What are the basic fire extinguisher classes typically found on aircraft and the fires they address?

• A. Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class C (electrical) fires.
• B. Class A (ordinary combustibles) and Class D (metal) fires only.
• C. Class B (flammable liquids) and Class F (cooking oils) fires only.
• D. Class C (electrical) and Class E fires only.

Answer: (A)

Fires aboard aircraft are categorized by what is burning, so the extinguishing equipment is picked to match those hazards. The most relevant ones you’ll train for are ordinary combustibles (like paper, wood, and fabrics), flammable liquids (fuel and oils), and electrical equipment. That’s why the standard onboard extinguishers address Class A, Class B, and Class C fires. Class A targets ordinary combustibles, Class B handles flammable liquids, and Class C covers electrical fires, with caution to avoid using water on live electrical gear. Other fire types—like metal fires or cooking-oil fires—aren’t typically part of the standard onboard extinguisher set, and current aviation practice uses the A, B, and C classifications to cover the common in-flight risks.