Improving Airport Safety and Operational Efficiency through an Integrated Comprehensive Foreign Object Debris Management System

Abstract

The airbase foreign object debris (FOD) management system is designed to deliver a comprehensive, technology-driven solution that improves airport maintenance, operational efficiency, and overall safety. Its primary objective is to address challenges posed by FOD in critical areas such as runways, taxiways, aprons, and other operational zones. The proposed system integrates advanced sensor technologies, data analytics, and automation to enable accurate detection, identification, and timely reporting of debris. Continuous real-time monitoring of the airfield environment allows early identification of potential hazards, significantly reducing risks and operational disruptions caused by FOD incidents. Automation within the system enhances response coordination by ensuring swift and appropriate corrective actions are taken once debris is detected, thereby minimizing safety threats and delays. In addition, the study employs a dual strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats framework, combined with a comparative regulatory analysis of guidelines issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and the National Civil Aviation Agency. This integrated approach supports informed decision-making for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft integration and vertiport deployment within Urban Air Mobility ecosystems.