Mechanic sucked into 737 at George Bush Intercontinental

[blackmail]

mechanic sucked into 737 at GB Intercontinental

hello spannersatcx,

i would like to call on common sense here. if an engine related maintenance procedure calls for a run up above idle with an outside observer in attendance, tragically, much too close to the engine in this case, then it is definitely NOT to be performed by normal crew & if any "risk" is involved, certainly not with pax on board. but we don't have all the facts at hand here.

of course, in normal situations, sops do not prohibit a run up, lined up on the rwy eg. if you feel it is necessary for whatever reason. on busy airfields i recommend advising atc as it takes 30secs at 70%N1.

for info: for b737-300, dangerzone in front of engine is a half circle of 4meters radius from engine intake & extending 1.2m behind engine nacelle with thrust above idle.
with idle thrust, figures are 2.7m radius/1.2m behind engine nacelle. but all this will be of little comfort for all those involved.