Collision Avoidance - Being seen

[Phyrcooler]

I started to respond within the other thread on Collision Avoidance http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ad.php?t=14724 but realized I was starting to get off that threads topic a bit. While the new little collision avoidance devices are a good addition... and I will probably put one on my plane... I think that Bill Repucci stated it well:

Just remember, these things only point out airplanes with operating transponders and there is a LOT of aircraft flying without such things, flying with them turned off, or broken.

You still need to look outside.

This brought up some other thoughts that I have pondered in the past.

We paint (Or don't paint) our airplanes almost purely on aesthetic considerations. Yet... I can't help but wonder if some of our paint jobs actually camouflage our aircraft against either the ground or sky. And while I think that an all yellow airplane is UGLY... is it safer?

The related collision previously posted was nearly a head-on. I myself have had several of those disturbing "where did he come from" close passes. I always leave my "landing lights" ON as a tool to help avoid one of those head-on "OH ****'s". (Yet I was once somewhat berated by my instructor who grumbled about having to replace them about every 25 hours...! )

I am further amazed about the lack of R&D into improving how we light up our aircraft. I don't mean just changing the bulbs from incandescent to LED or HID... but full out improvement and possibly adding of additional bright flashing lights to improve daytime visibility. We have taken amazing strides in the warning equipment of our emergency vehicles... but aircraft seem to have the same Nav/Warning/landing light scheme from 1950.

For example... most strobes have little or no reflector. This coupled with the extremely short "on" time of the flash make them a terrible warning device. (except at night) Manufacturers developed double flash and quad flash devices to try to overcome this delima... but ultimately most emergency service users have moved away from strobe to LED. Strobes just weren't that good during the day. (to say nothing of the inherent "electronic noise" issues...)

LED's are bright, have much longer "on" times... and are still a very low energy draw.

I'd like to see the FAA sanction or conduct some studies which would involve putting additional lights around the aircraft so we can have much brighter warning from all angles.

For me... even if my airplane will be primarily flown during the day... it will have full lighting and anything additional allowed. (Although, if I am correct... even as experimental aircraft we can't deviate from FAA lighting standards...???) Hopefully by utilizing LED's - I can keep the energy draw down equal or less than current incandescent lit aircraft.

DJ

[DevDad]

I completely agree. For many people, myself included, building an experimental is a way to take advantage of most (although not all) of the technology available. However, I think many builders only consider what is being done in certified airplanes, and perhaps improve upon it, as opposed to engineering systems that make sense, from a safety standpoint.

Mike

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Phyrcooler

(Although, if I am correct... even as experimental aircraft we can't deviate from FAA lighting standards...???)

Actually you CAN deviate from the FARs during daytime VFR.
91.205 only applies to amateur-builts for night and/or IFR.

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by Phyrcooler

We paint (Or don't paint) our airplanes almost purely on aesthetic considerations. Yet... I can't help but wonder if some of our paint jobs actually camouflage our aircraft against either the ground or sky. And while I think that an all yellow airplane is UGLY... is it safer?

Not particulary scientific, but while I was flying my '8' before painting I had not one, but three tower controllers comment on how easy my airplane was to see. It was mostly nasty yellow chromate primer with the 'glass parts white. I took these comments to heart and painted her yellow and white with a bit of trim. Some colors are nearly invisible depending on the background. I was told to avoid colors that occur frequently in nature like blues and greens. Yellow sky is a little scarce.

John Clark
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

[westwinds]

Phyrcooler, I saw a DOT study a number of years ago that found that the best color for vehicle visibility in fog and low light conditions was white or light colored paints. I would imagine the same would apply to our planes. I intend to make myself more visible by installing some recognition lights at least in the wingtips of my RV8. I would also like to figure out where i can get some side and aft facing recognition lighting. I intend to use some Whelen TIR3 Ultra LED lights for this purpose to keep current draw down. Take a look at these on the www.strobesnmore.com website. It would be nice if these could completely replace the strobe tubes also. If you have any ideas for side and aft facing recognition light placement pass them on. I am also thinking of using these in red and green for position lighting. Tony

[Phyrcooler]

Originally Posted by westwinds

Phyrcooler, I saw a DOT study a number of years ago that found that the best color for vehicle visibility in fog and low light conditions was white or light colored paints. I would imagine the same would apply to our planes. I intend to make myself more visible by installing some recognition lights at least in the wingtips of my RV8. I would also like to figure out where i can get some side and aft facing recognition lighting.

I read something similar. I think anything bright, light and non-earth tone would be superior. BUT... how far am I willing to sacrifice aesthetics for safety? Even I'd be the first to admit to being a bit vain about my toys.

I am leaning towards 'old-school'... Polished aluminum with a nail-polish red trim. I think that for day flight, there is a good chance of some part of the aircraft being able to reflect a glint of sunlight in a lot of different (and hopefully right) directions.

I am researching lighting... and will continue to do so as I prepare to build. (Soon I hope). I am also considering a small smoke system. I have heard that it is an outstanding feature to be able to give a little blip of smoke to help someone who is looking for you. Maybe some intermittent puffs in the pattern??! I don't plan on leaving contrails... but I'd give up a few pounds of weight to have that ability. Anybody with smoke able to attest to it's value?

DJ

[G-force]

Somebody posted a video of them chasing dan and his -7 here in so cal. dan turned hard and dove and the chase plane followed. After a second or two, his plane became invisable aghnist the typical dry so cal scrub on the rolling hills EXCEPT for the white wing tips. I dont know if it was the color, or the blocky, shape, but the bare aluminum and grey primer on the fuse and tail totaly blended in with the terrain. Something to think about...not only are the colors a factor in your eyes seeing something, but also the shape. Swoopy multicolor paintjobs designed to fool your eyes as to the airplanes shape...probaly not the best for visability.

[N941WR]

Some time back I remember a company that offered small spot lights that were to be mounted at the base and on both sides of the VS and were directed at it.

The theory was that highlighting this tall vertical surface would make airplanes more visible in all conditions.

In a quick search, I couldn't find reference. Do any of the rest of you remember this system?

[edneff]

It's a rare airliner these days that doesn't have "tail lights". There weren't any twenty years ago. Sure enhances visibility on the ground especially, but I'm not sure that it does much for inflight visibility. I think that the tail lights are good for short range mostly, but surely can't hurt. I doubt very much if they would do anything at all for you in daylight.

[mburch]

Originally Posted by westwinds

I intend to use some Whelen TIR3 Ultra LED lights for this purpose to keep current draw down. Take a look at these on the www.strobesnmore.com website.

I'd be interested to know how these end up working, if you do use them. I've looked at rolling my own LED-based recognition lights, but the Whelen automotive units you mentioned (more info here) are certainly compelling for the price. Too bad there doesn't seem to be much data available on how bright they actually are. Still, for fifty bucks I might have to pick one up and see how far away it can be seen during the day...

mcb