These small, often brightly colored tags serve a critical safety function in aviation. Typically attached to components like pitot tubes, control locks, and safety pins, they act as prominent reminders to remove crucial safety devices before aircraft operation. For example, a tag might be found on a pitot tube cover, signaling its removal before flight to ensure accurate airspeed readings.
Their highly visible nature and concise message contribute significantly to preventing potentially catastrophic accidents by ensuring critical pre-flight checks are not overlooked. This practice originated in the military and has since become a standard safety procedure across the aviation industry, highlighting its proven effectiveness in mitigating risks. These tags are not limited to aircraft and can be found in other industries where safety procedures and checklists are essential.