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Turbine inlet suction hazard

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 5 of 26 on Ground Operations and Servicing. ACS element AM.I.F.K16 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhy must tools and other loose items never be left around the intake of an operating turbine engine?

  1. AHeat radiating from the inlet can ignite loose items left nearby.
  2. BCompressor vibration shakes loose items into the inlet.
  3. CLow pressure at the inlet draws loose objects into the engine.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Low pressure at the inlet draws loose objects into the engine.

  • A — incorrect Heat is an exhaust-side hazard; the intake hazard is suction, not heat.
  • B — incorrect The handbook attributes ingestion to the low-pressure area ahead of the engine, not to vibration.
  • C — correct The handbook explains that a modern gas turbine engine creates a low-pressure area in front of the engine that causes any loose object to be drawn in.

BACKGROUND

Foreign object damage (FOD) is any damage to aircraft, personnel, or equipment caused by a loose object. The modern gas turbine engine creates a low-pressure area in front of the engine that causes any loose object to be drawn into it, while the exhaust can propel loose objects great distances with enough force to damage anything hit. For this reason the run-up area is cleared of nuts, bolts, rocks, shop towels, and other debris before starting, and the area in front of a jet inlet is kept clear of personnel, property, and debris. Many serious accidents have involved personnel near turbine engine air inlets.

STUDY TIP

Think of the inlet as a vacuum and the exhaust as a blast; both are FOD hazards but for different reasons.

KEY POINTS

  • A turbine engine's inlet creates a low-pressure area that draws in loose objects.
  • The exhaust can throw loose objects a great distance with damaging force.
  • Keep the run-up area clear of personnel, tools, and debris before starting.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch01 "Foreign Object Damage (FOD)"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.