Jet blast
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Jet blast is the phenomenon of rapid air movement produced by the jet engines of aircraft, particularly on or before takeoff.
A large jet-engined aircraft can produce winds of up to 100 mph (160 km/h) up to 200 feet (60 m) behind it at 40% maximum rated power. Jet blast can be a hazard to people or other unsecured objects behind the aircraft, and is capable of flattening buildings and destroying vehicles[citation needed].
Despite the power and potentially destructive nature of jet blast, there are relatively few jet blast incidents. Due to the invisible nature of jet blast and the aerodynamic properties of light aircraft, light aircraft moving about airports are particularly vulnerable. Pilots of light aircraft frequently stay off to the side of the runway, rather than follow in the centre, to negate the effect of the blast.
Propeller planes are also capable of generating significant rearwards winds.
[edit] External links
- NASA site on jet blast - http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/directline/dl6_blast.htm
