Airports, FOD Operations
Why Summer is Peak FOD Season: Understanding the Seasonal Spike in Foreign Object Debris
Environmental Factors
Environmental conditions in summer pose distinct challenges. Thermal expansion and contraction can cause runway and pavement materials to crack, releasing debris onto operational surfaces. High winds and thunderstorms further exacerbate the issue by scattering loose items across airfields… Read the rest
Training and Awareness
Effective FOD training programs should cover a wide range of topics, including the identification of common debris items, understanding risks and consequences, and learning proper reporting and removal procedures.
Training sessions can include practical demonstrations, workshops, and… Read the rest
FOD Risks
At heliports, risks generally fall into two categories.
External. Rotor wash can send loose objects lying on or near the helipad flying through the air, impacting rotor systems, fuselage, windows, landing gear, nearby aircraft, ground equipment or personnel.… Read the rest
“In 2010, detection technology was the human eyeball,” according to Steve Boyle, CEO of Essential Aero, which develops AI-enabled aerial and ground-based inspection platforms. “People would walk and scan pavement looking for FOD.”
Unfortunately, manual FOD detection has multiple built-in… Read the rest
Sweeping
The issue of vehicle exhaust emissions should be of significant concern to track maintenance operators. They play a key role in contributing to air pollution levels, which can negatively impact air quality, human health, regulatory compliance and public image.… Read the rest
Various types of foreign object debris, including loose gravel, rubber marbles and oil spills, can accumulate and pose hazards to drivers.
One of the most common types of race track debris is tire fragments. Also known as marbles, they are… Read the rest
Key Elements of Effective FOD Training
Comprehensive FOD training should focus on instilling a culture of responsibility among ground crews. Training programs should emphasize the importance of meticulous FOD management, adherence to established procedures, and proactive reporting of potential debris… Read the rest
Airports construction contracts typically includes clauses requiring the contractor to control FOD on the job site. This is because allowing debris to enter flight areas, can create critical safety issues. For example, a piece of loose hardware that migrates from… Read the rest
Airports play a crucial role in global transportation, connecting people and goods around the world. However, the aviation industry is also a significant contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and environmental pollution. To combat this, airports are increasingly turning to… Read the rest