Pitot probe cover streamers
Date issue released
Issue number
Issue Status
Closed – Adequately addressed
Transport Function
Aviation: Air transport
Issue Owner
Singapore Airlines and Heston MRO
Mode of Transport
Aviation
Safety Issue Description

Although suitable for use in most situations, the streamers attached to the pitot probe covers supplied and used for A350 operations by Heston MRO at Brisbane Airport provided limited conspicuity due to their overall length, position above eye height, and limited movement in wind. This reduced the likelihood of incidental detection of the covers, which is important during turnarounds. 

Issue Status Justification

The ATSB is satisfied that the increased length of the pitot probe covers used at Brisbane Airport has adequately addressed the safety issue.

Proactive action
Action number
AO-2022-032-PSA-04
Organisation
Singapore Airlines
Action description

In January 2024, Singapore Airlines advised the ATSB that they had engaged Heston MRO at Brisbane to use pitot probe covers with better conspicuity by increasing the length of the streamers. Usage of such covers has been implemented by Heston MRO on Singapore Airlines aircraft at Brisbane (see images below).