Frequently I see signs that give instructions which seem blatantly obvious and I wonder why the sign is necessary; I also wonder if the signs are ever actually read by someone who then follows the instructions, but who otherwise would not have. I give as an example the following picture:
In this picture, the prop of this plane has a sleeve around it. The sleeve is also strapped both to the side of the plane and to the underside the engine. This device is attached after the plane lands so that the propeller won’t accidentally spin, and can’t be moved by curious or mischievous passengers. Now, do you notice the red flag attached to the end of the strap that goes to the engine? Click “Read more” to see a closeup of that flag.
The picture below is a close up of that flag:
“REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT”
Is it really necessary to remind the ground crew to remove the device which prevents the propeller from rotating before the plane tries to fly? I’m thinking that if someone looks at the propeller in the sleeve before take-off and doesn’t realize the sleeve needs to be removed, then the same person is unlikely to read the little red tag saying”REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT” and suddenly have their memory jogged.
Sorry about the poor quality of the close up of the flag. It was blowing around a lot in the wind and I have to be happy that it is legible at all.
I like the guy standing attention behind the sleeve. His job is to inform people to read the sleeve before they approach it. The sunglasses are necessary for anonymity.
I have to say that upon closer scrutiny, that sleeve appears to really be a # 52 rubberband, being implemented by management as a stategy to reduce fuel consumption! That guard must have a crank somewhere to wind it up.