A photo of a plane wing seemingly patched up with silver duct tape has caused concern among passengers. However, aviation experts have offered a simple explanation as to why the wing was adorned with shiny patches.
The tape used is known as speed tape, which is a common material used in the aviation industry for minor repairs on aircraft, particularly for peeling or flaking paint.
The photo was taken by a passenger flying from Melbourne to Phuket, and the plane was leaving Melbourne Airport.
While some passengers expressed their worries, others were quick to explain that the tape was only on the wing to ensure that any flaking paint did not affect the plane’s aerodynamics.
US pilot and safety consultant John Nance stated that the tape is frequently used as a temporary measure to prevent any more wear and tear.
The tape is an aluminium pressure-sensitive tape that can withstand high speeds and does not pose any safety risk.
The Federal Aviation Administration also said that speed tape is used for temporary, minor repairs to non-structural aircraft components.
Boeing has been grappling with the issue of peeling paint on its 787s for some time, and the aircraft manufacturer has recently developed a new type of paint to address this problem.
Nevertheless, Boeing has reassured passengers that peeling paint does not impact the safety of a flight or the structural integrity of the wing.
The company is introducing a new undercoat paint this year, which is expected to enhance the durability of paint on 787 wings.
In September 2022, a similar photo emerged of what was believed to be speed tape on the wing of a Qantas plane, although the airline did not confirm if it was one of their aircraft.
»Photo of plane wing seemingly patched up with silver duct tape causes concern among passengers«
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