New aircraft demand increased FOD vigilance

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Controlling Foreign Object Debris on any airfield is crucial, but with the arrival of F-16s to Incirlik, the FOD program here has become even more important.

"The FOD program is important because it helps to eliminate the potential for unnecessary damage to aircraft caused by foreign objects," said Master Sgt. Michael Martinez, 39th Maintenance Squadron transient alert flight chief and wing FOD monitor. "This may include rocks, nuts, bolts and even a soft object like a potato chip bag can cause damage to an aircraft engine."

The arrival of Fighting Falcons has made controlling FOD on Incirlik's flightline even more critical to mission success.

"FOD awareness is always important, however, with the arrival of F-16s, it does make the FOD program even more significant," said Sergeant Martinez. "Unlike the heavy aircraft that frequent Incirlik, the F-16 is more likely to ingest FOD into the aircraft intake."

The F-16 engine intakes are much closer to the ground than the larger aircraft normally on the Incirlik flightline.

"If an F-16 were to ingest a small pebble or rock, it would be enough to destroy the engine leading to many man-hours to replace and repair the engine," added Sergeant Martinez.

One of the ways to prevent foreign objects from reaching the flightline and potentially causing damage to aircraft is to perform rollover tire checks on all vehicles entering the area.

"Rollover FOD checks must be done at all flightline entry control points," said Sergeant Martinez. "Inspect the tires for any foreign objects that may be lodged in the treads of the tires and remove them. After all tires have been inspected, move the vehicle forward enough to rotate the tires about 180 degrees and inspect all the tires for the portion that is now visible."

Paying close attention to controlling FOD will go a long way to ensuring the success of the fighters visiting the "Lik."

"The major challenge of the FOD program with the presence of F-16s is awareness," said the wing FOD monitor.

"FOD is indiscriminant and doesn't know the difference between a U.S. and Turkish fighter," said Col. "Tip" Stinnette, 39th Air Base Wing commander. "Everyone needs to be vigilant and proactive in reducing FOD on the flightline."