Aviation : environmental threats

Based on the available information and authors self-assessments, this article presents turbine engine exhaust gases effect on the environment, especially near to the aircraft and helicopters during their engines idle setting and take-offs. The concentration level of pollutants in gas turbine exhaust and its relation to the temperature and time of the combustion process is discussed. The article presents diffusion of the aircraft turbine engine exhaust in the airport area, focusing on aircraft take-off manoeuvre. The authors would like to draw attention of the aviation professionals to the fact that amount of exhaust from the turbine engine is so significant that may adversely change the ambient air near to the aircraft. Consequently, smaller amount of oxygen with increased level of carbon monoxide during engine start –up and idle can be a threat to the maintenance staff health. Also high emission level of the nitrogen oxides, especially during take-off and climb is indifferent for the environment. The paper gives an example of real fuel consumption and toxic gases emissions in the so-called landing and takeoff cycle (LTO) and during long-range flight. Turbine engines noise distribution and its intensity because of complex aerodynamic and thermodynamic processes is presented.