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Foreign object detection keeps jets in the sky

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --   Sometimes it is the little things that cause the biggest problems. Whether it be on the flightline or in equipment, foreign object detection is critical to mission success at Travis.

"FOD can be hardware, nuts, bolts or anything that is not supposed to be there," said Caterina Andino, 60th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment journeyman. "The purpose of a FOD check or walk is to remove foreign objects that could cause harm to our equipment or aircraft."

Searching for FOD is a part of the normal routine for maintainers at Travis, and for good reason.

"FOD in our equipment can lead to the engines seizing up on generators or other equipment damage," Andino said. "Every piece of unserviceable equipment here is one less for flightline use."

Aerospace Ground Equipment Airmen regularly helps with flightline FOD walks to ensure there is no debris that could be sucked into aircraft engines with the potential to cause costly damage, she said. In addition, AGE Airmen conduct FOD checks on their equipment after every maintenance action, inspection and prior to sending it out to the flightline. The equipment checks help prevent findings during the FOD walks.

"If we did not do a FOD check before sending out our equipment, we could leave a screwdriver or wrench on the unit, which could in turn be sucked into a jet engine and cause a lot of damage," Andino said. "FOD checks are another way for us to keep accountability by making sure there is nothing on the equipment that doesn't belong there."

"AGE is essential for mission success," Andino said. "Flightline mechanics rely on serviceable generators to conduct maintenance that requires aircraft power without the need of running engines. They also need serviceable maintenance stands to be able to reach areas of the jets so they can conduct various maintenance actions."

Overall, Andino said FOD checks are one of many ways the AGE shop contributes to the overall mission success at Travis.

"By keeping FOD out of our equipment and off the flightline, we are keeping jets in the air," she said.