TRANSPORT

Aviation's Secret Weapon: Aluminium Tape

In the aviation history, aluminium "speed tape" is an essential tool for closing off gaps that could otherwise compromise the integrity of an aeroplane.
26 April, 2016
To passengers who aren't in the know, however, safe and tested speed tape can look suspiciously like regular duct tape—a disconcerting sight to those who already have a fear of flying.
A recent case from New Zealand quickly made the rounds on social media and drew considerable attention to the supposed issue of 'duct tape' being used to repair aeroplanes, although this is far from the first time a passenger has confused the two. In May 2015, for example, a passenger on an easyJet flight snapped a photo of an airport worker applying what the traveller thought was duct table to the plane's turbine. Despite regular reports in the news media, passengers continue to be surprised by the fact that there is tape strong enough to hold an aircraft together.
The infamous easyJet snapshot.
Photo by Adam Wood.
The latest incident to hit the headlines involved an Air New Zealand flight from Nelson to Christchurch. Jessica Baker, who was taking her infant son on his first flight and admits being a nervous flier herself, saw what she thought was duct tape being used to secure an engine panel. Naturally, she became concerned.

Quoted in an article on Stuff.co.nz, Baker explained that she "just presumed it was standard duct tape." Air Zealand, however, was happy to set the worried traveller's mind at ease: while the appearance may resemble duct tape, the reality is very different. Specialist aviation speed tape, in fact, has been used on aircraft across the world for many years.

Speed tape is a woven cloth laminated aluminium tape. It is used for sound & vibration damping, as well as for sheet metal repair on aircraft. It is composed of aluminium similar to that used to build aircraft and racing cars, and is perfectly suited to quick repairs that can keep an aircraft flying and prevent flight delays from occurring. Speed tape gets its name from its ability to maintain adhesion even at high speeds (hence why it is so ideal for aviation).
The speed tape in question. Photos from stuff.co.nz.
The strong adhesive qualities of speed tape mean that it is capable of sticking even at the high speeds required for aircraft flight. The tape is also capable of resisting solvents, water, and flame. It reflects UV light and heat, while being able to contract and expand in response to temperature changes.

After the controversy surrounding the easyJet episode, one expert took to an online forum to explain the need for speed tape:
"Without the tape, high-speed air can get in between the engine and the fairing and cause vibration or throw off the balance of the engine… under rare circumstances the fairing can be torn off by the air pressure forming on the leading edge… the tape closes this gap safely, immediately reducing the chance of mechanical failure. Then they can get the plane fixed at the next convenience or service schedule."
Nelson Airport in New Zealand. Photo by mobidon.in.
It is not just passenger aircraft that rely from speed tape. This tape has in the past often been used to patch bullet holes on combat aircraft, allowing them to remain safely airborne.

A safety expert at the Civil Aviation Authority, commenting on the Air New Zealand case told MailOnline Travel that: "The image appears to show aluminium tape being applied to the aircraft... this tape is used as part of work to make minor repairs and is very common across the aviation sector and has been for many years now."

Reassured that there is little danger of vital parts of the aircraft falling off, Jessica Baker reportedly confirmed she will be happy to fly with Air New Zealand in the future... though she would "appreciate being told about such things before take off."