Before opening the engine compartment access doors, what must be true about the clearance?

• A. The doors are secured and cannot be opened.
• B. There is sufficient clearance to open the compartment access doors.
• C. The engine must be running.
• D. Electrical power must be on.

Answer: (B)

Ensuring there is enough space to swing the engine compartment doors open is about safe access. The doors must have adequate clearance to move freely without hitting other equipment, hoses, or the aircraft structure. If there isn’t enough clearance, opening the doors could cause damage, snag on nearby components, or injure crew members. When you confirm there’s sufficient clearance, you can open the doors fully to reach the engine for inspection, cooling, or firefighting access.

The other conditions listed aren’t about clearance: the engine running or electrical power being on aren’t requirements for opening the doors, and having the doors secured would prevent access rather than reflect a safe clearance check.