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Fireguard extinguisher for engine start

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 12 of 26 on Ground Operations and Servicing. ACS element AM.I.F.R7 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA mechanic assigned as fireguard for an engine start can choose among a 2.5-pound CO2 extinguisher, a 5-pound CO2 extinguisher, and a 10-pound dry chemical extinguisher. Which one meets the handbook requirement?

  1. AThe 2.5-pound CO2 extinguisher, for easier handling
  2. BThe 10-pound dry chemical extinguisher, for its larger capacity
  3. CThe 5-pound CO2 extinguisher
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The 5-pound CO2 extinguisher

  • A — incorrect It is the right type but below the minimum 5-pound capacity.
  • B — incorrect It exceeds the size but is the wrong agent; the handbook specifies a CO2 extinguisher so the fireguard can direct CO2 into the engine air intake if an induction fire occurs.
  • C — correct The handbook calls for the fireguard's extinguisher to be a CO2 extinguisher of at least 5-pound capacity; the 5-pound CO2 unit is the only one that satisfies both the type and the size.

BACKGROUND

During any and all starting procedures a fireguard equipped with a suitable fire extinguisher is stationed in an appropriate place. The fireguard is someone familiar with aircraft starting procedures, and the extinguisher should be a CO2 extinguisher of at least 5-pound capacity. The appropriate place is adjacent to the outboard side of the engine, in view of the pilot, where the fireguard can also watch for indications of starting problems. If an induction fire occurs, the fireguard directs the CO2 into the engine air intake; the operator continues cranking to try to start the engine and draw the fire in, and only if the engine does not start and the fire continues is the start discontinued and the fire fought with the available equipment.

STUDY TIP

Remember both halves of the requirement, the CO2 agent and the 5-pound minimum, since a question can hinge on either.

KEY POINTS

  • A fireguard stands by for every engine start.
  • The extinguisher is CO2 with at least 5-pound capacity.
  • The fireguard stands adjacent to the outboard side of the engine, in view of the pilot.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch01 "Engine Starting and Operation" (before-starting list, item 4)
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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.