FOD found in parked 737 Max jets

Debris Found in Fuel Tanks of Boeing 737 Max Jets in Storage

Latest Problem for Boeing 737 Max

Boeing faces another problem as it tries to get the 737 Max back in the air.

Boeing has found debris in the fuel tanks of several 737 Max jets that have been sitting in storage, according to a note to Boeing employees from Mark Jenks, vice president and general manager of the 737 program and the Renton, Washington, factory.

Foreign Object Debris Unacceptable

Boeing has called foreign object debris, referred to as FOD, “absolutely unacceptable” and vowed to eliminate it from the production system. The company plans to address the problem by updating instructions and required checklists for employees, along with additional verifications including inspections and audits.

Safety Threats on Planes

Debris on a completed aircraft is a serious quality problem that can pose significant safety threats on planes, including short circuits and fires. The note from Boeing did not say how many planes had debris discovered in the fuel tanks.

Debris Problem Not New for Boeing

This is not the first time Boeing has faced debris problems. The US Air Force temporarily halted deliveries of the KC-46 Pegasus tanker aircraft twice last year after debris was found in closed compartments of the aircraft. There were also problems with debris on the 787 Dreamliners built at a plant in South Carolina, according to a whistleblower complaint first reported in the New York Times last year.

Original article: https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/19/business/boeing-737-max-fuel-tank-debris/index.html

FOD News Roundup – July 3rd, 2019

Did a Bird Strike Crash the Boeing 737?

Investigators believe it “likely” that a strike led to the controversial crash of the Ethiopian Airlines jet in March.

Image Source: Bigstock


Air Force vs Gator

An alligator has made an unexpected appearance on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

Image Source: US Air Force


Timelapse Cleaning an Auto Shop

Just for fun, watch a lone shop worker wash down and tidy up his company’s repair garage at superhero speed!

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


Free Downloadable Resources

Train your staff and muscle up your FOD program with our free whitepapers, report forms and slideshows.

Image Source: Bigstock

FOD News Roundup – May 3rd, 2019

Fresh Approaches to Runway Safety

The Federal Aviation Administration is studying the possible application of three off-the-shelf technologies to airside safety — heated pavements, rumble strips and remote sensing. (Click here for mobile friendly version.) 

Heated Pavement

Image Source: FAA


Building Satellites in Clean Rooms

Airbus Defense and Space used a ISO 8 clean room to build the Solar Orbiter scientific research satellite, which is scheduled to orbit the sun in 2020.

Artist’s Rendering of Solar Orbiter, Copyright: ESA – C. Carreau

I


Video: F-16 Bird Strike

Watch this graphic footage of a Norwegian Air Force fighter jet experiencing a compressor stall after ingesting a bird into its air intake.

Image Source: Screenshot


Comparing Airport Sweeper Technologies

There is no “best” sweeping system, only the most appropriate system for your facility and FOD control program. Read this white paper to understand your options.  


Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation

FOD News Roundup – April 3rd, 2019

Auxiliary Power Units Vulnerable to FOD

Until recently APU’s, which start main engines and power avionics and other on-board equipment, have been the neglected child of aircraft systems

Image Source: SrA Olivia Bumpers, USAF


Dust Hazards of 3D Printing

The additive manufacturing process creates an especially dangerous form of FOD — combustible dust clouds in a confined factory space.

Image Source: Lutz Peter (Pixabay)


Military FOD Walk

Watch this trio of videos following a FOD Walk performed for the 2017 Air Show at Moody Air Force Base.

Image Source: Luke Hinkle (YouTube Screenshot)


We have redesigned the FOD-Razor® Airport Runway Sweeper!

Featuring a new built-in “hitch and forget” weight-release mechanism, streamlined hitching setup, and durable nylon fiber matting. Contact us for more information.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation



FOD News Roundup – March 3rd, 2019

FOD Grounds New Aircraft Contract

The US Air Force temporarily grounded its new fleet of KC-46 refueling tankers after finding loose tools and debris inside of recently delivered aircraft.

Image Source: USAF Christopher Okula


Australia Releases New Bird Strike Data

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau reports 16,626 bird strikes between 2008 and 2017, with 2017 seeing a record 1,921 incidents.

