"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
ups.com...
My daughter innocently asked that question the other day, and I gave
her the usual "because white reflects heat better" answer -- but that
really doesn't add up, does it?

Automobiles, motorcycles, boats -- you name it -- all come in a
rainbow of colors. Why are 99.5% of all planes (except for some cool
old classics and some neat homebuilts) white?
--

It think there is a lot of reasons why white is such a popular color for
airplanes. I think some of the reasons also makes white a popular color
choice for lots of things. My "guesses" are in no particular order.

Although we all have favorite colors, we also have colors we dislike. My
guess is than fewer people on average dislike white, than most any other
color. Less chance of painting an aircraft a color that some one dislikes.

White makes a excellent base color for most any other trim color. It even
works well with very light colors like light gray, or light yellow.

Right or wrong, white is always thought to be associated with cooler
temperatures in the heat. Hence, cooler cockpit, better for composites, etc.

As it ages, white shows it's age less than most any other color. Even very
heavily oxidized white paint can fool you until you get close enough to
touch it.

Cost. Airplanes take a lot of paint. And white paint is often the cheapest
available, depending on the type. Maybe even lighter, but I don't know.

White most often makes a positive psychological suggestion, especially when
compared to colors like black, red or green.

White does less to conceal leaks or loose fasteners, than most any other
color. Makes preflight easier.

But then, I myself, just happen to think white is a very attractive color.
All my of my women and trucks have always been white, and several of my
cars. I guess you could just call me a "white" boy.