What does FOD stand for?

FOD stands for Foreign Object Damage. This term is particularly relevant in aviation and refers to the damage that can occur to aircraft when foreign objects—such as tools, debris, or even wildlife—are present on runways or taxiways. The presence of these objects can pose significant safety hazards by potentially striking aircraft during takeoff or landing, compromising their structural integrity and functioning. For ground operations, awareness and management of FOD are critical to ensuring safety, operational efficiency, and minimizing maintenance costs. The significance of FOD emphasizes the need for regular inspection and cleaning procedures around airport facilities to protect both the aircraft and the safety of passengers and crew.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the commonly recognized definition of FOD in the context of aviation, making Foreign Object Damage the clear and relevant definition.