Misawa maintains vigilance against FOD

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Misawa is leading the way with the lowest percentage of foreign object damage, or FOD, in Pacific Air Force this year keeping the F-16s flying. 

This achievement saves the Air Force millions of dollars it may take to repair aircraft parts damaged by even the smallest amounts of debris that may find its way to a jet engine. FOD occurs when small items such as rocks, left out tools, metal fragments or even birds are sucked into jet engines and degrade the aircraft of its flying capability. FOD can range from a simple fix to a catastrophe for an aircraft and its pilot. 

"Misawa's success rate can be contributed to not only FOD prevention programs but the people," said Tech. Sgt. Ernest Valley, 35th Fighter Wing FOD monitor. Misawa's programs are aligned with the Air Force and other bases in PACAF, but keeping proactive makes them successful, he explained. 

"We ensure these programs are being used and a constant flow of communication between base FOD monitors help us in keeping the programs current," he said.
Vehicle FOD check points and FOD walks performed before the day's flying operations are not the only ways to prevent damage to an aircraft or personnel. The Air Force has incentive and education programs set-up to inform people about the effects of FOD and eliminate unnecessary risks. 

"Airmen on the flightline are the first line of defense against FOD so it's important they know about this," said Sergeant Valley. 

Some of the programs that help prevent FOD are the golden bolt program, FOD poster program and FOD fighter awards, explained Sergeant Valley. A one-day pass from the vice wing commander is given to the Airman who finds a strategically placed golden bolt during quarterly FOD walks. Also, anyone with artistic ability can achieve a two-day pass with the FOD poster program held once a quarter. AAFES supports the program by giving away free pizzas, coupons and gift certificates. 

"The FOD committee, made up of 20 individuals from different work centers on base, vote for the best poster or design, and that design goes up in work centers," said Sergeant Valley. "These posters should show what FOD is." 

A unique find is also a means of incentive here. The FOD fighter award is given to the Airman who finds the most distinctive or significant item on the flightline.
"One person found a heat shield," said Sergeant Valley. "There really is no telling what kind of things you can find out there." 

Being observant keeps the mission going, explained Sergeant Valley. 

"Hopefully these incentive programs will encourage people to learn about FOD and help others prevent it. Education is the foundation to a successful FOD prevention program." 

Along with incentive programs to applaud accomplishments and educate members on how to combat FOD, specialized equipment also provides a helping hand to the program effectiveness, explains Sergeant Valley. 

FOD prevention equipment, called FOD bosses, assist maintainers by sweeping up even the smallest amount of debris that may have been missed. The mesh-type equipment uses a series of brushes to capture FOD while being pulled behind flightline vehicles. 

"The FOD Boss is a useful tool in actively preventing foreign objects from being ingested into our aircraft's intake," said Tech. Sgt. David Bruce, 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "Throughout our daily driving we have an opportunity to protect our engines from damage."

Additionally, heavier vehicles with large magnets attached to the front of the vehicle frame are also designed to pick up metal pieces.

"Sometimes it's amazing to see what kinds of things we get on the magnet," said Sergeant Valley. 

However, debris is not the only risk posed to flightline operations. Environmental hazards, such as birds, have to be steered clear of the runway when it's time to fly.
The Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard prevention program dissuades birds from entering ramps or runways by using air cannons to scare them away. 

Although machines and the BASH program do really well at preventing FOD, people still remain our number one source, explained Sergeant Valley. 

"Misawa has been doing great so far and we will continue to educate the base," he said.
For more information about FOD, contact Tech. Sgt. Valley at 226-1705.