AAAE CM - ALL MODULES COMBINED
300+ QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS| GRADED A+| LATEST UPDATE
2026
Core Domains:
• Airport Operations and Safety (FAA Part 139, SMS, ARFF)
• Airport Planning and Development (NPIAS, Master Planning,
Environmental)
• Airport Finance and Administration (AIP, PFCs, Rates and Charges)
• Aviation Law and Regulatory Compliance (Federal Aviation Act, Air
Commerce Act)
• Airport Security (TSA Regulations, Access Control, Emergency
Management)
• Airport Environmental Compliance (NEPA, Noise, Wildlife
Management)
• Airport Facility Management (Terminal, Airfield, Landside
Operations)
• Aviation History and Industry Structure
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for candidates
preparing for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Certified Member (C.M.) certification exam. The actual C.M. exam
consists of 180 multiple-choice questions covering the full scope of
airport management knowledge. This practice test contains 300 verified
questions with correct answers and detailed rationales, organized to
reflect the breadth and depth of the exam content. Questions are drawn
from the core modules of the AAAE C.M. Body of Knowledge, including
airport operations, planning, finance, law, security, environmental
compliance, and facility management. Use this resource to assess your
,knowledge, identify areas for further study, and build confidence for
exam day. All questions are updated for the 2026/2027 examination
cycle.
SECTION ONE: AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND SAFETY (Questions 1-
75)
Question 1
Which FAA regulation establishes certification requirements for
commercial service airports?
A. FAR Part 121
B. FAR Part 139
C. FAR Part 91
D. FAR Part 150
B. FAR Part 139
RATIONALE: FAR Part 139 (now 14 CFR Part 139) establishes the
certification requirements for commercial service airports. It sets
standards for airport safety, including aircraft rescue and firefighting
(ARFF), wildlife hazard management, and snow and ice control. Part 121
governs air carrier operations, Part 91 covers general aviation, and Part
150 addresses airport noise compatibility planning.
Question 2
What are the four key components of a Safety Management System
(SMS)?
A. Policy, Risk Management, Assurance, Promotion
B. Planning, Organizing, Leading, Controlling
C. Safety, Security, Operations, Maintenance
D. Prevention, Response, Recovery, Mitigation
, A. Policy, Risk Management, Assurance, Promotion
RATIONALE: The four key components of an SMS as defined by the
FAA and ICAO are: (1) Safety Policy—establishing management
commitment and safety objectives; (2) Safety Risk Management—
identifying hazards and assessing risks; (3) Safety Assurance—
monitoring and evaluating safety performance; and (4) Safety
Promotion—training and communication to foster a positive safety
culture.
Question 3
Under Part 139, how often must an airport conduct a full-scale
emergency exercise?
A. Annually
B. Every 12 consecutive calendar months
C. Every 24 consecutive calendar months
D. Every 36 consecutive calendar months
D. Every 36 consecutive calendar months
RATIONALE: Part 139 requires that certificate holders conduct a full-
scale emergency exercise at least once every 36 consecutive calendar
months. However, the airport must conduct at least one tabletop
exercise or other training event in the intervening years to maintain
emergency preparedness.
Question 4
What is the primary purpose of the Airport Certification Manual (ACM)?
A. To establish airline operating procedures
B. To document methods airport management uses to ensure safety and
efficiency
, C. To set passenger service standards
D. To define terminal building design requirements
B. To document methods airport management uses to ensure safety
and efficiency
RATIONALE: The Airport Certification Manual (ACM) is a document
required under Part 139 that outlines the methods, procedures, and
equipment the airport operator uses to ensure compliance with safety
standards. It serves as the airport's operational blueprint for maintaining
certification.
Question 5
What is a runway incursion?
A. An unauthorized aircraft entering a taxiway
B. Any occurrence at an airport involving the incorrect presence of an
aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated
for the landing and takeoff of aircraft
C. A bird strike on the runway
D. An aircraft overshooting the runway during landing
B. Any occurrence at an airport involving the incorrect presence of
an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface
designated for the landing and takeoff of aircraft
RATIONALE: The FAA defines a runway incursion as any occurrence
at an airport involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or
person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and
takeoff of aircraft. Runway incursions are categorized by severity and
are a critical safety metric for airports.
