The Importance of FOD Prevention
Foreign Object Debris (FOD)is not an uncommon occurrence around airports, especially considering how many ways there are for it to suddenly appear without warning. Trash can come from any angle and endanger the pilots, safety crew, and passengers. It can also harm the actual aircraft, leaving behind thousands of dollars’ worth of repairs. Without a strategy for preventing FOD, leaders risk having to deal with constant interruptions, damages, and logistical questions. See why you may need to devote more time and efforts to your FOD prevention strategy.
Total Costs Per Year
The entire industry loses about $4 billion a year because of FOD, which is a figure that really shouldn’t be allowed to continue any longer. To a certain extent, no one can prevent all potential catastrophes that may occur at an airport — everything from unpredictable weather to plain old human error can conspire to create major problems for everyone. But there are ways to cut down on these costs so that the money can be diverted to a far more noble cause.
How to Approach the Problem
From tiny fragments of sand to large pieces of luggage, FOD can come in any number of forms. Even seemingly innocuous objects can end up causing more damage than people realize. These items can be found on the tarmacs, taxiways, and run-up pads, terminals, etc., so there’s a lot to keep track of. Better training for airport personnel can go a long way to abating this problem, as can more frequent inspections and maintenance by airport staff. It can also help to have an industrial sweeper that can clear out both the big and small alike. Having a sweeper on hand is a good way to prevent the build-up of debris that is common in airports.
The Importance of Speed
Airports don’t always have the best reputation when it comes to efficiency. People may be used to delays and interruptions but that doesn’t mean they’re happy about it. To reduce the number of complaints and to increase the general standing of the airport, FOD prevention must be done as quickly as possible. Having the right tools on hand can make it easier for everyone to do a fast clean-up of the area so they can prevent any FOD from obstructing the flight paths.
No matter how an airport feels about FOD, the numbers paint a very clear picture that something more needs to be done. There is simply too much wasted money going toward a problem that should have a better solution. By having the right education and tools available for all airport staff, everyone stands to make more money and boast safer conditions for all.