What should be stationed near the aircraft during engine starting?

• A. First aid kit and trauma kit
• B. A tow vehicle
• C. Safety officer with a clipboard
• D. Qualified fire guard equipped with CO2, Halon, or Dry Chemical fire extinguisher.

Answer: (D)

During engine starting there is a real risk of fire from fuel, ignition sources, or hot surfaces, so a trained fire guard must be ready to respond immediately. Having a qualified person with an appropriate fire extinguisher (CO2, Halon, or Dry Chemical) on hand allows rapid assessment and rapid suppression of any ignition, helping prevent a small issue from turning into a larger fire. The other options don’t provide immediate fire protection or suppression: a first aid kit helps after injuries, not fires; a tow vehicle is for moving the aircraft and doesn’t address fire safety; a safety officer with a clipboard oversees but cannot fight a fire quickly.