I’m not sure if you must have videos of what seems like duct tape being used on planes. It may look like duct tape and would definitely seem scary to look at. However, there is nothing to be afraid of because these are just no-ordinary duct tapes. These are actually called speed tapes, and they are intended for aviation use.
What is Speed Tape?
Speed tape is not your ordinary household duct tape that you can just purchase from any hardware store. This special aluminum pressure-sensitive tape is a go-to for minor repairs on aircraft and even racing cars. It’s a temporary fix until experts can step in for a more permanent solution. At first glance, it might look like duct tape, but don’t be fooled. The adhesive on speed tape is strong enough to stick to an airplane’s fuselage or wing even when the plane is flying at high speeds. That’s how it got its name.
Depending on the type of adhesive layer it has, this tape can resist water and solvents. It can even withstand flames for a short time and has the ability to reflect heat and UV light. The tape is versatile enough to expand and contract through a wide range of temperatures.
The material itself can be a simple soft aluminum with an adhesive layer. Alternatively, it can be a multi-layer laminate that includes not just aluminum, but also cloth along with the adhesive layer. This makes it a robust and versatile material for various uses.
The Many Uses of Speed Tape
You might be wondering, what exactly is speed tape used for? Well, it has a variety of applications. It’s sometimes used to protect sealant while it’s curing. It can also patch up non-critical components of an aircraft. In more extreme cases, speed tape can even be used to patch bullet damage to combat aircraft. Yes, you read that right, bullet damage!
Guidelines and Regulations
Now, before you start thinking that speed tape is a miracle worker, there are some rules. The use of speed tape should always be authorized by engineering teams and must comply with specific requirements. Airlines can’t just go around using it for any and all repairs. In fact, there are fines that can be levied against airlines that use speed tape improperly. So, it’s not a free-for-all; there are guidelines that need to be followed.
So speed tape is not just a piece of tape; it’s an essential tool in the aviation and racing car industries. It’s versatile, strong, and has to be used responsibly. Hence, if you see some of them on your aircraft, there’s nothing to worry about. These tapes are aviation-certified.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
