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On July 7, 2024, a passenger shared a photo of an aircraft with what appeared to be duct tape on its engine, raising concerns about aviation safety. This image highlights a common misunderstanding in aviation regarding the use of speed tape.
Speed tape, which resembles duct tape, is actually aluminum pressure-sensitive tape designed for minor and temporary repairs on aircraft. It adheres to the fuselage or wing at high speeds and has high resistance to weather conditions and extreme temperatures. Its application is strictly regulated and used only for non-structural damage that does not affect the aircraft's integrity.
Brian Dear tweeted an image of the taped plane on June 26, 2024, stating: "Well, it was fun while it lasted. Let's hope that duct tape holds @AmericanAir. Gulp."
