Do you climb up aircraft with suction cups

[JW Scud]

OK, maybe only in the movies but suction cups are used as safety systems for maintenance workers on some airliners. But you better make sure the paint is bonding properly:

General pics here:
https://www.google.ca/search?q=vacuum+t ... 9&biw=1280

http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation ... afety/safo
A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially
valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public
interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety
issue named in the SAFO.
Subject: Vacuum-Type Fall-Arrest Protection Systems and Paint Peeling Issues on Boeing model 787
Airplanes.
Purpose: This SAFO serves to warn owners, operators and maintenance providers of the potential hazards of
utilizing vacuum-type (suction grip) fall-arrest protection systems on Boeing model 787 airplanes due to paint
adhesion failures.
Background: The Boeing Company reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that certain
Boeing model 787 airplanes are prone to paint adhesion failures due to Ultra Violet (UV) ray damage. Eleven
in service Boeing 787 operators have reported vacuum-type fall-arrest protection systems failing due to the
paint lifting off and away from the surface of the upper wing skin.
Discussion: Boeing attributed the paint peeling to Ultra Violet (UV) ray damage between the primer and the
resin layers on the upper wing. In many cases, the paint peeling became apparent when the vacuum-type fallarrest protection system was attached to the airplane surface and became detached when the paint lifted away
from the surface of the plane, disabling its ability to provide fall protection for personnel, resulting in possible
injury.
The current Boeing 787 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (787 AMM B787-A-20-10-27-01A) provides
instructions for using and attaching vacuum-type fall-arrest protection system attachment points on the upper
wing surface. However, when paint and resin primers have been affected by UV rays, cohesion is weakened,
increasing the probability of vacuum-type suction cups coming loose, and peeling the paint off the wings.
Paint adhesion failures on the upper wing surfaces could result in the failure of the vacuum-type attachment
fall-arrest systems, leading to the potential for serious injury to personnel.
Recommended Action: All operators and repair facilities should review their fall protection procedures. If
they allow suction grip type units to be attached to the B-787 upper wing surfaces, they should stop such
actions or procedures. Additionally, if they are following the instructions in the Boeing 787 Aircraft
Maintenance Manual (787 AMM B787-A-20-10-27-01A), for repair or any other approved safety fall
protection procedures, they stop such actions. Utilization of Vacuum-Type Fall-Arrest Protection Systems
should be stopped until further subsequent information is published by the FAA or Boeing.

[digits]

Interesting, I had no idea that manufacturers had to describe safety systems as well. Thought that burden would fall on the AMO.