FAA Powerplant Written Practice Test

In the event of a fire caused by a false start of a turbine engine which is not extinguished by continued starting attempts, which agent is first used as an extinguishant?

1. Halon 1301

2. Water

3. Dry Chemical Powder

4. Carbon Dioxide

The correct answer is: Halon 1301

In the scenario of a fire caused by a false start of a turbine engine, Halon 1301 is typically the first extinguishing agent used. Halon is preferred because it is highly effective at suppressing fires involving flammable liquids and gases, which are common in jet fuel fires associated with turbine engines. Additionally, Halon has a low toxicity and does not leave a residue, which is important for minimizing damage to sensitive engine components. Halon 1301 works by interrupting the chemical reaction that sustains fire, thereby effectively extinguishing it. The rapid deployment of Halon can help to control or eliminate the fire quickly, which is crucial in the critical moments following a false start where rapid response is essential for safety. Other agents, such as water, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide, may also be used in different fire scenarios or at different stages, but Halon 1301's specific properties make it the preferred choice in this context. For instance, water may not be effective on flammable liquid fires and can exacerbate the situation by spreading flammable fuels. Dry chemical agents can be effective but might not be as efficient as Halon in this specific use case, and carbon dioxide, while effective, may not suppress the fire