From: "Doug \"Woody\" and Erin Beal"
Date: 7/20/2004 17:57 Pacific Daylight Time

The news of GW heading north thru the canal has a photo of the a/c on deck
w/
sealed canopies. Have seen several similar photos of other CV transits.

Why is that done? Prevent damage in case of a sand storm? If so, are
intakes
and exhausts also covered for those birds? TIA.

MW

Mike,

It's done before a ditch transit for precisely that reason. The lead time
between predicted high winds and the actual sand storm might not be enough
to get the planes protected in time.

Same thing typically happens before a port call in Jebl.

Thanks Woody.

The CHINFO photos normally show a bright, sunny day; leaves one wondering
'what's the big deal if the transit is under such conditions ...' g

MW