What must ARFF do before crossing controlled movement areas?

• A. Request permission/clearance from ATCT and repeat instructions back to confirm.
• B. Cross after two minutes.
• C. Stop and wait for supervisor.
• D. Use hand signals only.

Answer: (A)

Crossing controlled movement areas requires explicit coordination with ATC. Before ARFF vehicles cross, they must contact the control tower to obtain permission and then repeat the instructions back to confirm they heard them correctly. This two-way verification helps prevent miscommunications and ensures everyone understands the exact crossing point, hold-short requirements, and any timing considerations while aircraft are taxiing. Controlled movement areas are where aircraft movements are actively managed, so ATC clearance is mandatory to maintain safe separation. Relying on hand signals alone isn’t sufficient, and waiting for a supervisor or taking an arbitrary waiting period isn’t the standard procedure.