The “small but mighty” tape is a valuable ally for aviation technicians.
An image of a wing covered in tape has caused many passengers to feel “a chill down their spine.” Many have expressed concerns about the safety of the flight. However, contrary to the online community’s reactions, aviation experts affirm that there is no need to worry.
The image was posted by Australian opera singer David Wakeham on Twitter on September 22, accompanied by the caption: “When choosing your favorite airline, choose wisely. @Qantas prioritizes profit over safety.” The photo quickly attracted attention on other platforms like Facebook and Reddit, with commenters speculating whether there was any cause for concern.
However, an investigation by CheckMate – a weekly fact-checking newsletter produced by RMIT and ABC – revealed that the image “is not what it seems.”
CheckMate reported that the tape in the photo is not a temporary repair. Specifically, it is a tool commonly used in aviation known as speed tape, which serves to cover up peeling paint.
The photo circulating on social media. (Image: BI).
This is not the first time images of tape on an aircraft have surfaced. In 2017, social media also shared images of a plane on the runway that received instructions to stop briefly for repairs. An engineer climbed onto the engine and applied tape to secure it. Many people expressed concern upon seeing their safety linked to a roll of tape.
This type of tape is named for its ability to repair wings and engines, and it remains effective even when the aircraft is flying at high speeds.
This is a special aluminum tape, highly sensitive to pressure, used for quick repairs on aircraft and racing cars. The application of this tape for temporary repairs is completely safe, allowing the aircraft to continue flying until it can land and undergo more thorough repairs.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of speed tape by airlines because it can withstand pressure even when the aircraft is moving at speeds of 885 km/h (550 mph). The tape is durable and can expand or contract within a certain temperature range, depending on the environment.
The familiar tape used in aviation. (Image: DailyMail)
This tape is an invaluable tool for maintenance staff to temporarily address minor issues affecting aesthetics; however, it is not suitable for more serious damages, such as wings damaged from a collision. If an aircraft truly requires repair, the flight will be delayed or the aircraft will be withdrawn from service until maintenance is completed.
According to aviation staff, this type of tape can cost hundreds, even thousands of USD per roll. Speed tape is one of those expensive types, costing about $700 for a 3.6 cm wide roll.
The report indicates that the aircraft in the photo is a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a model that the Federal Aviation Administration noted in 2020 is “prone to paint damage due to ultraviolet (UV) rays.”
Boeing did not immediately respond to Insider’s inquiry. However, a spokesperson told Simple Flying in December 2021 that “the peeling does not affect the structural integrity of the wing and does not impact flight safety.”
The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority confirmed they were aware of the peeling paint and stated that speed tape can be used “according to approved maintenance guidelines.” Additionally, a representative added that “the approved temporary repairs do not pose any safety risk to passengers.”
