31 July 2011 C1 CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HONG KONG ...

mainplanes. It is not unusual for tyre treads (nose and main) to detach as aresult of FOD during takeoff and landing causing damage to the fuselage,wings, trailing edge flaps, lift dumpers, engine intakes and compressors.Tyre tread detachment often occurs within several takeoffs/landings of anearlier penetration of the tread by an item of foreign object. It is known thatin some cases aircraft have been lost due to FOD to tyre assemblies and hasled to significant loss of life.2 Operator, Maintenance and Ground Handling Organisation – RecommendedBest Practice2.1 Aircraft operators should not allow their aircraft to be positioned ontoarrival/departure stands unless satisfied that the stand is clean and free fromforeign objects. Operators should consider the implementation of procedureswhereby their staff or contracted ground handling personnel check parkingstand cleanliness standards prior to aircraft arrival on stand and againfollowing its departure from stand prior to being occupied by the next aircraft.2.2 Aircraft operators should ensure that the topic of FOD is placed as a standingagenda item on all airport users committee meetings that they attend andinternal airline safety meetings as necessary in order that the topic isadequately covered and remains visible at all times. It is suggested thatoperators may wish to nominate an individual with responsibility for theimplementation of the airline's policy in this area.2.3 Aircraft operators and maintenance organisations should implementprocedures that would preclude tools, inspection equipment or other serviceitems being left in the aircraft installations following routine or unscheduledmaintenance (e.g. undercarriage bays, engine intakes) and/or at the airportareas where the work took place.2.4 Airport authorities and maintenance organisations should ensure that adequatecleaning/sweeping programmes are in place for those aircraft ramp andmaintenance areas under their control. Airport authorities and maintenanceorganisations should provide sufficient numbers of strategically positionedforeign object bins that should be readily visible and placarded as to their use.2.5 Aircraft operators, maintenance and ground handling organisations shouldinclude FOD in their induction and continuation training programmes. Forexample, the practice of putting chocks and other loose equipment on aircrafttugs in positions from where they can fall unnoticed should be discouraged.2.6 Aircraft operators and maintenance organisations should consider theinclusion of FOD into their ramp area audits ensuring that where problemsexist that the persons responsible are notified without delay. Where FOD is apersistent problem and no effort is made to rectify the problem, considerationshould be given to reporting matters to the CAD Airport Standards Division.2.7 Aircraft operators should ensure that contracted aircraft cleaning and ground30 September 2006 AN-12 A68 P.2