OREANDA-NEWS. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced plans to host its 14th annual runway FOD walk on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am PDT.

This unique event, conducted in collaboration with the FAA air traffic control tower, briefly closes two runways to allow employee volunteers to walk the runways to raise awareness on the importance of preventing FOD, or “Foreign Object Debris.” FOD refers to any object that does not belong in or around aircraft and could, as a result, cause damage to aircraft or injury to airport personnel. While SFO conducts runway safety checks continually, the Runway FOD Walk is an opportunity to involve a larger group of airport and airline employees in an important safety topic, with a focus on preventing items from becoming FOD.

“The runway FOD walk is an important tradition at SFO which highlights our unwavering commitment to safety,” said Airport Director John L. Martin. “The event is an informative and collaborative way for airport employees to be a part of our overall safety mission.”

Media are welcome to cover the FOD walk at SFO. Media wishing to cover the event must be at the South Field checkpoint NO LATER THAN 8:45 a.m. for escort onto the runway. Due to security requirements for this event there are no exceptions to this policy. The South Field checkpoint is located on South McDonnell Road midway between Millbrae Avenue and the Airport Terminals.