Life As Ground Crew: Runway Inspections & Foreign Object Debris (FOD).

Runway 29 at airfield prior to inspection

Written by: The Proficient Airman, Mubashar Yasin.

Wednesday 9th November 2022

As ground crew I undertake runway checks first thing in the morning and whenever there is a runway change. This blog will explain the runways at the airfield and how I undertake checks at the airfield.

The runway becomes active from 8am every day until dusk. Otherwise closing later after dark if the airfield is hosting night flying – which usually takes place if there are clear skies. There are three runways at the airfield: Runway 29/11 (45 metres), 25/07 (30 metres) and 21/03 (45 metres). All of which have grass runways and chalk markings.

Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

Foreign object debris (FOD) is any object that can pose as a threat to aircrafts taking off or landing. These include and is not restricted to plastic bottles, bolts, branches, PAPI light battery rain covers or even airfield equipment – such as portable runway lights that has moved with strong winds.

But one of the two most dangerous FODs we regularly encounter is wildlife – such as birds and deers. And the second most common FOD being stray plastic bags. Plastic bags easily find their way onto the airfield from neighbouring residential houses and are often stuck along trees situated adjacent to runway 07 and 11. This could find its way on the runway and eventually become sucked into the cooling intakes from the propeller during the take-off run or initial climb. Something as simple as a plastic bag can have catastrophic events – such as compressor failure and engine shut down.

A catastrophic situation occurred when a Cessna 210 operated by Wings Over Africa crashed in Hochland Park. Subsequent investigation found a plastic bag had covered the air intake valves (for maintenance) prior to take-off led to engine failure. Therefore, the need for thorough runway checks cannot be stressed enough.

Carrying out runway checks

Runway inspections are split into 3 parts:

  • Taxiways and holding positions
  • Runway 29/11, 25/07 and 21/03
  • Pilot visual aids

First, the taxiways and holding positions are inspected. Followed by ATC permission to cross onto each of the three runways. To complete a thorough inspection, one must drive along the centreline at a slow pace to the very end of the runway and back onto the taxiway.

During the entire inspection, we are looking out for:

  • FODs: loose stones, wildlife/bird-nests, plastic bags etc
  • Well-maintained and level taxiway and runways: no depressions, humps, or surface variations
  • Well-lit visual aids (PAPI lights and runway lights)
  • Clear and visible signs
  • Clear lighting and centreline markings
  • Functional wind indicators and Navaids
  • Runway free from excessive grass growth
  • Rain covers and portable equipment securely tied down
  • Runway safety areas are free from obstruction
  • Note any cause of concerns – such as fuel spills

Once all the above are checked and complete – the same is done for the remaining runways. Usually there are two ground crew members carrying out runway inspections. Once completed this is signed off and ATC is made aware to re-open the runways for use.

Although this may seem like a lot of things to keep in mind – it really isn’t! Once you begin runway checks you are into auto-mode to look out for anything and everything that may look peculiar or out the ordinary! As the saying goes ‘It’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than in the air wishing you were on the ground’.

Blue skies and tailwinds.