Is it normal for the red cap to be missing?

[-]

CMDR_Winrar@reddit

Normal no, safe yes. Already known about, documented, and the fuel burn has been accounted for. Look up aircraft MEL/CDL lists for more info. (this one specifically would be a CDL)

[-]

ComputerSaysNo2025@reddit

Safe? If that cap fell off, what else is sitting loose as well, I wonder.

[-]

akdanman11@reddit

Likely nothing. It’s a minor piece that isn’t checked as thoroughly as an important piece

[-]

Fit-Custard-1842@reddit

It may be a minor piece, but it was checked and found to be faulty, then removed rather than replaced as stores probably didn't have the item in stock.

[-]

Foggl3@reddit

Why would you assume it fell off when it was more than likely removed

[-]

B1gY3llow@reddit

Minimum Equipment List / Configuration Deviation List

[-]

Von_Rootin_Tootin@reddit

Surly that little cap must have a minuscule impact on fuel burn right?

[-]

Hi this is Airplane Facts with Max and what you're seeing is completely safe but it is abnormal, kind of like when Gandalf the Grey returned to the Shire after spending seventeen years away at Minas Tirith researching the One Ring which was at that point in Frodo Baggins' possession but Gandalf wasn't sure that was indeed the One Ring and thought it was abnormal it would be in the hands of a Hobbit, the most unlikely creature of all but Gandalf did return and ensured the One Ring was still safe in Frodo's possession. Anyway. I think that's pretty neat.

[-]

Cardinal-guy-2023@reddit

Uhhhhh….

[-]

theZEN2@reddit

Get a load of this guy.

[-]

Kezia89@reddit

And then share the load.

[-]

Breadedbutthole@reddit

I got a load of him :)

[-]

reddituseronebillion@reddit

Username checks out.

[-]

TurboCaca121@reddit

Not normal, but the plane flies safely anyway

[-]

ComputerSaysNo2025@reddit

If this would be Ryanair, this would be lethal, since they love to fly with minimum fuel load.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/10/ryanair-flight-landed-at-manchester-airport-with-six-minutes-of-fuel-left-flight-log-suggests

[-]

SaltLakeBear@reddit

In fairness, that flight diverted twice and did three go arounds before finally landing two hours later than planned. Two hours of extra fuel for a three hour flight seems entirely reasonable to me. The decision to divert from one airport with bad weather to another airport with bad weather, however, is a different story...

[-]

FiberApproach2783@reddit

The decision to divert from one airport with bad weather to another airport with bad weather, however, is a different story...

I heard that the airport authority (?) wouldn't let them go straight to the farther airport, so they had to go to a closer one first. They only got to choose which closer one they went to

[-]

SaltLakeBear@reddit

Ah, well that could certainly explain why they didn't divert to the airport with less weather. Why on earth would a pilot not be allowed to choose the airport they prefer for a diversion?

[-]

RMCaird@reddit

That landed almost 2 hours after its planned landing time…

[-]

w1lnx@reddit

Normal? No. Safe? Yep. There will be a nearly imperceptible drop in efficiency.

[-]

Violaceums_Twaddle@reddit

Not normal, but not a safety issue either. That thing missing the end cap is just a cover for the flap hinges. It's there to smooth the airflow over that hinge area to reduce drag, and also reduces maintenance by keeping the hinge protected from dust and debris that would require more frequent cleaning & maintenance. That entire assembly could be gone and it wouldn't make the plane any less safe - it would just increase the fuel burn & require more frequent cleaning of the hinges.

[-]