Union Pacific -- Air Brakes questions and
answers 2026\2027 A+ Grade
What government agency regulates the inspection and testing of brake equipment on railroad
locomotives and cars?
- correct answer Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
What rule details the safety inspection of freight cars?
- correct answer Rule 1.33, Inspection of Freight Cars
Who can perform inspections and brake tests?
- correct answer Qualified Person, Qualified Mechanical Inspector, or Qualified Maintenance Person as
specified by federal regulations.
After fundamental training on freight car inspections and air brake tests, would a trainman be
considered a "Qualified Person?"
- correct answer Yes
During the safety inspection, is an inspection on both sides of the train required?
- correct answer Yes
Can cars placed in a train be moved prior to a safety inspection?
- correct answer No
Can inspections by "Qualified Mechanical Inspectors" extend the distance a train may travel before
additional inspections and tests are required?
- correct answer Yes (Extended Haul Train)
, What must you do before coupling air hoses together?
- correct answer Shake debris out of hoses and blow all condensation from locomotive brake pipe or
yard air line.
What should be done to prevent an air hose from dragging whenever the train is moved?
- correct answer Air hoses inspected for condition, properly coupled, and all parts of brake equipment
secured.
Unless brakes fail en route, how many cars must have operative brakes?
- correct answer All cars : 100%
What percentage of operative brake equipment must trains have under all circumstances?
- correct answer At least 85%
Who must be notified when a car's brake equipment fails en route?
- correct answer Leave information for relieving crew, and notify Dispatcher or Mechanical Help Desk.
What ITEM is referenced to determine the number of operative brakes in train?
- correct answer SSI, Item 2-F, Maximum Speeds:
Tons Per Operative Brake (TPOB)
How must en route car brake failure be documented ?
- correct answer Must be tagged, (*"Bad Order" tag*), on both sides of car and noted on train
documentation.
Who is in charge while the air brake test is being conducted?
- correct answer Employee performing the air brake test.
Before conducting the air brake test, what must the person performing the air brake test ensure?
- correct answer All employees are safely positioned before beginning test.
What is the air pressure regulating valve, also known as, the brake pipe pressure, for yard and freight
service set to?
- correct answer 90 psi
answers 2026\2027 A+ Grade
What government agency regulates the inspection and testing of brake equipment on railroad
locomotives and cars?
- correct answer Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
What rule details the safety inspection of freight cars?
- correct answer Rule 1.33, Inspection of Freight Cars
Who can perform inspections and brake tests?
- correct answer Qualified Person, Qualified Mechanical Inspector, or Qualified Maintenance Person as
specified by federal regulations.
After fundamental training on freight car inspections and air brake tests, would a trainman be
considered a "Qualified Person?"
- correct answer Yes
During the safety inspection, is an inspection on both sides of the train required?
- correct answer Yes
Can cars placed in a train be moved prior to a safety inspection?
- correct answer No
Can inspections by "Qualified Mechanical Inspectors" extend the distance a train may travel before
additional inspections and tests are required?
- correct answer Yes (Extended Haul Train)
, What must you do before coupling air hoses together?
- correct answer Shake debris out of hoses and blow all condensation from locomotive brake pipe or
yard air line.
What should be done to prevent an air hose from dragging whenever the train is moved?
- correct answer Air hoses inspected for condition, properly coupled, and all parts of brake equipment
secured.
Unless brakes fail en route, how many cars must have operative brakes?
- correct answer All cars : 100%
What percentage of operative brake equipment must trains have under all circumstances?
- correct answer At least 85%
Who must be notified when a car's brake equipment fails en route?
- correct answer Leave information for relieving crew, and notify Dispatcher or Mechanical Help Desk.
What ITEM is referenced to determine the number of operative brakes in train?
- correct answer SSI, Item 2-F, Maximum Speeds:
Tons Per Operative Brake (TPOB)
How must en route car brake failure be documented ?
- correct answer Must be tagged, (*"Bad Order" tag*), on both sides of car and noted on train
documentation.
Who is in charge while the air brake test is being conducted?
- correct answer Employee performing the air brake test.
Before conducting the air brake test, what must the person performing the air brake test ensure?
- correct answer All employees are safely positioned before beginning test.
What is the air pressure regulating valve, also known as, the brake pipe pressure, for yard and freight
service set to?
- correct answer 90 psi
