 on Environmental Systems. ACS element AM.II.G.R2 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA technician must ship chemical oxygen candles removed from an aircraft. How must the units be prepared?

  1. APacked with ignition devices disabled.
  2. BShipped only after being fully discharged.
  3. CPacked inside a pressurized case.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Packed with ignition devices disabled.

  • A — correct Chemical oxygen candles must be transported as hazardous materials, properly packed and with their ignition devices deactivated.
  • B — incorrect Serviceable generators are shipped unused; discharging them would destroy the units, which must be replaced once burned.
  • C — incorrect Solid oxygen is not stored under pressure, so a pressurized container serves no purpose and is not required.

BACKGROUND

Solid oxygen candles are formed chunks of sodium chlorate wrapped inside insulated stainless-steel housings that control the heat produced when the unit is activated. They are commonly lit by a spring-loaded firing pin that releases a hammer to smash a cap and create a spark, and electric ignition using a current-induced hot wire also exists. The generators are inert below 400 degrees Fahrenheit and can remain stored with little maintenance or inspection until needed or until their expiration date is reached. Because an ignited generator cannot be stopped, the units must be transported with extreme caution and as hazardous materials, properly packed and with their ignition devices deactivated. A generator that has been used must be replaced.

STUDY TIP

When handling chemical oxygen, treat the ignition mechanism as the hazard rather than the chemical itself. Deactivating the firing mechanism before packing is the step most often tested.

KEY POINTS

  • Chemical oxygen candles ship as hazardous materials, properly packed.
  • Their ignition devices must be deactivated before transport.
  • Generators are inert below 400 degrees Fahrenheit and store with little maintenance.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch16.txt "Chemical or Solid Oxygen"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.