Features

721st APS keeps FOD off flightline

April 3, 2014
Photos by Airman Dymekre Allen

Foreign object damage is any substance, debris or article alien to a vehicle or system that can cause significant damage. The 721st Aerial Port Squadron preforms FOD prevention sweeps three times a week to prevent this from happening to aircraft engines during takeoff or landing. In fiscal year 2013, Ramstein reported more than $4.8 million in damages due to aircraft FOD. To help prevent FOD, clean-up is conducted after any work or maintenance on or near the flightline. For the Airmen who make the effort to ensure the area is carefully scouted for FOD, a golden bolt is hidden on the flightline for the Airman to find with the finder receiving a reward.

Members of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron conduct a foreign object damage walk.Frank Otero, 721st Aerial Port Squadron Special handling section hazmat inspector, finds the hidden golden bolt.A member of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron conducts a foreign object damage prevention walk on the Ramstein flightline.Members of the 721st Aerial Port Squadron spread out across the flightline to conduct a foreign object damage prevention walk.Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Wheeler, 721st Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant, picks up trash from the flightline during a foreign object damage prevention walk.
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