The hazard distance behind an idling turbine engine is approximately how far?

• A. 50 feet
• B. 100 feet
• C. 150 feet
• D. 250 feet

Answer: (B)

When a turbine engine is idling, the exhaust jets are still powerful enough to pose a danger behind the aircraft. The safety distance accounts for the hot exhaust, the potential to blow debris, and the risk of being pulled into the jet stream. About 100 feet behind an idling engine is the commonly taught safe distance because it provides a reasonable buffer for both heat and debris while the engine is not at full thrust. Shorter distances (like 50 feet) can still put you in the line of the jet blast, while much longer distances (150 or 250 feet) are more relevant for higher thrust settings or more hazardous conditions. So, the best answer is that the hazard distance behind an idling turbine engine is roughly 100 feet.