FOD Considerations Part 1
Steven Bentley www.sassofia.com
ICAO Annex 14 (Chapter 10, paragraph 10.2.1) states that “The surface of pavements (runways, taxiways, aprons and adjacent areas) shall be kept clear of any loose stones or other objects that might cause damage to aircraft structures or engines, or impair the operation of aircraft systems.” Note – additional information can be found in the ICAO Doc 9157 Aerodrome Design Manual, Part 2.
FOD may be considered as any item or object that is in a place it should not be !
Means it does not belong in the vicinity of aircraft, as a result FOD may have the potential to cause injury to persons or to cause dame to aircraft and equipment.
Considering FOD on a world scale ! The estimated cost of FODs for the aviation industry is in excess of 3 billion USD each and every year ! We all have a collective responsibility to play our part and ensure the minimization and removal of FOD.
Air France Flight 4590 was lost with the loss of more than 100 lives in July, 2000, due to FOD on the runway (A piece of titanium debris from a departing US bound DC-10) the FOD caused the failure of a main wheel tire which caused in turn the fuel tank to rupture.
FOD is everywhere and ever present around the aircraft around the terminal, on aprons, taxiways, runways, and maintenance hard stands. FOD may cause damage either through direct contact for example by cutting airplane tires or being ingested into engines.
In addition aircraft jet blast may cause FOD to become airborne and to be blown into equipment or even people.
FOD being blown by an aircraft Jet Blast has been responsible for a fatal injury in Australia.
Airport infrastructure is a breeding ground for FOD. The general deterioration, any maintenance actions or related construction works within the airport environment may become the cause or initiator of FOD. A typical example would be a piece of concrete breaking loose from pavement or fatigue corner cracks.
Normal airplane operations brings the continuous hazard of FOD consider the following activities all have the potential to pose a threat !
All aircraft turnarounds activities including ( but not limited to) aircraft maintenance, refueling, catering, cabin cleaning, and baggage and cargo handling can produce debris.
Baggage pieces, including bag tags and wheels, can break off luggage and either fall onto the apron or collect in the cargo compartment to be dislodged subsequently
If you would like to receive training in the management of FOD please see www.sassofia.com or email office@sassofia.com
