United Airlines: Duct Tape on Wing?
May 2, 09, 12:27 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 12
United Airlines: Duct Taped Wing?
On a flight in April 2009, I saw a large piece of, what appeared to be, duct tape on the wing of a United Airlines plane. I had a window seat overlooking the posterior portion of the wing. The tape appearing type of material was over a section where two pieces of metal came together. It had a gathered appearance, so it wasn't a metal patch. We reported this to the Federal Transportation and Safety Board.
Last edited by J P Smith; May 2, 09 at 12:34 am Reason: shorten title
May 2, 09, 5:19 am
#4
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Originally Posted by J P Smith
On a flight in April 2009, I saw a large piece of, what appeared to be, duct tape on the wing of a United Airlines plane. I had a window seat overlooking the posterior portion of the wing. The tape appearing type of material was over a section where two pieces of metal came together. It had a gathered appearance, so it wasn't a metal patch. We reported this to the Federal Transportation and Safety Board.
It's called Speed Tape, and its use as a temporary cover until a permanent repair can be done is perfectly legal and in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (the AMM). The time that it is allowed to be on there is limited and the repair is probably already completed by now.
Sorry that it left you feeling uneasy, if you had asked a flight attendant they could have asked the pilot about it and you would probably have received the same answer as above. That would have saved your worry and concern.
BTW, Welcome to FlyerTalk. ^^
May 2, 09, 6:34 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: NW Florida
Posts: 283
Planemechanic is right. VERY common. Perfectly safe.
I have seen a CRJ-700 with a completely cracked windshield. Top to bottom. It was taped up and kept in service. Don't know how long until they fixed it, but thought it was funny. Even the pilot seemed pretty weary.
I have seen a CRJ-700 with a completely cracked windshield. Top to bottom. It was taped up and kept in service. Don't know how long until they fixed it, but thought it was funny. Even the pilot seemed pretty weary.
May 3, 09, 7:13 am
#7
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Originally Posted by planemechanic
It's called Speed Tape, and its use as a temporary cover until a permanent repair can be done is perfectly legal and in the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (the AMM). The time that it is allowed to be on there is limited and the repair is probably already completed by now.
May 3, 09, 5:39 pm
#9
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There are many parts of the wings, especially wing panels and fairings at the wing root and around the engine pylon, that are made from a composite material (think fiberglass or similar). These areas can become damaged or eroded and the repairs need to be done with heat and vacuum. The tape is not there to hold the panel on, nor to beef up the strength.
The tape is there to prevent water ingression into the panel which makes the repair more difficult. Water ingression also adds weight to the airplane, which is another negative.
The tape is there to prevent water ingression into the panel which makes the repair more difficult. Water ingression also adds weight to the airplane, which is another negative.
May 5, 09, 4:49 am
#11
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Originally Posted by J P Smith
This thread: United Airlines Duct Tape on Wing, was on Google yesterday. Today it cannot be found. It has disappeared.
May 5, 09, 8:26 pm
#15
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Originally Posted by J P Smith
Is "planemechanic" an employee of United Airlines. Seems a little defensive about reports that people submit about UAL.
You call planemechanic defensive, we call you paranoid.
Anyway, welcome to FlyerTalk!
