Florida Building Code Practice Exam

An aircraft hangar must be separated from a dwelling unit by a fire barrier with a fire-resistance rating of at least:

1. Less than 30 minutes

2. At least 1 hour

3. At least 2 hours

4. Is not allowed

The correct answer is: At least 1 hour

The correct answer is based on the requirement that an aircraft hangar must have a fire barrier with a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 hour when separated from a dwelling unit. This standard is established to protect life safety and property by minimizing the risk of fire transmission between the hangar and the living space. The 1-hour rating is a recognized measure in building codes intended to provide a sufficient level of protection in these situations, ensuring that there is adequate time for occupants to evacuate and for firefighters to respond. In this context, a barrier with a fire-resistance rating of less than 30 minutes would not offer enough protection in the event of a fire, making it inadequate for such a critical separation. Similarly, while a 2-hour rating would be more robust, it is not specifically required by the code, thus making the 1-hour duration the minimum necessary to meet safety regulations. Lastly, stating that aircraft hangars are not allowed near dwelling units would be an incorrect understanding of zoning and building regulations, as they can coexist provided proper safety measures are implemented.