Image Source: ATSB Graphic


Factory Cleanroom Demonstration

Watch this fascinating video of the Milwaukee Valve Company fabricating an oxygen valve with a thorough debris prevention program that prevents contamination during the manufacturing process

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


Tool and Parts Control

Don’t lose your favorite monkey wrench in the avionics housing! Our tools and parts carriers will keep your hardware ready for safe use and storage.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation

FOD News Roundup – February 3rd, 2019

New FOD Rules?

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has proposed new rules related to foreign object damage, assessment of surface conditions, runway incursions and related topics.

Image Source: Bigstock


Navy Boots Pose FOD Danger

The U.S. Navy’s new work boots have several design problems, including the ability to spread small pebbles and related debris across flight decks.

Image Source: US Navy


Apron Safety in China

Watch this employee training presentation for new ramp agent hires, by Hong Kong International Airport.

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


Compliance Counts!

Did you know that the FOD-Razor® Airport Runway Sweeper is designed to comply with Federal Aviation Administration advisory guidelines for friction mat sweepers? Contact us for more information.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation

FOD News Roundup – January 3rd, 2019

Challenges of Regulating Small Drones

Why are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles so difficult to regulate, and why are there so few documented cases of accidents involving UAV’s?

Image Source: Goh Rhy Yan


Farewell, Piper

Piper the airport dog, famous on social media for wearing googles while chasing birds away from Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan, has passed away.

Image Source: Cherry Capital Airport K9


Now that’s clean!

If you’re a facilities manager looking for inspiration, check out this short video of a spotless wig-making factory in the Philippines.

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


Keep your Work Wear FOD Free

Our FOD Suits have no pockets, zippers, buttons or ties, so there’s nothing to break off and no way to carry loose items that can turn into debris.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation

FOD News Roundup – December 3rd, 2018

Baggage Handlers and FOD

From broken booze bottles and missing tags to the 20-foot bag toss, find out how ramp agents manage suitcases, FOD-related and otherwise.

Image Source: Bonnie Henderson/Pixabay


 

Drones More Dangerous Than Birds

When the University of Dayton Research Institue’s (UDRI) Impact Physical Group test-fired both a drone and a gel bird into an aircraft wing, the impact results were surprising.

Image Source: University of Dayton


 

FOD Walk Rap

Hip Hop your way across the apron to keep it clean of debris with this music video.

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


It’s never too early to prepare!

Start your 2019 budget plans with good data. Contact us with your FOD sweeping program requirements and we’ll help you with equipment options, pricing and technical documentation.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation

FOD News Roundup – November 3rd, 2018

FOD Control: First Rung on a Career Ladder

A security guard at Wheeler Downtown Airport took a pay cut to collect FOD and patrol fences. It’s how he’s getting his foot in the door.

Image Source: Pixabay


 

665 Bird Strikes in the US, 2015 – 2017

Over a three year period, hundreds of encounters caused $3.7 million worth of damage, three deaths and eight injuries.

Image Source: Bigstock


 

747 vs. Ground Vehicle

Show your GSE drivers this extensive impact damage to the engine of a Boeing 747 at Schiphol Airport. That should keep them driving safely.

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


FOD Control at the GSE Expo

:We had a great time in Las Vegas this year, discussing ground safety programs with airfield operators from all over the world. See you next time in 2020!

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation

FODNews Roundup – September 3rd, 2018

New FAA Wildlife Guidelines

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued new guidelines prioritizing various types of wildlife that should be kept off the runway.

Image Source: Bigstock


 

VIDEO: 3RD Wing FOD Manager

Take a tour with a United States Air Force career sergeant as he inspects maintenance shops for tool control, to keep its military aircraft safe.

Image Caption: YouTube Screenshot


 

FOD Damages US Fighter Jets

A US Navy F-35C suffered $2 million worth of engine damage during refueling operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

Image Source: US Navy


The FOD-Razor® “Mark 2”

: Released earlier this year, our upgraded design includes sturdier mat materials, streamlined tow hitching and an operator-enabled safety release.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation

FODNews Roundup – June 3rd, 2018

It’s video month! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy these recent entries in the world of FOD prevention.

Alligator Struts Across Florida Airport Runway

Go ahead, you tell him to leave. I’ll wait over here.

