Commercial Fixed Wing
Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Procedure
During the process of doing the OJT portion of my Tail stand Training; I was asked to remove the Tail Stand from the Aircraft. As I removed it I observed the white Teflon tip came off and was affixed to the aircraft. At this point I became very concern especially since I'm a member of the Safety Team. I began to have an in-depth conversation with the trainers and I was made to understand that this is becoming more common. I was told in such situations aircraft maintenance is to be notified and they will remove it. That's fine! However what if the individual that removes it does not realize that the Teflon tip remains in the aircraft. If this aircraft is to take off with this Tip in and falls off later while in flight; can this become a FAA violation? It can also add FOD to runways; creating a serious hazard! Now on the other end what if an employee fails to do a user check prior to installing a Tail Stand without the Teflon tip? How much damage can occur to an aircraft fuselage without the Teflon tip? I guess it can be substantial.
A maintenance technician reported that after removing the tail stand it was observed the Teflon tip remained attached to the aircraft.