Guys,

I am starting to hear some members bring up concerns about "burnt grass" at my local club. We are really just starting to fly turbines there, however moreso recently.

Can anyone share their designs for Blast Deflectors so we can put this matter to rest. I have heard of guys using alluminum with a couple rods, somehow hinged to retain them in place, and make for easy transportation. If anyone has one of these deflectors and can share how they are assembled, I would greatly appreciate it.

Any pics??????

Thanks.

Jim

It depends what kind of planes you are fielding there...there are numerous designs out there to accomodate most everything. A sheet of plywood works for startup, and /or any wedge that will deflect the exhaust upwards can be used I've seen them made out of plywood and metal......It just needs to be heavy, or well anchored so the blast does not blow it over. Some guys use lengths of stove pipe or dryer vent mounted on a length of 2x6 (or similar)

Here's a pic of one used at Jets over Whidbey...

Best one I have seen so far was Kennys design that used a 12 inch 45 degree metal HVAC duct mounted on a square of plywood. Easy, simple, cheap and works great as it directs the gas up. Scott

Jim
Heres a picture of the one that Scott mentioned, they work GREAT
Semper Fi
Joe

All great designs for blast deflectors but won't do a lot to prevent scorched grass after the start . Some aircraft have the turbine lower to the ground or pointed more at the grass . They will scorch the grass if you are stationary for too long . The grass does grow back greener though !!

Jim,

The BEST Blast Deflector is some Old Fart's 40 size high wing trainer

I am having the same problem at my field. Starting the turbine is not the problem because I use a stove pipe to pretect the grass and the jet. The problem is the taxi out and taxi in after the flight. It really concerned me so I brought it up to the other members of the club and they said if you are making a reasonable effort to prevent burning the grass then they will live with the burnt areas of the grass.

Just a note. I built the ones at Ca-Jets and they are 18" ducts. 12" is a bit small and with the 18" it fits a larger number of exhaust heights. A couple of 12" pavers hold then down.

Doug

Good Info here. Wanted to know though , are the ones doing the complaining (not just the OF') the same ones that let there fuel overflow (nitro) spill on the ground and kill the grass.
Sorry just felt like stirring the pot this morning