Foreign Object Debris and Damage (FOD) at Heliports

When airport professionals attempt to mitigate Foreign Object Debris and Foreign Object Damage (FOD), they often focus on fixed-wing aircraft, especially engine intakes and landing tires.

However, FOD also poses a significant threat to heliports, helipads, and other facilities that host rotary aircraft. Helicopters are no less susceptible to damage from loose debris or misplaced assets.

Understanding the risks associated with FOD and implementing effective solutions is crucial to maintaining a safe and efficient rotary aircraft environment.

Suggested Resources

Check out our articles on how to prevent FOD at your airport or how to set up a FOD Program at your airline for more great ideas.

FOD Risks

Helicopter landing. Source: Florian Pircher, PIxabay.

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. Results can include equipment damage, flight delays, injuries or even fatalities.

Internal. Unsecured items, such as cargo, misplaced maintenance tools or loose aircraft parts, can migrate to critical mechanical or electronic systems. At best, it can cause flight delays and missed missions. At worst, it can interfere with inflight operations, with potentially deadly consequences.

Planning and Training

Several solutions are available, all of which should be implemented to at least some level:

Develop and implement a comprehensive FOD management plan for the heliport. Senior management should take active possession of the project to assure that subordinates take FOD prevention seriously. Seek input from stakeholders, monitor its effectiveness regularly, and incorporate best practices to continuously improve your facility’s overall plan.

Provide training to personnel on the importance of prevention and proper procedures for maintaining a FOD-free environment at the heliport. Include inspirational messaging from senior management and offer to consider any feedback from line personnel. Include hands-on training, such as familiarizing them with the use of debris containers, airfield sweepers, and tool/hardware control procedures.

Inspection and Detection

Collected FOD — Do you want this on our airside surface?

Conduct regular inspections of the helicopter to identify and remove any potential foreign object debris that could pose a risk to the rotor systems or other critical components. Use inspection trays, probe rods, and mirrors to physically search areas that are difficult to access. Use a checklist for the inspection and log any discovered FOD on a report form.

Utilize FOD detection systems and technology to identify and remove debris on the heliport surface to prevent potential damage to helicopters. Modern AI-based equipment provides real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing operators to receive instant alerts and notifications when debris is detected on the heliport surface and before it has a chance to create an incident.

Protection and Removal

Deploy surface sweepers to remove from helipads and adjacent areas gravel, loose hardware, environmental debris, and other small items which are often invisible to the naked eye. A specialized sweeper that can be deployed immediately and that will cover the entire sweeping area quickly can minimize downtime and improve turnarounds between landings and departures.

Install FOD protection guards, covers or screens to to shield vulnerable areas of the helicopter, especially exposed rotor systems, from debris during operations. If nothing appropriate is commercially available, ask the FOD experts in your network for advice on fabricating custom shielding.

Implement strict maintenance procedures to ensure that the helicopter is free of on-board FOD and that any damage caused by foreign objects is promptly addressed. For instance, maintainers should practice formal tool and hardware control, including inspecting housings after work is done and keeping an inventory of tools and parts brought into the aircraft.

By implementing these solutions, helicopter operators, heliport managers, and equipment maintainers can effectively control foreign object debris, minimize the risk of foreign object damage, and ensure safe and efficient operations.