During smoke/fire detection tests, what should be monitored?

During smoke/fire detection tests, monitoring T-Handles lights, Aural Warning Tones, and ACAWS (Aircraft Condition Awareness Warning System) warnings is essential for assessing the aircraft's safety status. These indicators provide critical information regarding the presence of smoke or fire in the aircraft, allowing the crew to respond appropriately to potential emergencies.

The T-Handles lights serve as visual alerts. If a fire condition is detected in certain compartments, such as the engine or APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) areas, these lights illuminate, indicating the need for immediate action. Aural Warning Tones provide an audible alert that draws the crew’s attention to the problem, prompting quick decision-making. ACAWS warnings give additional context and can inform the crew about the specific conditions and responses needed, ensuring they are fully aware of the situation.

Effective monitoring of these systems is vital for ensuring crew safety and protecting the aircraft from damage as it allows timely and coordinated emergency procedures to be enacted. The other choices focus on monitoring systems and metrics that, while important, do not directly contribute to fire detection response in the same immediate way as the indicators mentioned in the correct answer.