MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C –
Foreign object debris, or FOD, poses a hazard on flight lines and can threaten the safety of personnel, equipment and aircraft. To minimize these risks, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, has shifted from physically picking up debris to the more efficient method of blowing the debris away. This change in protocol not only accelerates removing hazardous objects but also enhances safety because it reduces potential damage to aircraft and ensures a cleaner working environment for everyone on the flight line.
FOD blowing involves using air-powered equipment to clear objects, debris or material from runways, taxiways and airfields.
FOD can accumulate on the airfield when items fall off vehicles or aircraft passes through the area. Common debris includes rocks, screws and bolts. Organic materials can be blown off the flight line with a blower, whereas other foreign objects, such as screws and metal fasteners, must still be retrieved by hand and documented.
“We’re able to give pilots peace of mind, knowing that they can take off and land on a clean and clear runway,” said Sean Wales, an FOD attendant. “FOD blowing has made a huge impact for safety on the airfield.”
Wales said debris left on the airfield is hazardous to both aircraft and personnel. For example, if an aircraft were to encounter a sharp object, it could puncture a tire and deflate, or the engine could potentially ingest the debris, resulting in serious damage to equipment, costly repairs and significant injuries to passengers aboard aircraft.
While MCAS Cherry Point was the first Marine Corps air station to implement FOD blowers, Marine Corps air stations across the globe are adopting the new technology. Results have shown it maximizes the safety of aircraft and personnel and saves taxpayer dollars.
“Since being here, it has been night and day for FOD incidents on the runway,” said Scott Nickson, FOD supervisor. “Numbers have gone down significantly since we have been going out daily to remove FOD from the operating surfaces. It’s everyone doing their part to make the whole process safe.”
Written by Lance Cpl. Lauralle Gavilanes, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. 