From loose screws and metal fragments to passenger luggage components, these seemingly innocuous items can pose risk to aircraft operations. While the aviation industry has made remarkable strides in safety management, foreign object debris (FOD) incidents continue to demand vigilant attention from airport operators worldwide.
A comprehensive approach to FOD management offers valuable insights into current best practices and emerging solutions in this critical safety domain. Through systematic reporting, innovative technology evaluation, and robust training programs, airports can demonstrate how a multi-layered strategy effectively mitigates FOD risks.
Types of FOD
The most common types of FOD in the apron area of Munich Airport are various pieces of plastic and metal, often caused by moving vehicles on the apron, such as screws and nuts, and by passenger luggage, such as tags and luggage rolls.
“Since we have intensified our efforts to document the FOD found in recent years, it is difficult to analyze valid long-term trends. However, metal pieces and plastic parts have consistently been among the most frequently reported items to the safety department," the Munich Airport team says. “Our implemented FOD control program is an effective way to mitigate FOD risks. In terms of airport infrastructure, however, there are no significant cost implications for FOD damage."
FOD detection and automation
FOD detection relies on traditional inspection methods, as they remain the most reliable, especially in critical areas like the runway, according to the Munich Airport team.
“Additionally, we are currently evaluating new technologies to support operations personnel in FOD detection. For example, sensor systems exist that can detect FOD on aircraft aprons, facilitate aircraft parking, and display the status of aircraft reversals," the team says. “We are currently developing test cases for a multifunctional robotic system that enables FOD detection and removal, friction testing, and other functions. In the past, we have also tested a FOD mat that can be attached to the back of a vehicle to collect small parts from the ground."
FOD awareness
Every employee authorised to access the apron receives basic SMS training, which includes FOD awareness training, the Munich Airport team points out that.
“Additionally, employees assigned to specific tasks in FOD-critical areas receive special training. This specialized training focusses on the risks and ability to detect FOD in critical areas, helping to raise FOD awareness. FOD generation will always be an integral part of aircraft maintenance and ground handling, but it can be minimised through continuous awareness training for all airside employees to minimize the associated risks," the team says. “It is not only the responsibility of management, but also everyone’s duty to contribute to creating and maintaining a clean apron."
FOD prevention
FOD prevention is effective when communicated consistently through a variety of channels such as posters, videos, safety events, FOD programs, and training courses, according to the Munich Airport team. “This ensures that every employee is aware of our awareness campaigns. A good indicator for measuring the effectiveness of FOD management is the number of voluntary FOD reports," the team says.
Summing up
Reliance on proven traditional inspection methods, particularly in critical areas like runways, reflects the industry’s need for reliability above all else. Yet openness to evaluating emerging technologies, from sensor systems and multifunctional robotic platforms to innovative FOD collection methods, demonstrates the forward-thinking approach necessary to enhance operational efficiency for minimizing FOD risks.
Perhaps most significantly, emphasis on culture and awareness reveals that technology alone cannot solve the FOD challenge. By ensuring every airside employee receives appropriate training and understands their personal responsibility in maintaining clean operational areas, airports can create an environment where FOD prevention is truly everyone’s duty.
The use of voluntary FOD reporting as a key performance indicator reflects this cultural dimension, transforming FOD management from a top-down mandate into a shared commitment.
