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I've noticed a grey line on the flaps of the A319:

enter image description here

What is that?
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    $\begingroup$ duct tape holding the flap together ;-) $\endgroup$
    – Michael
    Commented Feb 14, 2016 at 20:17

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You are seeing the steel reinforcing sheet metal at the line where the spoilers rest on the flaps when both are retracted. It is there as a bearing surface since there is some inevitable contact between the spoilers and the top surface of the flap when they are both retracted during flight.

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    $\begingroup$ From a maintenance point of view, do you known how long they are used before the sheet are changed? $\endgroup$
    – mins
    Commented Feb 14, 2016 at 17:56
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    $\begingroup$ I don't know if they have a regular maintenance schedule or wear limit on that sheet metal. $\endgroup$
    – Craig K
    Commented Feb 14, 2016 at 18:01
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    $\begingroup$ The technical name is Rubbing Strips. $\endgroup$
    – J W
    Commented Feb 14, 2016 at 18:57
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    $\begingroup$ If you painted those strips the paint would rub off unevenly and look like damage. $\endgroup$
    – GdD
    Commented Feb 15, 2016 at 11:10

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