Flights can run into all kinds of mechanical errors that leave them waiting on the tarmac before take-off. While some are more serious, others can be solved with a simple bit of DIY until they reach their next destination.
“Pretty sure there’s been a few viral cases where passengers freaked out about ground crew taping their plane up before take-off.”
While speed tape may look like duct tape, it is far more durable than that.
This special tape is used not only for aircraft, but also to fix racing cars temporarily too, and can withstand temperatures, moisture, wind, and other challenging conditions.
Though it is certainly not a long-term fix, the tape is a handy alternative until a long-term measure can be implemented.
“Don’t get me wrong, the airlines would never willingly fly an unsafe aircraft. But if there is say an engine vibration that is just right at a hair under the limit they will fly it.
“If the oil is super low but servicing it will cause a delay-service it at the next stop.
“If the pilot encounters something at altitude that I can’t duplicate on the ground-sign it off and see if it happens again.
“Those are the ones I usually push back on, depending what it is.”
This is why, although delays are tiresome, they are often paramount in ensuring the flight takes off safely.
“If your flight has a maintenance delay and there is no on station mechanics for that carrier I get called. If it’s a quick fix, I fix it.
“If not we check to see if it can be deferred to get fixed later,” the mechanic added.
