I'm in the process of purchasing a new plane after owning and flying a terrific 182Q for 8 years. Leaving the aesthetics aside, I'm looking for feedback on paint scheme decisions based on what makes sense for search and rescue. Makes sense that lots of distinctive bold, unnatural colors would show up... but how much difference does that make, real world?

I've gotten some help from a design firm that does excellent work, but I keep coming back to a pretty straight forward design that appeals to me... and I'm not crazy about electric yellows or blues. So how much of a compromise makes sense? I've seen planes repainted in detailed camouflage, and often questioned that decision... so I'm leaning towards a white/cream body with green stripe highlights. I think it'll look great at a campsite, but will it show up hung up in a tree?

Anyways, take a look
http://gallery.me.com/jazzy2nz/100426/E350paint

I'd especially appreciate any feedback from people involved in active search and rescue that have direct experience with spotting downed planes and what's effective or not.

Thanks!

This thread may be of interest........

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=7655&start=0&hilit=sar

I have no advice, but I would like to offer a mixture of WOW/cool/congratulations with more than just a slight tinge of jealousy.....

lc

I've only been involved in search and rescue as the searchee, not the searcher. When I had a total engine failure in a 206, the SAR folks said I was easy to spot with the international orange upper fuselage and stripes on the wings! Made all the ribbing I took for flying the "great pumpkin" worthwhile.

Best,
O-2

Sure....the green and white scheme looks nice. What does the tops of the wings look like? That is what rescue is going to see.

Curious to learn if you are getting the TRI gear or TAIL WHEEL?

Buying new is the best experience there is!

I think orange,red and a little yellow shows up in most situations

Forest Green trim over off white is camo paint in trees, forest, open desert, desert scrub, above snowline.
Bright White is better than off white/cream except in snow when they both are camouflage.
The only place you might be found is on floats on the water.
Bright Yellow, Orange, or Red are something you can see.
I have done search flying.

Ditto on Jeremy's comments. If you're really concerned about being seen in a SAR scenario, then choose colors that rarely occur in nature.

Orange and white is a good combination, since orange only occurs in nature for a short period in fall, and white is visible then. In winter, orange stands out.

But, green and white, as Jeremy noted, is camoflage.

MTV

Ditto on Jeremy's comments. If you're really concerned about being seen in a SAR scenario, then choose colors that rarely occur in nature.

Orange and white is a good combination, since orange only occurs in nature for a short period in fall, and white is visible then. In winter, orange stands out.

But, green and white, as Jeremy noted, is camoflage.

MTV

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to check it out with red/white in the same scheme. I realize bright yellow or orange would be ideal, but I just can't do it!

I'm getting the nose wheel configuration since most of my flying will be in the Northeast doing Angel Flights and occasional turf strips on the coast of Maine and Martha's Vineyard. Looking forward to getting familiar with its capabilities. Should be an early summer delivery if things stay on schedule.

I've never given anybody a hard time for flying a plane in pumpkin colors!