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FOREIGN OBJECT DAMAGE AND THE AIRPORT SWEEPER – A PRIMER

FOREIGN OBJECT DAMAGE

FOREIGN OBJECT DEBRIS

Foreign object debris causes foreign object damage.
(Both terms are often referred to by the same popular acronym, FOD.) Foreign object debris is defined as any foreign object external to the aircraft that can cause damage. Examples include nuts, bolts, safety wire, baggage tags, misplaced tools, sand, rocks, asphalt chunks, birds, snakes, rodents – the list goes on.

TYPES OF FOREIGN OBJECT DAMAGE

Shredded fan blades and punctured tires and are the most commonly cited types of foreign object damage. However, foreign object debris can damage any part of a plane, including cracked windshields, dented hulls and ruined landing gear. Foreign object damage to munitions mounted onto military aircraft can endanger an entire flight area.

DANGERS OF FOREIGN OBJECT DAMAGE

The worst foreign object damage incident occurred in Paris. On July 25, 2000, a metal strip from a thrust reverser fell off a DC-10 during takeoff. Minutes later, an Air France Concorde took off from the same runway. The metal strip exploded a tire, sending shrapnel into a fuel tank, which caught fire and crashed the plane, killing 113 people.

FOREIGN OBJECT DAMAGE TRAINING

Developing an effective foreign object damage prevention program is essential for airport safety. Most important is training personnel to appreciate the its critical importance to their daily routine. Basically, when people don’t care, they don’t pick up after themselves. The F.O.D. Control Corporation publishes the standard text on the subject, MAKE IT FOD FREE! The Ultimate FOD Prevention Manual.

AIRPORT SWEEPER

TOW-BEHIND AIRPORT SWEEPER

Hitched to a tow vehicle, such as pickup truck or baggage tug, tow-behind airport sweepers are popular with budget-conscious facilities seeking to maximize their capital purchases. Depending upon the model and its condition, advantages can include better sweeping efficiency among the more innovative designs, increased portability, and lower purchase and maintenance costs.

AIRPORT SWEEPER TRUCK

As a self-contained vehicle, airport sweeper trucks are popular with facilities seeking convenience of use; also with commercial sweeping contractors. Depending upon the model and its condition, advantages can include less work for the operator, the ability collect both liquid and solid foreign object debris (in some models), and improved operability during severe weather.

MAGNETIC AIRPORT SWEEPER

Built with powerful magnetized bars, magnetic airport sweepers are popular at facilities where metallic foreign object debris is a major problem. Since the bar is usually attached just below the bumper of a motor vehicle, the major advantage is the ability to collect FOD passively while performing other functions, such as driving a squad car on a security patrol.

HUMAN AIRPORT SWEEPER

Not all sweepers are machines. The “FOD Walk”, for instance, is an established and colorful military tradition, during which a line of personnel walks the entire length of the flight area in search of foreign object debris. FOD Walks are especially popular aboard aircraft carriers, where crowded and windy flight decks are too unstable for most airport sweepers.

EVALUATING AIRPORT SWEEPERS

The best way to see if an airport sweeper meets your needs is to test it on-site. For instance, The F.O.D. Control Corporation will often loan a fully-functioning demo version of its FOD*BOSS Rapid Response Airfield Sweeper to potential customers in the 48 continental United States. This allows the opportunity for on-site testing and evaluation.

The F.O.D. Control Corporation
8987 East Tanque Verde Road
Building 309 - Mail Stop #360
Tucson, Arizona USA 85749-9399

info@fodcontrol.com

Toll Free + 800-HALTFOD (800-425-8363)
or + (520) 760-7732
Fax + (520) 760-7734

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