Author Archives: Staff Writers

How Do I Prevent FOD?

Among the best pieces of advice I’ve heard in the past is to remember to use your eyes, ears and mind. If you’re entering or already working in the Aerospace or High-Tech Manufacturing field, you have proven you’re intelligent, inquisitive and willing… Read the rest

FOD Damage and Mishap Investigation

Historically, 70-75% of FOD events are classified as “cause unknown” which is a mistake. The source of impact damage to an aircraft or engine can be determined in almost every instance with some detective work. This article addresses the issues… Read the rest

Formalizing The FOD Manager Position

Many organizations do not use all of their allocation. The unused money flows back to parent organizations that have a chance to re-distribute it to other needy areas. By carefully writing my justifications, I was able to get sweeping equipment… Read the rest

How To Host A FOD Awareness Week

Advertisements for the upcoming FOD awareness week can be posted on flyers, bulletin boards, or announcements at meetings. You can also announce on the site newspaper, post on the company intranet, or by mass email broadcasts. To better understand the… Read the rest

Basic Tools, Parts Control, & Aviation Tool Control Programs

Basic Tools and Parts Control Established Procedures All work procedures on aircraft must be standardized. This means everyone doing a specific task will do it the same way, every time. At top levels of the US Air Force guidance of… Read the rest

A Guide for Annual FOD Walks

At times it is not so “voluntary.” If the site manager schedules mandatory FOD walks, “all hands” may be required to participate unless excused by disability or illness. It may not be as desirable, but that is sometimes what it… Read the rest

Airport FOD Meeting – Doing it Right

Basic Agenda for Airport FOD Meetings 1) Introductions Introductions get everyone focused and improves comfort level.   2) Review of Minutes from the Last Airport FOD Meeting Have someone act as group secretary; taking good notes at every meeting. Have them… Read the rest

Advice For New FOD Prevention Managers

Quarterly briefings with major command directives did not follow compliance. I found people leaving tools and hardware loose on top of aircraft or upstairs in the cabin area when they left the area for breaks. People washing the jets would… Read the rest