Why It Pays To Be Careful Around Running Engines

Compliments of U.S. Air Force “Flying Safety” Magazine

The jet was undergoing the final stages of its major periodic inspection.  It was on the trim pad for some engine- running op checks and three Maintainers – an engine run person, a ground person, and a specialist-type person – were responsible for seeing to it they were done.

With engines running, op checks proceeded until a problem developed and the specialist-type Maintainer entered one of the aircraft’s engine intake “Danger Areas.”  He didn’t get sucked in, but his comm cord did, Into and engine that was running at “only” 75 percent.  Result?  another set of “onlys.”  Only several additional days of aircraft down time.  Only one more preventable engine FOD mishap.  Only $20,000 taxpayer (that’s you and me) money worth of engine damage.  Only several days of mishap investigation and report writing.  And only a few bucks for a pair of new jockey shorts.

You can never be too careful around running aircraft engines, particularly if you’re an old head.  Comfort can lead to complacency.  your only defense against FOD or serous injury – even death – are a thorough pre-run briefing in accordance with the aircraft checklist and local directives; clear, unambiguous communications; and maintaining total awareness of where you are and what you and your buds are doing.