Speed tape, much?
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Originally Posted by slfool
A Saudia 787, according to to the original reddit post. And it's been in this state this for at least a month.
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Originally Posted by Cat Techie
Hopefully if it comes back to the UK next time and if still in the same state, the CAA will plan to do a SAFA inspection on it. I would ground it if I saw that as an inspector.
The speed tape is there to protect the composite from UV damage. It gets applied and then reinspected at set intervals with any damaged tape removed and recovered.
It's a known problem fleetwide and there is a repaint scheme to fix it. Only prob is there's a limited number of paint shops that are willing and approved by Boeing to do it as its a fairly in depth procedure. Add in the fact there's quite a few 787s to be done and the small issue of airlines wanting to resume as much flying as possible post covid = plenty of speed tape for a while yet.
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Originally Posted by Yeehaw22
What for having an approved temp repair carried out iaw the manufacturers procedure? I don't think you'd last long as a SAFA inspector.
The speed tape is there to protect the composite from UV damage. It gets applied and then reinspected at set intervals with any damaged tape removed and recovered.
It's a known problem fleetwide and there is a repaint scheme to fix it. Only prob is there's a limited number of paint shops that are willing and approved by Boeing to do it as its a fairly in depth procedure. Add in the fact there's quite a few 787s to be done and the small issue of airlines wanting to resume as much flying as possible post covid = plenty of speed tape for a while yet.
The speed tape is there to protect the composite from UV damage. It gets applied and then reinspected at set intervals with any damaged tape removed and recovered.
It's a known problem fleetwide and there is a repaint scheme to fix it. Only prob is there's a limited number of paint shops that are willing and approved by Boeing to do it as its a fairly in depth procedure. Add in the fact there's quite a few 787s to be done and the small issue of airlines wanting to resume as much flying as possible post covid = plenty of speed tape for a while yet.
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Originally Posted by zerograv
The machine in the background is not a 787. It is triple 7 ...
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Originally Posted by Cat Techie
Hopefully if it comes back to the UK next time and if still in the same state, the CAA will plan to do a SAFA inspection on it. I would ground it if I saw that as an inspector.
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Krystal, #6
“The only reason for those wrinkles, and they are excessive, is poor application technique. Once the patch is cut to size, and in place, you simply ensure even pressure is applied and lo and behold, a smooth surface results.”
Non professional use of speed tape suggests otherwise; there is rarely just one reason in human related activity.
Theses ‘patches’ are strips of tape, many of them; apparently with some span-wise overlap. The ‘wrinkles’ also radiate span-wise, across several strips of tape, which suggest extremely poor application or some other effect.
Not withstanding the rules and regulations of using tape, maintenance or inspection, the question at #5 relates to what exists, what is on that aircraft and is it a hazard.
Depending on scale, the wrinkles are similar to depictions of ‘runback’ icing, a significant hazard.
P.S. when applying tape - it does not tear easily or neatly, thus cut it. Before application, scissors etc, or cut with a knife through the tape down on to the paintwork !!!!
“The only reason for those wrinkles, and they are excessive, is poor application technique. Once the patch is cut to size, and in place, you simply ensure even pressure is applied and lo and behold, a smooth surface results.”
Non professional use of speed tape suggests otherwise; there is rarely just one reason in human related activity.
Theses ‘patches’ are strips of tape, many of them; apparently with some span-wise overlap. The ‘wrinkles’ also radiate span-wise, across several strips of tape, which suggest extremely poor application or some other effect.
Not withstanding the rules and regulations of using tape, maintenance or inspection, the question at #5 relates to what exists, what is on that aircraft and is it a hazard.
Depending on scale, the wrinkles are similar to depictions of ‘runback’ icing, a significant hazard.
P.S. when applying tape - it does not tear easily or neatly, thus cut it. Before application, scissors etc, or cut with a knife through the tape down on to the paintwork !!!!
There are requirements regarding aerodynamic smoothness in every AMM. (should be in ATA 51- Standard practices - structure) I am not familiar with 787 limits, but these wrinkles looks beyond acceptable to me. Not to think of what happens if a large patch of silvertape partially peels off, say, in front of aileron. Somewhere in my memory is an accident of GA airplane, (was it a Seneca?) that suffered partial peel-off of de-ice boot in front of aileron - resultant aerodynamic disturbance caused unrecoverable assymetric stall on approach - spin - fatal crash. and wing loading on 787 is way above any GA aircraft.
Hardly a “clean wing" any more! As above, goodbye laminar flow over a lot of the upper surface, which is why we’re so fastidious over contamination removal, especially regarding asymmetry. I’d take a bet that the fuel burn has gone up somewhat and the aerodynamic ceiling come down, too.
It may all be allowable but it’s not a good look...
It may all be allowable but it’s not a good look...
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Originally Posted by Busbert
The only grounds for a SAFA finding would be if the deferral was not in accordance with approved documentation and repeat inspection requirements were not captured in the aircraft maintenance log.
