How does your organization prevent FOD? (44%


Nearly half


and other loose items that can’t be removed from the work site that could be drawn into the rotor system.


)


79%double-checkwork areas and aircraft after task completion to make sure no hardware, safety wire, or similar


materials are left on the ramp to potentially become projectiles. 38% use sweepers to pick up foreign objects. of respondents secure all tarps


When asked what products or services help in their anti-FOD


efforts, respondents listed: ■ Bright white epoxy flooring in the hangar


■ Checklists ■ Dustpan and brush ■ FOD containers at each workstation


■ LED hangar lighting ■ Nonslip tool trays ■ Posters ■ Toolbox inventory/control programs


We train staff to follow a thorough set of inspection procedures, using a checklist that includes areas on the aircraft where work has been performed, and floors and ramps in the area where the aircraft is being worked on, say of respondents.


Only


organizations use magnets to detect debris.


15% of respondents say their


56%


18%don’t allow vehicles on their ramps, taxi areas, or runways, to prevent objects such as


rocks and pebbles from outside the airport from entering high–aircraft-traffic areas.


What’s the best way to prevent or control FOD? “


Have fortnightly/monthly briefings of all aviation


stakeholders in your organization about FOD—its origin, its impact on flying, and mitigation processes. Hold a FOD “parade” or inspection of the helipad/heli-strip by all aviation personnel prior to the first flight of the day to remove any FOD present.


“ “


[Ensure that] everyone in the organization takes it seriously, and


that a just culture exists that doesn’t penalize honest mistakes or human error.


Have designated landing areas and FOD-free zones.


SEPTEMBER 2021 ROTOR 19


HAI/DAN SWEET


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