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performance monitoring
Position
The position or location of the aircraft has a large effect upon what power settings can be used
when starting the engines (airport maintenance facility managers get upset if the aircraft you are
running blows over buildings or buffets other aircraft), considerations that may apply to running
the aircraft engines are:
Engine power.
Danger areas.
Blast deflectors.
When on deployment or exercise in arid regions, care must be taken to ensure that the jet efflux
does not set fire to surrounding vegetation or raise dust clouds that could reduce visibility or
even close the taxiways and runways of airfields.
Distance To Buildings/Roads Or Airfield Facilities
Buildings or structures, even though they look solid and immovable, can be damaged by the
cyclonic type winds produced by a gas turbine engine. Also, vehicles or aircraft that may travel
along runways, taxiways or roads in the jet blast area behind a running engine are susceptible to
damage. Therefore exclusion zone areas must be adhered to.
The distance to buildings, even if they are outside the jet efflux danger zone must be considered
because fumes produced by the burning of jet engine fuels have an effect on personnel.
Blast Deflectors
Blast deflectors are devices that are used to change the direction of the jet thrust, normally the
thrust is directed upwards to reduce the space that is required behind an engine being run.
These devices are usually constructed as part of an engine run facility or trim pad, varying from
steel or concrete covered earthen walls, to large tubes that fit behind the engine, to slow and
alter the direction of the air blast.
Danger Areas
Danger areas around aircraft dramatically increase as soon as the engines are started. As can
be seen in Figure 21-1, the area in front and behind an aircraft engine is extremely dangerous.
The suction from the engine intake is capable of drawing personnel into the engine at even low
power settings. Whilst the thrust from the engine can be felt at large distances behind the
aircraft.
Other danger areas around the engine may include the engine and starter turbine discs. Danger
also exists from the propeller of turbo propeller aircraft.
WARNING
During night time operation of propeller driven aircraft, EXTREME danger is present from
the strobe effect of anti collision and warning lights causing the propeller to appear to be
stationary when the engine is running.
Figure 21-1
Figure 21-1 is only an example. Specific aircraft restrictions must be observed when any engine
run is to be attempted.