Foreign Object Damage in aviation includes any object found in an inappropriate location that can harm a person or thing due to being at that location. Materials, including loose hardware, pavement fragments, catering supplies, building materials, rocks, sand, and baggage items, can all be classified as FOD materials. FOD can be found at taxiways, run-up pads, and even gates in an airport location.
Classification of different types of FOD
- Runway FOD – This relates to varied objects (fallen from aircraft or vehicles, broken ground instrumentation, birds, etc.) present on a runway, which may adversely affect fast-moving aircraft (during take-off and landing). Runway FOD has the highest potential to cause harm.
- Taxiway/Apron FOD – While this FOD type could seem less harmful than the previous one, it ought to be noted that jet blasts can move tiny objects onto the runway.
- Maintenance FOD – This relates to various objects, like tools, materials, or tiny parts) that are utilized in maintenance activities (e.g., aircraft maintenance, construction works, etc.) and may cause harm to aircraft.
Effects of Foreign Object Damage on Aviation
FOD can cause harm in a variety of ways.
- Damaging aircraft engines if ingested;
- Cutting aircraft tires;
- Lodging in aircraft mechanisms prevents them from operating correctly;
- Injuring individuals after being propelled by a jet blast or prop wash.
A dramatic example of Foreign Object Damage in aviation is the loss of the Air France Concorde, which stuck FOD on the runway during take-off from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in 2000.
What affects the presence of FOD?
Several things can affect the presence and handling of FOD, for example:
- Poor maintenance of buildings, instrumentation, and aircraft.
- Inadequate employee coaching.
- Pressure on employees to not delay movements for scrutiny.
- Weather (e.g., FOD could also be created by sturdy winds or blown onto the airfield, or its detection can be hampered by adverse weather).
Ways to manage FOD in Aviation
Here are specific ways by which FOD can be managed. Let us take a quick look at these.
1. Friction Sweeping
Sweeping is by far the most effective method. It can be performed using an airport sweeper or done manually. It can easily remove FOD from different surfaces. The kind of sweeper used depends on the area that needs to be cleaned. Short spaces cannot be cleaned using big sweepers as they may cause damage otherwise.
2. Rumble Strips
Rumble strips are standard. These are placed to indicate the transition from landside to airside. It is designed with small and regular bumps over which a vehicle drives. The main idea of using this strip is to help dislodge any loose material from the vehicle while moving over the strip.
3. FOD Containers
These containers are placed beside different gates at the airport. They are used to collect FOD and can be emptied every now or then. If not cleaned daily, it can overload and be categorized as a FOD.
4. Magnetic bars
Magnetic bars are seen on the front side of airside tugs and trucks. It helps to pick up ferrous metallic materials. It will remain a FOD hazard if not cleaned and collected correctly.
Conclusion
FOD is a critical quality check concept in aviation. The FOD management process involves understanding the type of FOD and then identifying its source. It will help improve the collection and removal process.