On Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:26:06 -0700, Dan wrote:


The Canadian military paints trainers (BAe Hawk, Havard II, Dash 8,
etc) black - highest contrast up here (white in the winter's not so
good, particularly if you have to SAR it). I wouldn't want to pick up
the wingtip of a black painted metal glider, though. Dan

Back when I was pre-solo I remember following a white Nimbus round the
circuit on a clear, overcast day when the airfield had 50mm of snow on
it. We had no problem seeing him in the air. As we flew the base leg the
Nimbus was just turning finals and the instructor asked me where I was
going to land. "To his left, I said". "Good move" was the reply. I saw
the Nimbus down and rolling just before we turned base. I lined up to his
left and then realised he'd blinked out as soon as he stopped and told
the instructor I'd lost him. "So have I" he said. I landed where I'd
decided to and rolled to a stop on the left of the Nimbus. That's about
the best lesson I ever had about never landing directly toward a glider
that's on the ground.

====

I wonder about painting the undersides of wings and tail black while
leaving the rest of the glider white. That should stay cool while showing
up well against anything except ice and snow.



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martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
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