Sunrise Walk on Runway at the Greenville Downtown Airport

GREENVILLE, SC- Participants gathered at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) on August 19, 2023, to pick up foreign object debris (FOD) from the runway. This annual FOD Walk, conducted on National Aviation Day, highlights that debris on a runway can exponentially damage planes and injure airport workers when thrown from a propellor or jet wash.

 This is one of two times a year that the Greenville Downtown Airport offers a unique opportunity for the community to be on the runways. Approximately 67 people participated in the event from individuals to various organizations like the Greenville Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol , Blue Ridge Council of the Scouting America , and Greenville Tech Charter High School.

  “We are extremely grateful for the community support. We clean the runway early every morning with a FOD Razor provided for by the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission Commission, and this device does an amazing job picking up debris while being pulled by a vehicle,” said James Stephens, GMU Airport Director. “As you can see though, the debris still accumulates daily. It is the continued vigilance of the staff and community to help keep our aircraft operators safe as they travel to and from GMU.” 

 Participants commented on how clean the airport runways, ramps, and taxiways are kept. The most unique items found were a coyote jawbone, a bullet, a fuel measuring gauge, and a frayed tie down rope. The next community outreach event at the Greenville Downtown Airport will be a Warbird Static Aviation Show October 7-8, in their Community Corridor.

 About the Greenville Downtown Airport

The Greenville Downtown Airport is the busiest general aviation airport in South Carolina. GMU has served our community since 1928 and continues that service today. Our Community Corridor is a window for children and families to take in aviation at Runway Park, eat at Runway Café, learn military history at the MHCC museum, or just play a round at Take Off Mini Golf. More at www.greenvilledowntownairport.com.