Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

What Does Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Mean?

Foreign object debris, or FOD, is any object that may pose a hazard to either the aircraft or to the ground crew and would compromise the safety of passengers during either takeoff or landing. FOD can include objects on the runway, from ground equipment to potholes and rocks. They can also be within the aircraft itself, such as aircraft maintenance tools left behind on the aircraft, or a component of the cockpit becoming dislodged. Weather events, such as hail, and wildlife, especially birds, can also qualify as FOD.