Which practice is commonly used to prevent FOD in air intakes?

• A. Intake Screens
• B. Periodic Vibration Testing
• C. Fuel Polishing
• D. Inlet Mufflers

Answer: (A)

Preventing FOD entering the engine starts at the intake with a physical barrier that blocks debris before it can be drawn into the compressor. Intake screens serve this purpose by catching objects like leaves, sand, birds, and other debris while still allowing enough air to flow to the engine. They’re designed to balance protection with performance, and they require regular inspection and cleaning so they don’t become clogged or damaged, which could itself restrict airflow or cause other issues. This approach directly tackles the risk of foreign objects causing damage during start-up or operation.

The other options don’t address debris entering the intake. Periodic vibration testing checks structural integrity, not debris entry. Fuel polishing cleans contaminants in the fuel system, not the air path. Inlet mufflers reduce noise, which is unrelated to preventing FOD.