FRA Locomotive Engineer case studies
FRA Locomotive Engineer · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The FRA Locomotive Engineer Certification is a U.S. federal credential governing who may operate a locomotive on the national rail network. It is administered under the Federal Railroad Administration's regulatory framework, which places the certification process in the hands of the employing railroad: the railroad trains, tests, and certifies its own engineers, while FRA's Operating Practices division oversees compliance and enforces the standards. This page is an independent study resource for candidates preparing for the railroad-administered certification exam. Topics on this exam: Locomotive Engineer Certification and Operating Practices. The FRA Locomotive Engineer case studies are 5 cases and about 2,291 words.
1Suspended Certificate and the Yard Vacancy
Alvarez holds a locomotive engineer certificate that was suspended for 30 days after a decertification hearing for a signal violation. On day 12 of the suspension, the yardmaster calls him at 22:40 for a 23:00 yard assignment because the extraboard is exhausted.
499 words, about 2 min2Initial Terminal Brake Test in Cold Weather
At 04:10 on a -8°F morning, engineer M. Chen completes a Class I initial terminal brake test on a 105-car mixed freight.
488 words, about 2 min3Unattended Cut on a Grade with Insufficient Hand Brakes
Okafor is instructed to cut away from a 38-car, 4,200-ton cut of loaded boxcars and leave it on a siding with a 1.6% grade. The railroad's securement chart for this grade and tonnage requires 12 hand brakes.
455 words, about 2 min4Restricted Speed in Fog with a Fouled Track
At 02:15 in fog, engineer L. Petrov is operating a light locomotive in a yard under restricted speed.
438 words, about 2 min5Twelve-Hour Limit and the Last Yard Move
Ramirez went on duty at 06:00 for a yard assignment. At 17:35, she has 25 minutes left before the 12-hour limit.
411 words, about 2 min