What distances must be maintained around aircraft with running jet engines?

• A. In front of aircraft only.
• B. In behind aircraft only.
• C. In front of or behind aircraft with running jet engines.
• D. There is no distance rule.

Answer: (C)

Jet engines create a dangerous risk zone both in front of the aircraft and directly behind it. The intake can pull in clothing, hands, tools, and debris from the ground, causing serious injury, while the exhaust blast behind the engine is extremely powerful, hot, and capable of throwing objects at high speed. Because of these hazards, you must keep a safe distance not only in front of aircraft with running engines but also behind them. Staying only in front or only behind would leave you exposed to the other danger, and there is indeed a distance rule for safety near running jets. If you must be near aircraft, always stay well clear of the intake path and the exhaust, and wait for the engine to be shut down or for ground personnel to signal it’s safe.