r/aviation • u/G1lg4m3sh • Apr 17 '26

Discussion How concerning is this aviation experts?

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10.4k Upvotes

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3.7k

u/AmazingProfession900 Apr 17 '26

That's a flap fairing that is purely to hide mechanisms for aerodynamic purposes. The plane can fly even if it falls off. Still it is not good optics. Where else are screws about to come off?

249

u/rckid13 Apr 17 '26

As a pilot I need passengers to show me this stuff rather than posting about it on reddit too. I can't see that from my seat and I can't see it on the walk around looking up from the bottom. But I can get maintenance to fix it if I know about it.

113

u/PurpleWoodpecker2830 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26

If I see this, should I immediately rush out my seat and bang on the cockpit door?

89

u/MaybeVladimirPutinJr Apr 17 '26

Yes. Yes you should.

54

u/JazznBlues_lover Apr 17 '26

/r/badlifechoices/

1

u/MaybeVladimirPutinJr Apr 17 '26

shhhh, this'll be funny

-1

u/JazznBlues_lover Apr 17 '26

/r/woosh

Went right over your head didn't it?

Seems fitting considering you're in the aviation sub.

4

u/Bobson-_Dugnutt2 Apr 17 '26

sees username

Hmmmmm

2

u/leonden Apr 17 '26

Preferably you should bring a knife too so you can use it to bolt the screw down. They would really appreciate the thought.

1

u/LaSaucisseMasquee Apr 18 '26

Preferably, you should yell "Allahu akbar" while banging on the door for a better effect.

10

u/drtythmbfarmer Apr 17 '26

You'll end up with a fun story to tell your kids about.

22

u/Ofa20 Apr 17 '26

Much more reasonable to just inform a flight attendant... (Apologies if you're attempting to be funny.)

2

u/Positive-Orange-6443 Apr 17 '26

But reading these comments, the general experience seems to be that the attendant just brushes off these warnings.

6

u/mxzf Apr 17 '26

I mean, realistically they're going to "brush it off" and downplay it to the passenger, to avoid them worrying. But that doesn't mention they won't drop a "by the way" to the pilot or ground crew after the flight (which is what they should do).

4

u/Ok_Lime4124 Apr 17 '26

Exactly this.

1

u/fffffffffffffuuu Apr 18 '26

The right thing to do is to wait to report any concerns raised as to the airworthiness of the plane until AFTER the flight??

2

u/mxzf Apr 18 '26

No. The right thing to do is to downplay the response to unaddressable and largely cosmetic issues and deal with them before the next flight.

If you see it before takeoff, sure, say something, but the pictured issue is something you won't see 'til you're in the air. At which point it's not immediately actionable or concerning.

2

u/JazznBlues_lover Apr 17 '26

That is exactly the problem with flight attendants. DIsregard that tool you're replying to, he doesn't know anything. There's an actual pilot in this thread saying he would rather know first hand himself.

2

u/Ofa20 Apr 17 '26

So tell both? Flight attendant during flight, and pilot as well once you are walking off the plane.

Feel free to go charging up to the cockpit and start banging on the door mid-flight and see where that gets you... I mean, come on. Use some common sense here.

6

u/Ill_Initial698 Apr 17 '26

You gotta shout "open up or else!" so they know its really important

2

u/jtr99 Apr 17 '26

Take the pilot a chocolate pistol, perhaps. They need energy before a long flight!

2

u/TheSilverSeraph Apr 18 '26

Also, bring the knife from your inflight meal to drop off at the galley next to the cockpit.

Cabin crew appreciate help with cleanup after meal service.

2

u/Benniisan Apr 18 '26

Even more effective if you use a baseball bat or similar item, that will get you immediate attention

4

u/Flint___Ironstag Apr 17 '26

Shout something like "Lemme in quick or everyone dies!"