If you like observing the ground handling processes around the aircraft while awaiting your flight, you may have noticed red “Remove before flight” tags on numerous aircraft parts. Do you understand why they are there and what these tags are for?
“Remove before flight” tags themselves are simply markers on the parts that require to be removed. Generally, you will see a pilot walking around, inspecting the aircraft before the take-off and removing these warnings.
What are flight tags made of?
Woven Nylon, Made from quality woven Nylon the tag is finished with high-quality embroidery. The tag is 14 x 3 cm in size with a standard key ring loop included.
What Are The “Remove Before Flight” Tags Attached To?
The tags are attached to protective covers or pins for various parts – ranging in size from small devices like pitot tubes to larger ones like entire engines. They are also commonly on stoppers meant to block openings on an aircraft (exhaust covers, shades, plugs, etc.).
The cleanliness of those openings is essential to proper aircraft operation; those openings would otherwise be vulnerable to small animals, trash, or weather conditions if left open.
If an aircraft is left to sit idle for several days, mechanics will cover large parts such as engines or propellers, with the covers almost always donning the “Remove Before Flight” tag. Proper storage of the mentioned parts helps maintain the lifespan of the aircraft as a whole.
Aircraft mechanics should be aware of all parts that “Remove Before Flight” tags may be attached to. A simple mistake like leaving protective covers on a tube or engine can cause delays in flight schedules or component breakdowns.
While most openings on the aircraft’s surface are quite tiny, they’re still essential. Firstly, stoppers and lids shield from insects, birds, or trash settling in those holes. Also, these plugs shield aircraft openings from dust and ice.
Sometimes the holes are so massive that an oversized piece of fabric or a specially created cover is needed, which additionally includes the removal before the flight strip. In fact, if the aircraft stays within the airdrome hangars for a minimum of some days, its engines conjointly got to be lined.
It is worth mentioning that pins with the Remove before flight tag stop the movement of mechanical assemblies. For instance, they often stop propellers from rotating. The wind can screw the propeller, which isn’t smart when the engine isn’t working.
Why Do The Tags Look Like That?
Although the “Remove Before Flight” tag can come in many shapes and sizes, they are always red with stark white text. Also, the “Remove Before Flight” tag is printed in English only due to international flight regulations.
They come in totally different sizes and form plugs that cover numerous holes and openings of the plane. It can be practically anything from Pitot tubes to engines.
The tag’s instructions are critical to the safety of the airplane and personnel, so they must be immediately recognizable, easy to read, and universally understood.
Every single detail in aviation is meant to reinforce safety. It’s worth mentioning that because of the international regulations Remove before flight warning appears in English only.
These tags are extremely important and in some cases, non-removal of a tagged part can cause an aircraft to crash since there’s a risk that the covered components may not work properly.
The “Remove before flight” tag has become one of the amateur souvenirs. Do you own one?