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


 

Behind the scenes with the Airside Operations team

When you take your job seriously, it’s no longer just a job.

Image Caption: YouTube Screenshot


 

Cargo Ship Loses Containers on route to Sydney

Think you have FOD problems?

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


Fabrication debris on glass

DIY way to test if your “Clean” window was contaminated during manufacturing

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


Monkey escapes crate at San Antonio Airport

Yes, the alligator has a friend.

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


Even we’re not sure what to make of this…

Here’s a well-meaning, amateur video promoting FOD safety. Enjoy it for what it is.

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


Have a FOD problem without a solution?

We’re always researching and developing new products for better FOD control in both airport and manufacturing environments. Bring us your problems and let’s toss around some ideas!

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation

FODNews Roundup – May 3rd, 2018

Fresh Approaches to Runway Safety

The Federal Aviation Administration is studying the possible application of three off-the-shelf technologies to airside safety — heated pavements, rumble strips and remote sensing. (Click here for mobile friendly version.)

Image Source: FAA


 

Building Satellites in Clean Rooms

Airbus Defense and Space used a ISO 8 clean room to build the Solar Orbiter scientific research satellite, which is scheduled to orbit the sun in 2020.

Image Caption: Artist’s Rendering of Solar Orbiter. Copyright: ESA – C. Carreau


 

Video: F-16 Bird Strike

Watch this graphic footage of a Norwegian Air Force fighter jet experiencing a compressor stall after ingesting a bird into its air intake.

Image Source: Screen Shot


Comparing Airport Sweeper Technologies

There is no “best” sweeping system, only the most appropriate system for your facility and FOD control program. Read this white paper to understand your options. Contact us for more information.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation


FODNews Roundup – April 3rd, 2018

Auxiliary Power Unites Vulnerable to FOD

Until recently APU’s, which start main engines and power avionics and other on-board equipment, have been neglected child of aircraft systems.

Image Credit: SrA Olivia Bumpers, USAF


 

Dust Hazards of 3D Printing

The additive manufacturing process creates an especially dangerous form of FOD – combustible dust clouds in a confined factory space.

Image Credit: Lutz Peter (Pixabay)


 

Military FOD Walk

Watch this trio of videos following a FOD Walk performed for the 2017 Air Show at Moody Air Force Base.

Image Credit: Luke Hinkle (YouTube Screenshot)


We have redesigned the FOD-Razor® Airport Runway Sweeper!

Featuring a new built-in “hitch and forget” weight-release mechanism, streamlined hitching setup, and durable nylon fiber matting. Contact us for more information.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation


FODNews Roundup – March 3rd, 2018

Transpacific Flight vs Paper Clipboard

The ground crew knew that it was sitting on the engine, but nobody told the flight crew. Until the plane was already in the air, that is. This time they were lucky.

Image Credit: Pixabay


 

Shop Cart Cleanup, FOD, and Grinder “Line of Fire”

Watch this safety video from autoclave manufacturer ASC Process Systems, discussing how to keep factory floors orderly and accident-free in a heavy industry environment.

Image Source: YouTube Screenshot


 

Wildlife Strike Gathering

On May 15th – 18th, the International Civil Aviation Organization and Airports Council International will host a symposium on the wildlife strike threat to aircraft operational safety.

Image: Bigstock


 

Nothing Holds FOD Like Our FOD Cans

Promote safety awareness with a high-visibility collection point for all types of Foreign Object Debris — from shop rags and loose paper to empty bottles and stray pieces of hardware.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation


FODNews Roundup – January 3rd, 2018

Challenges of Regulating Small Drones

Why are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles so difficult to regulate, and why are there so few documented cases of accidents involving UAV’s?

Image Credit: Goh Rhy Yan


 

Farewell, Piper

Piper the airport dog, famous on social media for wearing goggles while chasing birds away from Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan, has passed away.

Image Source: Cherry Capital Airport K9


 

Now That’s Clean!

If you’re a facilities manager looking for inspiration, check out this short video of a spotless wig-making factory in the Philippines

Image: YouTube Screenshot


 

Keep your Work Wear FOD Free

Our FOD Suits have no pockets, zippers, buttons or ties, so there’s nothing to break off and no way to carry loose items that can turn into debris.

Image Source: The FOD Control Corporation