Definition
The high-velocity stream of hot gases and air forced rearward from an aircraft's engine exhaust outlet during operation, capable of damaging nearby aircraft, equipment, or people, and of blowing loose objects into other aircraft or structures.
Plain English
The strong, hot stream of air and gas that shoots out the back of a running engine. It can knock things over, throw debris, and hurt anyone standing behind the aircraft.
Context Anchor
You encounter this term during ground operations, especially when starting, running up, or taxiing an aircraft near people, vehicles, hangars, or loose objects.
Derivation
Exhaust comes from older words meaning “to draw out” or “empty out.” Blast means a strong rush of air or gas. Together, the words point to the strong stream being forced out of the engine.
Why Pilots Care
Positioning an aircraft or person behind another running engine exposes them to damaging force, debris, or injury.
Intuition Check
Do not think of exhaust blast as just engine noise or smoke. It is a moving force of hot gas that can burn, push, or damage things behind the aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
Before increasing power for the run-up, the pilot checked that the exhaust blast would not be directed at the aircraft parked behind.
Example Sentence 2
Ground crew stayed well behind the wing during engine start to remain clear of exhaust blast.