FOD checks must be completed before entering which areas?

FOD (Foreign Object Debris) checks are critical to ensuring the safety and operational integrity of airfield areas. These checks must be completed to prevent damage to aircraft and ensure the safety of personnel. In the context of airfield operations, taxiways and parking ramps are especially important areas to inspect for debris before entering, as these locations are heavily trafficked by both ground vehicles and aircraft.

Taxiways serve as the paths for aircraft to move between runways and other areas of the airfield, while parking ramps are where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, and refueled. Foreign object debris can cause severe damage to aircraft engines and other critical components if not cleared from these areas prior to use.

While FOD checks are also required in runways, hangars, and maintenance bays, the specific emphasis on taxiways and parking ramps highlights the need for vigilance in areas most directly involved with the ground movement of aircraft. This is because any debris in these locations can directly endanger operations and personnel, making prior inspections vital.