T o d d P a t t i s t wrote:

I've had situations where I hear piston traffic coming from
behind while in cruise. I'm never quite sure if "throwing a
wing up" helps me because it makes me easier to see or hurts
me because it makes my impact cross section larger for the
oncoming aircraft in level cruise. I've always been
inclined towards the "it hurts me," but not with any real
conviction one way or another.

Give the girl a break. Move the thing around a little. She might even be
looking out the window, and maybe you'll get a better view behind too.

I'd like to install a Spitfire type rear view mirror or a pair of canopy
bow mirrors like the F-4 and T-38. It might help to see up and behind in
a gaggle, or getting ready to roll on takeoff (letting somebody else do
my clearing for me with the canopy closed on the ground has always been
a little uncomfortable).


Jack