The purpose of this SAE Aerospace Information Report is to disseminate qualitative information regarding foreign object damage (FOD) to gas turbine engines used to power helicopters and to discuss methods of preventing FOD. Although turbine-powered, fixed-wing aircraft are also subject to FOD, the unique ability of the helicopter to hover above, takeoff from, and land on unprepared areas creates a special need for a separate treatment of this subject as applied to rotary-winged aircraft.
Rationale: AIR 4096 was up for review. It was found to use terminology that is inconsistent with current industry practice. The list of FOD prevention devices should be updated to include IBF. Minor grammatical errors also noted.
Committee discussed and agreed update was warranted. Committee chair instructed that this be placed into WIP for further review and discussion. Will require editable version of document to be made available.
