Foreign Object Debris (FOD) - Why Awareness and Training Matter
- Ari Ketola
- 14 hours ago
- 2 min read
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) are one of the most common threats in airport operations today. From small bolts to pieces of luggage and plastic packaging, any misplaced object in airside areas can endanger aircraft, personnel, and passengers. According to Boeing, FOD causes an estimated $4 billion in annual damage to the global aviation industry.
Despite technological advances, FOD remains a human and operational challenge. Above all, it requires constant awareness and effective coordination, as well as training.
What Exactly is FOD?
FOD encompasses any item or substance that doesn’t belong in or around aircraft operational areas. Common examples include:
Loose hardware and tools
Plastic pallet wraps
Broken baggage components
Luggage tags, gloves, or catering waste
Stones, metal fragments, or wildlife
Although these items are small, they can still be sucked into jet engines, causing damage to aircraft structures and leading to slips, trips and falls for personnel. This can have serious safety and financial consequences.
The Role of a FOD Programme
A well-structured FOD prevention programme can minimise the risks at every stage of aircraft turnaround. Such a programme not only safeguards lives and equipment but also reduces delays and unplanned maintenance costs.
An effective programme should cover:
Regular inspections and sweeping
Staff training across all airport and ground handling personnel
Reporting and documentation for incident tracking
Use of technology such as FOD radar or mobile alert systems
Preventive measures like designated storage areas and tool control
Coordination between airlines, ground handlers, and airport operators
Emergency response planning for FOD-related incidents
Continuous improvement based on audit findings and feedback
Awareness campaigns through signage and toolbox talks
Compliance with IATA and ICAO regulations
When each link in the chain plays its part, the entire system becomes stronger and safer.
Training That Meets Global Standards
At Airport College International, we support the aviation industry by providing eLearning courses that align with international best practices. Two of our core online courses, Ramp Handling and Airside Safety, cover aspects of FOD awareness and prevention.
These courses have been designed to meet the IATA AHM GEN04 Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Programme and RMP10 Ramp Services – Aircraft Arrival requirements.
Ready to Strengthen Your FOD Awareness Programme?
FOD may seem small, but its impact can be huge. With proper awareness, regular routines, and well-trained staff, airports and ground handlers can greatly reduce FOD risks.
Explore our eLearning courses to protect lives, assets, and operations one training session at a time!
We Are the Global Leader in Ground Handling eLearning
Our online courses are used in over 140 countries worldwide. Airport College International is proud to offer online eLearning courses in multiple languages to meet your corporate training challenges.
We are actively looking for new clients to offer our solutions to industry-wide challenges.
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