Aviation Maintenance Terms beginning with F

Flatspotting

A localized accelerated wear condition associated with landings; A temporary or permanent “out-of-round” condition resulting from a loaded hot tire having not rotated while cooling to the ambient temperature. This condition is most prevalent on bias nylon tires due to the “plastic memory” of the nylon cords.

Foreign Object Damage (FOD)

Material that, if left on the runway, taxiway, or ramp, that could cause damage to tires, engines, or other aircraft structures; Damage resulting from contact with foreign objects.