On Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:38:31 -0800, Bret wrote:

I always thought sailplanes were white so the interior structure
wouldn't overheat and approach the glass temperature of epoxy, about 190
F, and fail. And yet I see homebuilt aircraft of wood/epoxy structure
painted all colors. So is it the gelcoat that the white color is
protecting?

BGA rules for composite gliders limit coloured areas to the wingtips and
nose explicitly to prevent the structure from getting hot enough to lose
strength and/or affect the resin. The colouring rules are explicitly
stated to be for this reason. You can paint wooden or metal gliders
however you like.

In contrast, my Libelle's manual says that no particular steps need to be
taken to protect the glider from the sun regardless or whether its in its
trailer or rigged. Its resin looks like polyester rather than epoxy.
Does anybody know for sure which it is?


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martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
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