As aviation professionals, we know the importance of maintaining the safety and performance of aircraft engines. One key factor in this is preventing Foreign Object Debris (FOD) – a concept that plays a critical role in ensuring the longevity and reliability of aircraft. Whether you’re working with turbines, maintaining general aviation aircraft, or handling oil systems, the risk of FOD can never be ignored.
Torben Biehl Jensen, the founder of TheCanKey, has spent over 33 years in general aviation, working with everything from sports planes to small airliners. Holding European EASA PART-66 B1, B2, and C licenses, as well as a USA FAA A&P-I license, his wealth of experience has shaped the mission of TheCanKey: to raise awareness, educate professionals, and prevent FOD-related issues.
FOD isn’t just about visible debris like tools, hardware, or food wrappers. It also includes less noticeable threats, such as dust, oil contamination, and metal shavings that can wreak havoc on engine systems. One of the key insights from TheCanKey’s guide is the critical role that oil system FOD plays in turbine engine damage.
Inadequate handling of oil cans during maintenance is one of the most common sources of FOD contamination. The traditional use of sharp tools like screwdrivers and pliers to open turbine oil cans can introduce harmful metal debris into the oil, which then circulates through the engine’s lubrication system. This can lead to premature wear, damage to bearings and gears, and, in the worst case, engine failure.
The new FOD guide explains the progression of damage caused by improperly handled oil systems, highlighting how seemingly small contaminants can trigger serious consequences. The guide also outlines practical steps for FOD prevention, emphasizing the importance of using the right tools, such as TheCanKey’s FOD-free oil can opener, to eliminate metal shavings and keep the oil clean.
“But FOD prevention is not just about reducing costs – it’s about ensuring the safety and performance of aircraft engines.”
Beyond tools, the guide focuses on the critical role of proper oil handling, from keeping cans and funnels clean to educating maintenance teams about best practices. Management is also urged to foster a culture of FOD awareness and invest in the right equipment and training to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
TheCanKey’s impact has been proven in real-world operations. For example, Avincis Aviation Norway, which operates a fleet of Air-Ambulance Beechcraft King Air 250 aircraft, has been FOD-free for over 75,000 engine hours, thanks to the consistent use of TheCanKey tools. This level of reliability is a testament to the effectiveness of proper FOD prevention practices.
In addition to preventing engine failures and reducing repair costs, FOD prevention contributes to sustainability efforts by minimizing oil waste and environmental contamination. The guide also includes simple solutions, such as TheCanKey FunnelCaps, to avoid oil spills and contamination during oil servicing.
Start Preventing FOD Today
FOD might be invisible, but its effects can be very real. Don’t wait for a problem to pop up—take action now and prevent FOD from becoming a risk.
Get the Guide Here and start improving your maintenance practices today.
