What is the purpose of maintaining a "safety zone" around an aircraft on the ground?

Maintaining a "safety zone" around an aircraft on the ground is essential for preventing runway incursions and ensuring safe movement around the airport. This safety zone is established to provide ample space for aircraft to maneuver and to protect ground personnel, vehicles, and other aircraft from potential hazards during ground operations.

By adhering to this guideline, airport operations can minimize the risk of accidents, such as collisions between aircraft or between aircraft and ground services, which is crucial for maintaining overall safety at an airport. This practice also involves designating specific areas for different types of operations, which helps streamline the flow of traffic on the airport surface and enhances overall situational awareness for pilots and ground crews.

In contrast, while optimizing fuel efficiency, facilitating quick departures, and complying with cabin safety regulations are important considerations in aviation, they do not directly pertain to the safety zone concept. The primary focus of a safety zone is indeed centered on safety and operational integrity, making option B the most appropriate choice.