What is the primary purpose of the Tool Control Program?

The primary purpose of the Tool Control Program is to eliminate Foreign Object Damage (FOD) to aircraft and equipment caused by misplaced tools. This program is crucial in aviation maintenance, especially in environments where even small items can have serious consequences for safety and operational efficiency.

By ensuring that every tool is accounted for and properly stored, the program minimizes the risk of tools being left on or inside aircraft and equipment, which could lead to serious damage and catastrophic failures. This focus on FOD prevention is essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of aircraft operations, thereby safeguarding personnel and assets.

Managing inventory, training personnel, and potentially reducing maintenance costs are important aspects of general tool management but are secondary to the critical objective of preventing FOD. Thus, the impact of tool misplacement directly relates to the risks assessed in aircraft readiness and safety, making the elimination of such risks the program's primary goal.