During maximum power settings, what are the safe distances from intake and exhaust?

• A. Max: 9 ft from intake/115-155 ft from exhaust
• B. Max: 25 ft from intake/325-725 ft from exhaust
• C. Max: 9 ft from intake/325-725 ft from exhaust
• D. Max: 25 ft from intake/850-925 ft from exhaust

Answer: (D)

At maximum power, the aircraft produces dangerous jet blast and a risk of ingesting debris, so you must keep clear of both the intake and the exhaust. The intake distance is kept relatively short because the primary concern there is foreign object ingestion and contact with rotating parts inside the intake; staying 25 feet away provides a safe buffer. The exhaust produces a much stronger, high-velocity stream of hot gases and debris, so the safe zone is much farther downrange—850 to 925 feet. These distances are measured from the intake face and the exhaust nozzle, respectively, and reflect the need to keep personnel out of the potent jet blast area to prevent injury and equipment damage.