SOME SAFETY ASPECTS OF GAS TURBINES

Potential sources of hazard from operation of gas turbine powered aircraft are examined. Comparison is made to the current operation of piston engines. It is concluded that gas turbines are potentially more reliable than piston engines, and they therefore are potentially safer, providing that sufficient care is used to combine all currently available knowledge and experience into the detail design of new aircraft-engine combinations. Specific recommendations are made for further coordination of engine designers and operators for better future power plants, such as better containment provisions, free-turbine arrangements for turbo-props and less surge-sensitive compressors.