What are these markings on the A380 wing?

Question

There are some "markings" over the wings and the horizontal stabilizer. Could somebody explain what they are?

Note, these markings are not restricted to the A380. Almost all commercial aircraft in similar shape have these markings on their flight control surfaces. — Burhan Khalid, Feb 7 '16 at 11:48

Porcupine911 · Accepted Answer · 2016-02-06 23:19:57Z

13

The darker areas denote where it is safe to step. Stepping outside of these areas could cause damage to the aircraft.

Here's a closeup of the warning:

(This happens to be a photo of Qantas Flight 32 after its un-contained engine failure)

answered Feb 6 '16 at 23:05

Porcupine911

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$\begingroup$ Why walking is required on the wing? $\endgroup$ – Andrius Feb 7 '16 at 18:26
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$\begingroup$ New bottom-tier Ryanair ticket. In all seriousness, maintenance personnel are the most likely people to have to heed this warning. $\endgroup$ – Porcupine911 Feb 7 '16 at 21:41
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$\begingroup$ So the warning is printed both ways so it can be read by those already walking outside the allowed area? $\endgroup$ – DJohnM Feb 8 '16 at 7:40
$\begingroup$ .. or someone on a step ladder, about to step onto the area $\endgroup$ – Gavin Coates Feb 8 '16 at 9:22

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