Arresting cables should be in which state when taxiing over them?

• A. In Battery
• B. De-energized
• C. Normal
• D. Locked

Answer: (A)

Arresting cables should be in the In Battery state because that condition means the hydraulic energy is loaded and the cables are taut and in the ready-to-receive configuration. When the cables are in this state, they stay properly aligned and under controlled tension as the aircraft taxis over them, reducing the risk of snagging or misalignment and ensuring the system is prepared to arrest a trapped landing if needed.

If the cables were energized to de-energized, they would have no hydraulic tension and could move unpredictably, creating hazards on the deck. A normal state isn’t a defined readiness for crossing the deck, and locking the cables would prevent the system from functioning correctly if a trap were required, which is unsafe during taxiing operations.