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Fire extinguisher rating for cabin cleaning operations

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 9 of 31 on Cleaning and Corrosion Control. ACS element AM.I.G.K22 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONDuring cleaning or refurbishing of an aircraft outside the hangar with flammable liquids, portable fire extinguishers provided at cabin entrances should have what minimum rating?

  1. A10-B
  2. B20-B
  3. CA minimum rating of 40-B
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 20-B

  • A — incorrect The recommended minimum Class B rating is 20-B; a 10-B rating falls short of it.
  • B — correct The handbook recommends that portable fire extinguishers with a minimum rating of 20-B be provided at cabin entrances during such operations outside the hangar, along with a booster hose line with an adjustable water spray nozzle.
  • C — incorrect The stated minimum is 20-B; 40-B is not the figure given in the handbook.

BACKGROUND

When flammable liquids are used for aircraft cleaning or refurbishing, the aircraft should preferably be located outside the hangar when weather permits. Portable fire extinguishers with a minimum rating of 20-B are recommended at cabin entrances, plus a booster hose line with an adjustable water spray nozzle able to reach the cabin pending arrival of airport fire equipment. As an alternate, a Class A extinguisher rated at least 4-A plus or a Class B extinguisher rated at least 20-B is placed at cabin doors. All-purpose ABC dry chemical extinguishers are not to be used where aluminum corrosion is a concern, and work done under cover must be in hangars with automatic fire protection.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the two extinguisher figures (20-B and 4-A) and the warning about ABC dry chemical agents on aluminum.

KEY POINTS

  • Prefer cleaning with flammable liquids outside the hangar
  • Portable extinguishers at cabin entrances: minimum 20-B rating
  • ABC dry chemical extinguishers are avoided where aluminum corrosion is a problem

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch08 "Fire Protection Recommendations"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.