Which maintenance activity is especially susceptible to FOE issues?

Engine work is particularly susceptible to Foreign Object Elimination (FOE) issues due to the intricate nature of the components involved and the critical importance of maintaining a clean work environment. During engine maintenance, various parts such as turbines, fuel systems, and electrical circuits are exposed, creating numerous opportunities for foreign objects to become dislodged or introduced into sensitive areas.

The complexity of engine systems means that even a small object can cause significant damage or interfere with the operation of the engine, leading to potentially catastrophic failures during flight. This highlights the necessity for meticulous attention to detail, stringent procedural adherence, and appropriate cleaning protocols to ensure that no foreign objects are left behind after maintenance activities.

While scheduled inspections may also involve some risks related to FOE, they generally focus on checking existing components rather than disassembling them. Flight planning primarily deals with logistics and route management, and routine cleaning, while important, is typically less prone to FOE issues compared to the detailed and intense work performed on engines.