FOD Plod

FOD, or Foreign Object Debris, can be a serious flight safety hazard. FOD generally comprises windblown rubbish but can include tools or shed aircraft components as was the case for the Concorde crash outside Paris in 2000. Because of this hazard, military establishments are directed to sweep the airfield annually, or after a weather event or public event, such as an open day.

On this occasion, 42 personnel attended from a diverse range of sections from the

This visit was a huge success for the UK, a success for President Zelenskyy in his quest for support to the ongoing and very real war taking place in Europe. It was also a huge success for RAF Northolt who, with the minimum of fuss enabled this strategically important moment in geopolitics to take place, putting ourselves firmly at the centre of the Royal Air Force and UK PLC yet again.

On 2nd February, personnel from across the Station gathered in Pod 5 to conduct the annual FOD plod of the airfield.

Whole Force of Team Northolt including RAF Police, Station Medical Centre, 32 (TR) Sqn, Accounts Flight, HR Centre 1, Defence Courier Service, King’s Colour Squadron, Air Information Documentation Unit, Commercial Business, Ops Sqn, Visiting Aircraft Servicing Section and the Total Safety Team.

The airfield was closed for 90 mins, allowing enough time for the group to split into two teams and proceed onto the airfield, in communication with ATC, and sweep the runway and all taxyways and hardstanding. Additionally, VASS swept the Main Airfield Servicing Platform using the FODBOSS mechanical sweeper and the Southern fence line of the airfield.

In all, the equivalent of a black bin bag of FOD was collected from the airfield, largely from the grass areas directly adjacent to the taxyways, with no significant concentrations and no tools or aircraft components found. Assurance can thus be taken that RAF Northolt is clear of FOD and that existing FOD countermeasures are effective.

Many thanks to all who participated in this important activity in support of the Station’s Safe Operating Environment for military and civilian flight operations.