Airplane wings covered with tape cause a stir among netizens, experts confirm 'very safe'

A small but mighty piece of duct tape is a powerful assistant for aviation technicians.

A photo of an airplane wing covered in tape sent shivers down the spines of many passengers . Many people expressed concerns about the safety of this flight. However, contrary to the reaction of the online community, aviation experts said there was no need to worry.

The image was posted by Australian opera singer David Wakeham on Twitter on September 22, along with the caption: "When choosing your favourite airline, choose wisely. @Qantas puts profit before safety." The image quickly gained traction on other platforms such as Facebook and Reddit, with commenters speculating whether there was cause for concern. 

However, an investigation by CheckMate - a weekly fact-checking newsletter produced by RMIT and the ABC - found the image was "not what it seems".

CheckMate reported that the tape in the photo is not a temporary fix . It is a tool commonly used in the aviation industry called speed tape , which is used to cover up peeling paint. 

The photo went viral on social media. (Photo: BI).

This is not the first time that a picture of tape has been posted on a plane. In 2017, social media also circulated a picture of a plane on the runway when it was ordered to stop for repairs. An engineer climbed onto the engine and taped it shut. Many people were a little worried when they saw their lives tied together by a roll of tape.

This type of tape is so named because it can be used to repair aircraft wings and engines, and remains sticky even when the plane is flying at extremely high speeds.

This is a special aluminum-based tape that is very sensitive to pressure and is used in the quick repair of aircraft and racing cars. It is completely safe to use this tape for temporary repairs, and the aircraft can still operate in the air until it lands and is repaired more thoroughly.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved speed tape for use by airlines because it can withstand pressure even when the plane is traveling at 550 mph. The tape is durable and can expand or contract over a range of temperatures, depending on the environment. 

A familiar type of tape in the aviation industry. (Photo: DailyMail)

This type of tape is a great help for maintenance staff to temporarily fix minor cosmetic problems, but it is not suitable for more serious damage such as a collision that causes a broken wing. If the plane really needs repairs, the flight will be delayed or the plane will be withdrawn from the fleet until the maintenance work is completed. 

According to airline staff, this type of tape costs hundreds, even thousands of dollars per roll . Speed ​​tape is one of those expensive types, about $700 for a 3.6cm wide roll.

The news release said the plane in the photo is a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a model that the US Federal Aviation Administration noted in 2020 as "susceptible to paint deterioration due to ultraviolet (UV) damage." 

Boeing did not immediately respond to Insider's report. But a spokesperson told Simple Flying in December 2021 that "the peeling does not affect the structural integrity of the wing and does not impact the safety of flight."

Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority confirmed it was aware of the peeling paint and said the speed tape could be used "in accordance with approved maintenance instructions", adding that "the approved temporary repair does not pose a safety risk to passengers" .