Which object would be considered Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on an airfield?

Which object would be considered Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on an airfield?

• A. A paper clip
• B. A rock
• C. A leaf
• D. A feather

Answer: (B)

Foreign Object Debris on an airfield are items that don’t belong there and can cause damage to aircraft. A rock is a classic FOD example because it’s dense and hard enough to puncture tires, nick landing gear, or be ingested into an engine if kicked up by a tire during takeoff or landing. Lighter organic items like a leaf or feather are far less dangerous in most situations, and a small paper clip, while possible, isn’t as likely to cause the same level of damage as a rock. The key idea is that the object is foreign to the airfield and capable of harming aircraft, with a rock fitting that risk profile most clearly.

Foreign Object Debris on an airfield are items that don’t belong there and can cause damage to aircraft. A rock is a classic FOD example because it’s dense and hard enough to puncture tires, nick landing gear, or be ingested into an engine if kicked up by a tire during takeoff or landing. Lighter organic items like a leaf or feather are far less dangerous in most situations, and a small paper clip, while possible, isn’t as likely to cause the same level of damage as a rock. The key idea is that the object is foreign to the airfield and capable of harming aircraft, with a rock fitting that risk profile most clearly.