If you spot FOD on the runway during USAF airfield driving, report it to the control tower immediately

Outline or skeleton

• Opening hook: FOD on the runway isn’t just a small nuisance—it’s a real safety risk, and the right move is clear.

• Why FOD matters: tiny debris can cause big problems for engines, tires, and safety margins during takeoff and landing.

• The correct action: see FOD? Report it to the control tower right away. Here’s why this is the safest, most responsible step.

• What not to do: leaving it, trying to remove it yourself, or ignoring it even if it looks harmless.

• How the control tower and ground crews respond: quick assessment, warnings to approaching aircraft, coordinated removal.

• Real-world habits for airfield drivers: radios, clear signals, and a culture of safety that keeps everyone aligned.

• Practical tips: a simple checklist you can use the moment you spot FOD.

• A short tangent that stays on point: how teams stay vigilant day after day, and why that matters beyond one incident.

• Key takeaway: safety works best when everyone communicates.

Article: When you spot FOD on the runway—do this, not that

On an airfield, the runway is the front line. It’s where precision meets unpredictable weather, timing, and heavy metal and rubber moving at breakneck speed. Foreign Object Debris, or FOD, isn’t just junk. It’s a potential hazard that can threaten engines, tires, and the whole sequence of takeoffs and landings. So, if you’re behind the wheel and you spot something unusual on the runway, here’s the practiced move, the one that keeps everyone safer: report it to the control tower.

Why FOD matters more than it might seem

Think about it this way: a tiny bolt, a loose nut, a shard of rubber—any one of these can bend a flight path in a heartbeat. Engines are designed to chew away debris, but they aren’t invincible. A chunk that seems minuscule to a bystander can become a serious issue at the speeds aircraft reach during takeoff. Tires can pick up sharp objects, causing punctures that escalate quickly. And let’s not forget that a single piece of debris can force a holding pattern, delay an entire airfield, or create cascading delays across sectors. In short, FOD is a risk multiplier, and stopping it before it hurts someone is part of the job.

What to do the moment you see FOD

Let me explain the right sequence in plain terms, because timing matters more than drama here.

• Report to the control tower immediately. The control tower is the nerve center. They coordinate everything—aircraft movements, ground vehicles, and safety alarms. When you buzz them with the exact location of the debris, they can alert pilots, issue caution notices, and arrange a safe removal without guessing what’s happening on the other end of the radio.

• Provide clear, concise details. Share: where you found it (location on the runway), what it looks like (size, material, suspected type if you can tell), and whether weather or visibility is changing the situation. If you’re unsure, describe it as best you can. The goal is accuracy, not drama.

• Stop and position yourself safely if needed. If you’re in a spot where moving would create more risk, pause and wait for instructions. It’s okay to slow or stop in a controlled, safe manner rather than trying to “handle” the debris yourself.

• Do not touch or remove it yourself. This is a key point. Debris removal requires permission, proper equipment, and a trained procedure. Getting hands-on could create more hazards for aircraft and crew.

• Keep the area clear. That means signaling to nearby vehicles and personnel to give space around the debris so pilots don’t encounter a surprise mid-approach or mid-takeoff.

What not to do—and why

There are several tempting but dangerous missteps people want to take when they see FOD. Here are the main ones to avoid, because they cost safety and can complicate response:

• Don’t leave it there while you “check” if it’s a big deal. Even small objects can do damage, and waiting for a verdict creates a window for risk to rise.

• Don’t try to remove it yourself unless you’re explicitly authorized and trained for that exact task. Debris removal is a controlled operation; it often requires coordination, lighting, barriers, and the right gear.

• Don’t ignore it if you think it’s “not that bad.” The early warning is the best protection. The control tower can determine the impact and whether aircraft should be delayed.

• Don’t rely on luck if weather or crowding is involved. Weather, visibility, and traffic density all change how quickly a warning needs to go out and how the debris will be handled.

The control tower’s role and the chain of response

When a driver reports FOD, the tower springs into action with a clear line of sight to the whole field. They confirm the message, relay it to aircrew and ground crews, and coordinate with maintenance or safety teams to bring in the right equipment to secure and remove the debris. The goal is to maintain safe separation between aircraft and any obstacle, while minimizing disruption to the flow of traffic. Think of it as a well-rehearsed relay race: one teammate passes the baton (the report), and the others execute precise safety steps to keep everyone on track.

A culture of safety that actually sticks

On an airfield, safety isn’t a one-person job. It’s a culture. It’s the habit of checking twice, using the radio, and keeping eyes on the runway even when you’re deep into your own task. Drivers, controllers, and ground crews all contribute to a shared sense of responsibility. When FOD appears, the instinct is to act quickly, but in a controlled, communicative way. You’re not just preventing a potential mishap—you’re protecting the people who rely on those aircraft to get where they need to go. That sense of responsibility can spill over into other safety checks too, like ensuring wheel chocks are in place, or confirming a walk-around is complete before a vehicle moves.

A quick digression that stays on point

You might be picturing a quiet, almost ceremonial process—radio clicks, a few confirmations, and a calm handover. In reality, it’s a brisk, real-time exchange. The phrase “control tower” isn’t a distant bureaucracy; it’s a team that lives in quick, precise communication. And yes, the human element matters. Controllers must stay calm under pressure, pilots depend on them, and drivers rely on them for the exact instructions that keep a runway safe. That blend of calm, accuracy, and teamwork is what makes airfields function under stress—and it’s exactly what you’d want when FOD shows up in a moment of high tempo.

Practical tips you can keep in a pocket notebook

• When you spot something, take note of the location with a quick, precise description. If you’ve got a map or coordinates, share them. If not, give a landmark (near the third taxiway, close to the north ramp, etc.).

• Communicate clearly and concisely. Use standard radio protocol, keep your sentences short, and avoid filler that could muddy the message.

• Prioritize safety over speed. It’s tempting to rush, but a precise report now saves time later and reduces risk.

• Keep others alert. A quick heads-up to nearby drivers or personnel can prevent someone else from moving into a dangerous zone.

• Reflect on near-misses. After any incident, a brief debrief helps everyone improve. The best teams learn from what happened and tighten the next response.

A human touch: learning from everyday moments

Most of us who work near airfields already know the routine, and still, a moment’s lapse can make a difference. You may be thinking, “What if no one is around to confirm? What if the debris is very small?” The answer remains the same: report it. The control tower is there to assess, coordinate, and keep the airfield safe. Even small debris deserves the proper attention. The goal isn’t to scold anyone for noticing something odd; it’s to ensure a quick, coordinated, and safe resolution.

Connecting back to the bigger picture

FOD is a reminder that aviation safety is a mosaic of tiny, careful actions. A driver’s choice to report FOD is the same choice that keeps engines safe, that keeps tires intact, and that preserves a clean flow of air traffic. It also reinforces a culture where everyone looks out for one another. When you’re standing at the edge of a runway, the difference between a potential incident and a safe outcome often comes down to a single, clear report and a respectful chain of command.

Final takeaways

• FOD on the runway is a real safety concern, no matter how small it seems.

• The correct action is to report it to the control tower right away.

• Do not try to move or remove debris yourself, and do not ignore it.

• The tower coordinates with crews to assess, warn approaching aircraft, and remove the debris safely.

• A safety-first mindset thrives on clear communication, teamwork, and quick, calm action.

If you’re ever in that situation, remember the rhythm: spot, report, stay clear, wait for instructions, and watch the team work. The runway is one place where good habits aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for keeping people and planes safe.