Stop, check the tires

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Donner
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Foreign objects and debris check points are an important procedure to help combat the war against FOD.

FOD is anything that does belong on the flight line. It could be as small as a pebble or as large as a steel pipe.

Several organizations on base help in the battle against FOD. One of the most visible is the green street sweeper often seen circling and zigzaging on the flight line.

The Airmen of the 48th Civil Engineer Squadron are on the flight line cleaning-up and keeping an eye out for debris.

“We clear all areas that aircraft may use.” Said Staff Sgt Tony Conley, 48th CES. “We are checking the flight line all day long and sometimes into the early evening.”

These Airmen have picked-up just about every thing imaginable on the flight line.

“We find everything out here radios, headphones, nuts, bolts and even flight line badges,” said Sergeant Conley.

The engines on the fighter aircraft are like big vacuum that pick up every thing. Even the smallest pebble on the ground could damage an aircraft’s engine, which could cause millions of dollars in damage, added Sergeant Conley.

“It’s everyone’s job to help prevent FOD on the active taxiways and runway,” said Airman 1st Class Michael Haugen, 48th Operation Support Squadron.

The vehicles that drive on the taxiway without a quick tire check are not the only way FOD ends up on the flight line.

Taxiing aircraft cause material to blow onto protective aircraft shelters and on the flight line. Mother Nature also adds to the problem.

“FOD can come from anywhere – tires full of rocks, vehicles that accidentally drive off the flight line in the dirt and wind that blows FOD. Mother Nature blows in FOD,” said Airman Haugen.

“Whether it’s a rock, bolt, piece of safety wire or a tool it takes only milliseconds to cause millions in damage and possibly losing an aircraft,” said Master Sgt. Robert Lamb, 48th Fighter Wing foreign objects and debris, dropped objects prevention manager.

“In the Global War on Terrorism, foreign objects are more likely to bring down an aircraft than a terrorist. We can control the foreign object part of it. The F-15 is a high powered fighting machine and its absolute worst enemy is foreign objects,” added Sergeant Lamb.

Foreign objects that damage an aircraft or engine force too many Americans to spend extensive man-hours and countless dollars to fix the damage they cause, said Sergeant Lamb.

“My vision is a total team RAF Lakenheath effort to deliver the most comprehensive and aggressive FOD prevention program in the Air Force,” said Sergeant Lamb.

If found, the golden bolt rewards Airman. Golden bolt winners receives two free meal coupon from the Army, Air Force Exchange Service, two free movie passes and a 1-day pass. The quarterly FOD finder will receive a 3-day pass, $25 gift card and a plaque.

“Although we are doing better than many other bases, we still need to keep our attention high and take no prisoners in our fight against FOD. Not only does the money that goes into fixing the damage eventually come out of our pockets as Airmen, a misplaced or, unnoticed foreign object may take a life. Make it a personal fight against FOD, pick it up,” said Sergeant Lamb.

It is everyone’s responsibility to keep the debris off the flight line. Take the time to properly check vehicle tires and if any objects are lying around pick it up, said Sergeant Lamb.