MCAS - Yuma Adds a New Weapon to their Arsenal — FOD Check - Foreign Object Debris Prevention System

Prioritizing Airfield Safety

At Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, safety is paramount. As home to some of the world’s most advanced fighter jets, including the F-35B and F-35C, the stakes are high. A single piece of debris, also known as Foreign Object Debris (FOD), can cause catastrophic damage to aircraft, endangering both pilots and ground crews.

Historically, FOD management at MCAS Yuma relied on labor-intensive manual inspections—a time-consuming process that, while effective, left room for improvement. In May 2024, the air station introduced a new solution: FODS Trackout Control Mats. The results not only exceeded expectations but also redefined FOD management at one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ most critical installations.

Unique Challenges at MCAS Yuma

MCAS Yuma serves as a training hub for the U.S. Marine Corps, hosting the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and VMFT-401 adversary aircraft. The airfield’s operations revolve around advanced, high-value aircraft, making FOD prevention essential to maintaining mission readiness and protecting billions of dollars of investment.

Located in the Arizona desert, roughly two and a half hours from San Diego, California and three hours from Phoenix, Arizona the remote air station faces unique environmental challenges. Harsh desert winds blow gravel, dust, and vegetation onto the tarmac, adding to the risks posed by man-made debris. Maintaining a pristine airfield in such conditions is a constant battle, requiring innovative solutions.

The FODS Trackout Control Mat System

Designed to tackle debris at its source, FOD Prevention Mats offered by FODS, LLC offer the first proactive, highly effective replacement for traditional manual FOD Checks. The mats feature raised pyramidal nodules that remove debris from vehicle tires as they pass over, trapping contaminants in place for easy disposal. Positioned at critical access points, these mats prevent debris from being tracked onto sensitive airfield areas.

Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on manual inspections that can be missed or forgotten, the FOD Prevention mats work proactively, intercepting debris before it reaches the tarmac.

The Trial: Testing FODS Mats at MCAS Yuma

In May 2024, MCAS Yuma conducted a three-day trial to evaluate the effectiveness of FODS Trackout Control Mats. The mats were installed at key vehicle entry points, while the existing manual inspection process continued in parallel. Crews collected and analyzed debris captured by both methods, comparing their effectiveness.

The results were compelling:

982% Increase in FOD Captured: The FODS mats captured nearly 10 times more debris than manual inspections alone.
529% Increase in Debris Weight: The weight of the debris collected by the mats was more than five times greater.
7.73% Reduction in FOD Check Time: Vehicles moved through checkpoints faster, reducing inspection times and improving efficiency.

Redefining FOD Management

The introduction of FODS Trackout Control Mats delivered immediate and measurable benefits for MCAS Yuma:

Enhanced Safety: By capturing debris at access points, the mats significantly reduced the risk of FOD-related incidents, protecting aircraft, pilots, and ground crews.
Improved Efficiency: An 8% reduction in FOD check time made operations run smoother, freeing up personnel for other critical tasks.
Cost Savings: The mats helped prevent costly aircraft repairs and operational delays by reducing FOD risks.
Environmental Control: FODS mats also minimized the spread of dust and debris beyond the airfield, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Implications for Airfields Worldwide

The success of the FODS Trackout Control Mats at MCAS Yuma has broader implications for military and civilian airfields facing similar challenges. Airports around the world battle FOD daily, and the proven effectiveness of FODS mats offers a practical, scalable solution.

Already in use at military installations globally, from South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, FOD Prevention Mats continue to set the standard for proactive FOD management, ensuring safer and more efficient airfield operations.

Conclusion

At MCAS Yuma, where every second and every dollar counts, the FODS Trackout Control Mats proved to be a game-changer. By capturing nearly ten times more debris, reducing inspection times, and enhancing safety, these mats redefined what effective FOD management looks like.

This success story underscores the power of simple yet innovative solutions. Whether it’s safeguarding the world’s most advanced aircraft or improving the efficiency of daily operations, FODS Trackout Control Mats are paving the way for safer, smarter airfields worldwide.

FOD Prevention Mats are easily transported, configured, installed, removed, and relocated to reduce FOD tracked from vehicle tires onto access roads and aircraft intersections. FOD Prevention Mats contain rows of alternating pyramids that are engineered to separate tire treads and dislodge debris. Sediment and debris collect at the base of the pyramids away from vehicle tires. The FOD Prevention Mat System can help to reduce foreign object debris (FOD) that is tracked onto active taxiways. FOD Prevention Mats can also contain sediment and debris that may be contaminated with PFAS or other hazardous substances.

FODS Mats can withstand weights in excess of 80 tons per mat, and are made from a durable polyethylene which make FODS easy to transport, move, relocate, and reuse. FODS include a 15 year UV inhibitor enabling applications on both short term projects and permanent installations.

FOD Prevention Mats are 100% made and sourced in the USA and can be completely recycled at the end of their 15 year lifecycle.

Originally designed as a reusable stabilized construction entrance, the effective design of the mats allows a wider application as is seen in the case of the Chennault International Airport. The mats can also be used to contain trackout from airport construction projects. The effective and low maintenance solution can contain debris without introducing rock or aggregate to the airfield.

Contact FODS today for more information.

844-200-3637

info@getfods.com.