FAA Foreign Object Debris Program | Federal Aviation Administration

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4. FAA Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Program

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FAA Foreign Object Debris Program

As defined in AC 150/5210-24, Airport Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Management, FOD is any object, live or not, located in an inappropriate location in the airport environment that has the capacity to injure airport or air carrier personnel and damage aircraft.

The presence of FOD is a continuing concern at our nation's airports. FOD creates safety hazards and can ultimately impact safe operations by damaging aircraft. Airports, Airlines, and the General Aviation community have taken the necessary steps to minimize FOD by engaging in successful FOD management programs, as per AC 150/5210-24.

Tools and Resources

• Automated FOD Detection System Evaluation Research

FOD-related Advisory Circulars

• AC 150/5210-24, Airport Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Management Contact: Dale Williams, AAS-300
• AC 150/5220-24, Foreign Object Debris Detection Equipment Contact: AAS-110
• AC 150/5200-18, Airport Safety Self-inspection Contact: Dale Williams, AAS-300
• AC 150/5380-6, Guidelines and Procedures for Maintenance of Airport Pavements Contact: Harold Honey and Jeff Crislip, AAS-110
• All Series 150 Airport ACs »

Published Papers and Technical Notes

• Foreign Object Debris Characterization at a Large International Airport
• Performance Assessment of a Mobile, Radar-Based Foreign Object Debris Detection System
• Performance Assessment of an Electro-Optical Based Foreign Object Debris Detection System
• Performance Assessment of a Radar-Based Foreign Object Debris Detection System
• Performance Assessment of a Hybrid Radar and Electro-Optical Foreign Object Debris Detection System
• Runway Safety: FOD, Birds, and the Case for Automated Scanning
• Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Synthesis 26: Current Airport Inspection Practices Regarding FOD (Foreign Object Debris/Damage)

Top Tasks

• Search Airport Data and Information Portal (ADIP)
• Find an Airport AC
• Find an Airport Form
• View Airport Diagrams
• Report a Bird/Wildlife Strike

Contact Us

• Questions about FOD Management or Safety Self-inspections? Contact AAS-300
• Questions about FOD Detection Equipment or Airport Pavements? Contact AAS-110

Last updated: Wednesday, October 5, 2022