I'm 5+ months into test flight in primer: 1. I wanted to fly too badly to really do the body work well, so it's partly procrastination. 2. Like the other guys say -- odds are good you'll find a thing or two to re-contour, even if you were careful before. 3. I've actually had people say "hey cool, a military paint job". LOL. It's just gray primer. 4. Great cloud camouflage for when your brain's on fire during a flight test and you bust the class B due to distraction and don't want to be seen. (just kidding here) 5. Test flying in rain and < very carefully -- with 4000 feet of warm air below > in mild icing conditions. Wanted to try that in primer to see the erosion problems. (so far, so good). (not kidding here) 6. Don't care about climbing on the wing, setting tools on the wings/fuselage, setting the cowl rightside up or upside down when I take it off... shoot, I may leave it in primer permanently!!!
On Feb 14, 2012, at 6:51 AM, Gary Weeks wrote: G'Day All,
I would like to hear from anyone regarding the Pros and Cons of painting before the Test Flying or doing the test flying with the aircraft in primer.
What did you do?
I have always believed that I would paint before test flying but there are many arguments as to why you could fly in primer only.
Many Thanks
Gary Weeks
Australia.
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