Personnel vehicles and towed aircraft shall remain clear of taxiing aircraft and will not pass within how many feet behind aircraft with engines running?

• A. 200
• B. 100
• C. 150
• D. 300

Answer: (A)

When a taxiing aircraft has its engines running, the jet blast or prop wash can injure people and damage equipment, and it can also move debris or create suction that disrupts towed gear. To provide a safe buffer for this hazard, a fixed minimum clearance behind the aircraft is required for personnel vehicles and towed aircraft.

That minimum distance is 200 feet. This spacing accounts for the potential reach and strength of the exhaust and the unpredictable effects of engine operation, giving crews time to react and stay clear of any sudden gusts or debris. Other distances would either place people too close to the exhaust or unnecessarily hinder operations, so 200 feet is the standard requirement in this context.