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Originally Posted by alf5071h
Krystal, #6
“The only reason for those wrinkles, and they are excessive, is poor application technique. Once the patch is cut to size, and in place, you simply ensure even pressure is applied and lo and behold, a smooth surface results.”
Non professional use of speed tape suggests otherwise; there is rarely just one reason in human related activity.
Theses ‘patches’ are strips of tape, many of them; apparently with some span-wise overlap. The ‘wrinkles’ also radiate span-wise, across several strips of tape, which suggest extremely poor application or some other effect.
Not withstanding the rules and regulations of using tape, maintenance or inspection, the question at #5 relates to what exists, what is on that aircraft and is it a hazard.
Depending on scale, the wrinkles are similar to depictions of ‘runback’ icing, a significant hazard.
P.S. when applying tape - it does not tear easily or neatly, thus cut it. Before application, scissors etc, or cut with a knife through the tape down on to the paintwork !!!!
“The only reason for those wrinkles, and they are excessive, is poor application technique. Once the patch is cut to size, and in place, you simply ensure even pressure is applied and lo and behold, a smooth surface results.”
Non professional use of speed tape suggests otherwise; there is rarely just one reason in human related activity.
Theses ‘patches’ are strips of tape, many of them; apparently with some span-wise overlap. The ‘wrinkles’ also radiate span-wise, across several strips of tape, which suggest extremely poor application or some other effect.
Not withstanding the rules and regulations of using tape, maintenance or inspection, the question at #5 relates to what exists, what is on that aircraft and is it a hazard.
Depending on scale, the wrinkles are similar to depictions of ‘runback’ icing, a significant hazard.
P.S. when applying tape - it does not tear easily or neatly, thus cut it. Before application, scissors etc, or cut with a knife through the tape down on to the paintwork !!!!
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Originally Posted by hoistop
There are requirements regarding aerodynamic smoothness in every AMM. (should be in ATA 51- Standard practices - structure) I am not familiar with 787 limits, but these wrinkles looks beyond acceptable to me. Not to think of what happens if a large patch of silvertape partially peels off, say, in front of aileron. Somewhere in my memory is an accident of GA airplane, (was it a Seneca?) that suffered partial peel-off of de-ice boot in front of aileron - resultant aerodynamic disturbance caused unrecoverable assymetric stall on approach - spin - fatal crash. and wing loading on 787 is way above any GA aircraft.
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Originally Posted by teej013
When applying Speed Tape, I used to go over it with the back of a spoon to smooth it out and feather in the edges. With a bit of application you could get quite a good polished finish.
Thought police antagonist
Given it's been established the use of speed tape is an approved repair i.a.w SRM, what would be interesting to learn, is, what limitations are placed on the total surface area permitted to be covered and / or specifically defined area for small repairs.
With regard to the wrinkles, I stand by the poor application technique and would now also add, as has been mentioned, the cleanliness of the area prior to application.
I would also add, irrespective of type, I have never, ever, cut a piece of speed tape to size when it is in-situ on an airframe...it's not difficult to approximate the amount needed, cut from the roll, check, and then trim accordingly
The Tech Log entry was mentioned...and yes, it would make for interesting reading...even more interesting would be the name / stamp of whoever certified the repair(s) and certainly the one in question nearest to the fuselage.
With regard to the wrinkles, I stand by the poor application technique and would now also add, as has been mentioned, the cleanliness of the area prior to application.
I would also add, irrespective of type, I have never, ever, cut a piece of speed tape to size when it is in-situ on an airframe...it's not difficult to approximate the amount needed, cut from the roll, check, and then trim accordingly
The Tech Log entry was mentioned...and yes, it would make for interesting reading...even more interesting would be the name / stamp of whoever certified the repair(s) and certainly the one in question nearest to the fuselage.
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Originally Posted by Krystal n chips
Given it's been established the use of speed tape is an approved repair i.a.w SRM, what would be interesting to learn, is, what limitations are placed on the total surface area permitted to be covered and / or specifically defined area for small repairs.
Originally Posted by Krystal n chips
With regard to the wrinkles, I stand by the poor application technique and would now also add, as has been mentioned, the cleanliness of the area prior to application.
Originally Posted by Krystal n chips
I would also add, irrespective of type, I have never, ever, cut a piece of speed tape to size when it is in-situ on an airframe...it's not difficult to approximate the amount needed, cut from the roll, check, and then trim accordingly
Originally Posted by Krystal n chips
The Tech Log entry was mentioned...and yes, it would make for interesting reading...even more interesting would be the name / stamp of whoever certified the repair(s) and certainly the one in question nearest to the fuselage.
Last edited by Cat Techie; 25th Apr 2022 at 17:27.
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Originally Posted by Pilot DAR
Knives against any airframe structure is a no no!
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Originally Posted by Big Pistons Forever
I find it very, very, very, hard to believe that what i am seeing in the picture is a repair conducted in accordance with the SMM……
Last edited by Cat Techie; 25th Apr 2022 at 18:29.
