What is foreign object debris (FOD) primarily composed of?

Foreign object debris (FOD) primarily refers to any objects found on the ground in an environment where they can pose a hazard to aircraft. This can include a wide variety of materials, but it is most commonly associated with litter and trash. These items can range from food wrappers to pieces of broken equipment, and their presence on runways or taxiways can lead to significant safety risks, such as bird strikes or damage to aircraft components.

While there may be components of FOD that could include plastics, metals, dust, and dirt, the term primarily encompasses waste and refuse—commonly referred to as litter. Such debris is significant as it can obstruct operations or lead to accidents. Thus, understanding that litter and trash constitute the primary concern in FOD management is essential for maintaining safe airport operations.