What must occur before entering the ingestion zone?

Entering the ingestion zone is a critical aspect of ramp safety, particularly regarding the operation of aircraft engines. The requirement that the anti-collision beacon must be off and the engines spooled down before entering this area is designed to minimize the risk of injury or accidents.

When the engines are spooled down, they are at a lower operational status, reducing the risk of foreign object ingestion or personnel being thrown by the engine's thrust. The anti-collision beacon being off indicates that the aircraft is in a non-operational phase, which provides a visual cue that it is safe to approach. This practice helps ensure that all personnel are aware of the aircraft's status and can work safely around it without the risk of being harmed by engine operations or unforeseen movements.

The importance of these combined protocols enhances overall safety on the ramp and ensures that personnel have the necessary assurance that engine-related hazards are minimized before they enter close proximity to an aircraft's ingestion zone.