200 Volunteers Invited to Walk the Runways
SAN FRANCISCO — 2012-10-16 — /travelprnews.com/ — San Francisco International Airport will host its 13th annual Runway FOD Walk on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PDT.
Two hundred airport and airline employee volunteers are invited to participate in this year’s Runway FOD Walk. The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness on the subject of FOD, or “Foreign Object Debris”. FOD is defined as any object that does not belong in or around aircraft and could, as a result, cause damage to aircraft or injury to airport or airline personnel. While runway safety checks are continually being conducted, the Runway FOD Walk is an opportunity to involve a larger group of airport and airline employees in an important safety topic.
Media wishing to cover the FOD walk MUST be at the South Field checkpoint NO LATER THAN 8:45 a.m. for escort onto the Runway. Due to security requirements for this event there are no exceptions to this policy. The South Field checkpoint is located on South McDonnell Road midway between Millbrae Avenue and the Airport Terminals.
More about Foreign Object Debris (FOD)
Anything that can find its way into an aircraft engine or flight control mechanisms may cause foreign object damage. This includes tools, pavement fragments, catering supplies, rocks, sand, pieces of luggage, pens, coins, badges, hats, soda cans, paper clips, rags, trash, paperwork and wildlife.
According to Boeing, FOD costs the global aerospace industry $4 billion annually, mostly in the form of engine repairs caused by ingesting foreign objects from runways. Boeing estimates that the cost of repairing an engine damaged by FOD can exceed 20% of its original purchase price.
FOD can also incur extensive indirect costs, including:
- Flight delays and cancellations, leading to a loss of customers
- Schedule disruptions caused by the need to reposition airplanes
- Potential liability because of injury
- Additional work for airline management and staff
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About San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 31 international points on 30 international carriers. The Bay Area’s largest airport connects non-stop with 74 cities in the U.S. on 15 domestic airlines. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com.
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CONTACT: Doug Yakel
Acting Airport Spokesperson
Communications & Marketing
San Francisco International Airport
650-821- 4000
Doug.Yakel@flysfo.com
SF-12-66
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