A plane passenger had a nervy flight after they looked out of the window to see the wing covered in tape.
Frequent flyers will see plenty of usual things while on a plane – from badly behaved passengers to Ryanair's attempt at Italian cuisine.
One thing they may not expect to see is one of the vital components of the plane seemingly held together by gaffer tape, the Daily Star reported.
Singer David Wakeham was onboard a Qantas jet when snapped a picture of the wing from out of the window.
It had strips of silver tape laid on various patches of its surface.
Understandably David was worried that the use of the tape suggested something may be wrong with the plane and that those onboard may be at risk.
“When choosing your favourite airline, choose wisely. @Qantas Profits before safety," he wrote.
But, myth busters at CheckMate declared that the tape was fully safe and passengers need not be worried if they see it on their flight.
Apparently, the item that looked like duct tape was actually “speed tape”, which is usually used to cover up paint damage or flaking on planes.
The Checkmate fact checkers explained: “The tape pictured — known as speed tape — is used regularly in the aviation industry and, in this case, was likely applied to cover peeling paint.”
Monroe Aerospace states: “Speed tape is a type of heavy-duty, self-adhesive tape. It’s designed for temporary and minor repairs involving high-speed applications.
“Some people assume that speed tape is the same as duct tape. While they have a similar appearance, they are two different types of tape.
“Speed tape is typically thicker than duct tape. It also has a stronger adhesive, which helps it stay on airplanes during flight.”
Speed tape is also heat, water, solvent and chemical resistant and made from the metal aluminium.
The special tape is usually used for minor cover ups and poses no threat to the passengers.
