GrassStripFlyBoy Posted June 28, 2020 Report Share Posted June 28, 2020 I find it interesting how many of the newer composite aircraft are going to darker paint schemes. I doubt the technology of materials has changed, are we learning there is less risk resulting from darker paints? I wonder what is the rest of the story on this topic. A very long term idea is a full strip & repaint on my CT, would love a similar look to this Diamond: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett Gee Posted June 28, 2020 Report Share Posted June 28, 2020 At work, we fly 3 earlier model DA-42's and when they were purchased, Diamond was very specific about colors and location. We had some back and forth even about using our logo, because it has dark colors that retain heat at different rates, and they were worried about the carbon/glass fiber and resin. In this video, at about the 6:30 minute mark, they talk about painting the new DA-62. They mention that only specific colors that have been tested for heat retention are allowed, due to an upgrade in the resin system. Not really sure what that means exactly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skunkworks85 Posted June 28, 2020 Report Share Posted June 28, 2020 I got my Private in a DA20 and between the 2 seats is a temp gauge, and it was color coded. Looking at the POH for the DA20, it shows a maximum structural temperature of 131degF in the limitations section and specifies looking at the structural temp indicator between the seats when outside air temperature is greater than 100 degF during preflight. You were not allowed to fly if the sensor was reading that high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted June 28, 2020 Report Share Posted June 28, 2020 It might have less to do with color and more to do with the thermal properties of the paint itself. Some might retain heat more than others, regardless of color, due to reflectivity of pigments and what the paint medium is chemically. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted June 28, 2020 Report Share Posted June 28, 2020 BTW, does anybody have any guidance from FD about what colors to use for a CT? I haven't seen any warnings about colors, but I do know the skins under my black N numbers are significantly hotter than the surrounding whit skins if they sit in the sun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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