AAAE C.M. 2026 – Certified Member
Exam Prep Complete Practice Test
Bank | All Domains Covered
EXAM OVERVIEW
Certifying Body: American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Credential: Certified Member (C.M.)
Exam Type: Multiple choice – airport management, operations, safety,
security, regulations
Prerequisites: Active AAAE membership + enrollment in C.M. program
Education/Experience Required: None – open to students and new
professionals
Primary Study Materials: 2025 C.M. Body of Knowledge Modules
(published July 2025)
DOMAIN 1: AIRPORT SAFETY & OPERATIONS
Question 1
An airport receives a complaint about jet blast damaging a hangar
door 200 feet from the taxiway edge. The most effective immediate
action is to:
A) Close the taxiway permanently
B) Issue a NOTAM limiting engine run-ups
,C) Resurface the taxiway with friction-resistant asphalt
D) Increase the airport's liability insurance
Answer: B
Rationale: A NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) can quickly restrict
high-power run-ups near the affected area while a long-term solution
is developed.
Question 2
According to FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-18C, which is a required
element of an Airport Safety Self-Inspection?
A) Monthly wildlife hazard assessment
B) Daily inspection of Movement and Non-Movement Areas
C) Annual pavement friction testing only
D) Random inspection based on weather only
Answer: B
Rationale: AC 150/5200-18C requires daily inspections of Movement
Areas (runways, taxiways) and Non-Movement Areas (ramps) to
identify FOD, pavement issues, and lighting failures.
Question 3
During low visibility operations (RVR less than 1200 feet), the required
runway separation for a departing aircraft behind a heavy jet is:
A) 2 minutes
B) 3 minutes
C) 4 minutes
D) 6 minutes
Answer: C
Rationale: In low visibility (RVR less than 1200 ft), wake turbulence
separation minima increase. For a heavy behind heavy or small behind
,heavy, 4 minutes is required unless the departure point is at the same
intersection.
Question 4
Under 14 CFR Part 139, what is the maximum response time for
aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles to reach any point on
the runway for Index B airports?
A) 2 minutes
B) 3 minutes
C) 4 minutes
D) 5 minutes
Answer: B
Rationale: 14 CFR 139.315 requires response to any point on the
runway within 3 minutes for Index B (and C), with Index A at 3 minutes,
Index D/E at 4 minutes under good visibility.
Question 5
During a snow event, the airport closes a runway. Who has authority to
reopen it?
A) Air Traffic Control
B) Airport Director
C) FAA Airports District Office
D) Airline Operations Manager
Answer: B
Rationale: The Airport Director (or designated operations manager)
closes and reopens runways based on safety conditions. ATC
coordinates but does not have unilateral authority to reopen.
Question 6
Which is an example of a non-movement area?
A) Runway 9-27
, B) Taxiway Alpha between Runway 9 and Runway 14
C) Apron adjacent to Gate B
D) ILS critical area
Answer: C
Rationale: Non-movement areas are those not under ATC control,
typically ramps/aprons. Movement areas (runways, taxiways) are
ATC-controlled.
Question 7
The primary purpose of an Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) is to:
A) Reduce insurance premiums
B) Coordinate response among agencies during an on-airport
emergency
C) Satisfy ICAO documentation only
D) Train airline ground crews
Answer: B
Rationale: 14 CFR 139.325 requires an AEP to coordinate airport, ATC,
ARFF, law enforcement, medical, and mutual aid responders for
aircraft and non-aircraft emergencies.
Question 8
Which wildlife species is considered the greatest risk to jet aircraft at
takeoff?
A) Small passerine birds (sparrows)
B) Waterfowl (geese, ducks)
C) Deer
D) Coyotes
Answer: B
Rationale: Large waterfowl (especially geese) pose the greatest risk
Exam Prep Complete Practice Test
Bank | All Domains Covered
EXAM OVERVIEW
Certifying Body: American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Credential: Certified Member (C.M.)
Exam Type: Multiple choice – airport management, operations, safety,
security, regulations
Prerequisites: Active AAAE membership + enrollment in C.M. program
Education/Experience Required: None – open to students and new
professionals
Primary Study Materials: 2025 C.M. Body of Knowledge Modules
(published July 2025)
DOMAIN 1: AIRPORT SAFETY & OPERATIONS
Question 1
An airport receives a complaint about jet blast damaging a hangar
door 200 feet from the taxiway edge. The most effective immediate
action is to:
A) Close the taxiway permanently
B) Issue a NOTAM limiting engine run-ups
,C) Resurface the taxiway with friction-resistant asphalt
D) Increase the airport's liability insurance
Answer: B
Rationale: A NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) can quickly restrict
high-power run-ups near the affected area while a long-term solution
is developed.
Question 2
According to FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-18C, which is a required
element of an Airport Safety Self-Inspection?
A) Monthly wildlife hazard assessment
B) Daily inspection of Movement and Non-Movement Areas
C) Annual pavement friction testing only
D) Random inspection based on weather only
Answer: B
Rationale: AC 150/5200-18C requires daily inspections of Movement
Areas (runways, taxiways) and Non-Movement Areas (ramps) to
identify FOD, pavement issues, and lighting failures.
Question 3
During low visibility operations (RVR less than 1200 feet), the required
runway separation for a departing aircraft behind a heavy jet is:
A) 2 minutes
B) 3 minutes
C) 4 minutes
D) 6 minutes
Answer: C
Rationale: In low visibility (RVR less than 1200 ft), wake turbulence
separation minima increase. For a heavy behind heavy or small behind
,heavy, 4 minutes is required unless the departure point is at the same
intersection.
Question 4
Under 14 CFR Part 139, what is the maximum response time for
aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles to reach any point on
the runway for Index B airports?
A) 2 minutes
B) 3 minutes
C) 4 minutes
D) 5 minutes
Answer: B
Rationale: 14 CFR 139.315 requires response to any point on the
runway within 3 minutes for Index B (and C), with Index A at 3 minutes,
Index D/E at 4 minutes under good visibility.
Question 5
During a snow event, the airport closes a runway. Who has authority to
reopen it?
A) Air Traffic Control
B) Airport Director
C) FAA Airports District Office
D) Airline Operations Manager
Answer: B
Rationale: The Airport Director (or designated operations manager)
closes and reopens runways based on safety conditions. ATC
coordinates but does not have unilateral authority to reopen.
Question 6
Which is an example of a non-movement area?
A) Runway 9-27
, B) Taxiway Alpha between Runway 9 and Runway 14
C) Apron adjacent to Gate B
D) ILS critical area
Answer: C
Rationale: Non-movement areas are those not under ATC control,
typically ramps/aprons. Movement areas (runways, taxiways) are
ATC-controlled.
Question 7
The primary purpose of an Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) is to:
A) Reduce insurance premiums
B) Coordinate response among agencies during an on-airport
emergency
C) Satisfy ICAO documentation only
D) Train airline ground crews
Answer: B
Rationale: 14 CFR 139.325 requires an AEP to coordinate airport, ATC,
ARFF, law enforcement, medical, and mutual aid responders for
aircraft and non-aircraft emergencies.
Question 8
Which wildlife species is considered the greatest risk to jet aircraft at
takeoff?
A) Small passerine birds (sparrows)
B) Waterfowl (geese, ducks)
C) Deer
D) Coyotes
Answer: B
Rationale: Large waterfowl (especially geese) pose the greatest risk
