In order to maintain safety of both passengers and airside operations, it is vital to have Foreign Object Debris (FOD) management for aviation safety. The smallest piece of debris can cause a significant amount of damage to the aircraft, its engine and the airway, meaning a financial burden for repair. Trex Aviation Systems addresses any risk or damage with our FOD Finder™, an automated FOD detection system. This advanced technology has been perfected and crafted to pick up on any FOD on a taxiway or runway. This solution will reduce aircraft maintenance costs.
What Is Foreign Object Debris (FOD)?
FOD stands for foreign object debris which is classified as any object left on a runway or taxiway. These objects could be tools left from maintenance crew, wildlife, luggage, concrete fragments or aircraft parts. These items could be left or dropped by crew, dragged by wildlife or natural conditions like wind and rain.
The Financial Burden of FOD on Airlines
Engine digestion, airframe damage and tire damage are the three common repairs that take place from Foreign Object Debris (FOD).
Engine Ingestion is when an aircraft’s engine digests FOD which can cause a complete engine overhaul, depending on the type of engine the repairs can cost millions of dollars. The repair for a large commercial aircraft ranges from $1 million to $2 million for complete engine overhaul.
Airframe Damage refers to when FOD can dent and even crack an aircraft’s wings and fuselage, the repair can require full part replacement leading to a costly and time consuming expense.
Tires can also be harmed from FOD costing between $5,000 and $10,000 per tire; depending on how many tires are damaged the cost will increase.
The FAA estimates that FOD costs the aviation industry $4 billion annually.
The Hidden Costs of FOD Incidents
Indirect impact can additionally cause passenger dissatisfaction leading to reputational damage for the airline. Costs from fuel consumption in the midst of delay or emergency caused by possible FOD can lead to environmental costs as well.
How Automated FOD Detection Reduces Maintenance Costs
The FOD Finder™ can both detect and mitigate FOD saving an airline time and costs when real-world disruptions occur. When using proactive FOD management savings will be spared, runway closures will be reduced and maintenance downtime. Automated FOD detections systems will save your day, the FOD Finder™ is the solution for the costs of aircraft maintenance.
Choose Trex Aviation Systems for FOD Management
Explore solutions like Trex Aviation Systems’ FOD Finder™, reduce the significant costs and reputational damage from unhappy customers. Proactive FOD management is essential, choose Trex today and explore our products.