Question 6
300+ QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS| GRADED A+| LATEST UPDATE
2026
Core Domains:
• Airport Operations and Safety (FAA Part 139, SMS, ARFF)
• Airport Planning and Development (NPIAS, Master Planning,
Environmental)
• Airport Finance and Administration (AIP, PFCs, Rates and Charges)
• Aviation Law and Regulatory Compliance (Federal Aviation Act, Air
Commerce Act)
• Airport Security (TSA Regulations, Access Control, Emergency
Management)
• Airport Environmental Compliance (NEPA, Noise, Wildlife
Management)
• Airport Facility Management (Terminal, Airfield, Landside
Operations)
• Aviation History and Industry Structure
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for candidates
preparing for the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)
Certified Member (C.M.) certification exam. The actual C.M. exam
consists of 180 multiple-choice questions covering the full scope of
airport management knowledge. This practice test contains 300 verified
questions with correct answers and detailed rationales, organized to
reflect the breadth and depth of the exam content. Questions are drawn
from the core modules of the AAAE C.M. Body of Knowledge, including
airport operations, planning, finance, law, security, environmental
compliance, and facility management. Use this resource to assess your
,knowledge, identify areas for further study, and build confidence for
exam day. All questions are updated for the 2026/2027 examination
cycle.
SECTION ONE: AIRPORT OPERATIONS AND SAFETY (Questions 1-
75)
Question 1
Which FAA regulation establishes certification requirements for
commercial service airports?
A. FAR Part 121
B. FAR Part 139
C. FAR Part 91
D. FAR Part 150
B. FAR Part 139
RATIONALE: FAR Part 139 (now 14 CFR Part 139) establishes the
certification requirements for commercial service airports. It sets
standards for airport safety, including aircraft rescue and firefighting
(ARFF), wildlife hazard management, and snow and ice control. Part 121
governs air carrier operations, Part 91 covers general aviation, and Part
150 addresses airport noise compatibility planning.
Question 2
What are the four key components of a Safety Management System
(SMS)?
A. Policy, Risk Management, Assurance, Promotion
B. Planning, Organizing, Leading, Controlling
C. Safety, Security, Operations, Maintenance
D. Prevention, Response, Recovery, Mitigation
, A. Policy, Risk Management, Assurance, Promotion
RATIONALE: The four key components of an SMS as defined by the
FAA and ICAO are: (1) Safety Policy—establishing management
commitment and safety objectives; (2) Safety Risk Management—
identifying hazards and assessing risks; (3) Safety Assurance—
monitoring and evaluating safety performance; and (4) Safety
Promotion—training and communication to foster a positive safety
culture.
Question 3
Under Part 139, how often must an airport conduct a full-scale
emergency exercise?
A. Annually
B. Every 12 consecutive calendar months
C. Every 24 consecutive calendar months
D. Every 36 consecutive calendar months
D. Every 36 consecutive calendar months
RATIONALE: Part 139 requires that certificate holders conduct a full-
scale emergency exercise at least once every 36 consecutive calendar
months. However, the airport must conduct at least one tabletop
exercise or other training event in the intervening years to maintain
emergency preparedness.
Question 4
What is the primary purpose of the Airport Certification Manual (ACM)?
A. To establish airline operating procedures
B. To document methods airport management uses to ensure safety and
efficiency
, C. To set passenger service standards
D. To define terminal building design requirements
B. To document methods airport management uses to ensure safety
and efficiency
RATIONALE: The Airport Certification Manual (ACM) is a document
required under Part 139 that outlines the methods, procedures, and
equipment the airport operator uses to ensure compliance with safety
standards. It serves as the airport's operational blueprint for maintaining
certification.
Question 5
What is a runway incursion?
A. An unauthorized aircraft entering a taxiway
B. Any occurrence at an airport involving the incorrect presence of an
aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface designated
for the landing and takeoff of aircraft
C. A bird strike on the runway
D. An aircraft overshooting the runway during landing
B. Any occurrence at an airport involving the incorrect presence of
an aircraft, vehicle, or person on the protected area of a surface
designated for the landing and takeoff of aircraft
RATIONALE: The FAA defines a runway incursion as any occurrence
at an airport involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or
person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and
takeoff of aircraft. Runway incursions are categorized by severity and
are a critical safety metric for airports.
Question 6
