Instrument Panel Color

On Monday, November 23, 2015 at 4:43:46 PM UTC-8, Dan Marotta wrote:
Go for it, and enjoy!



I've had panels that were black, grey, and sky blue and all were
just fine.* The overhang of your glare shield will block most, if
not all of the reflections.* If it doesn't work out the way you
like, simply repaint it.* Ignore the safety nazis who want you to do
everything their way "in the name of safety".




On 11/23/2015 1:05 PM,
wrote:



What is the reason that most instrument panels are black ? is it to reduce reflection ? I have a white panel I want to use.
Dan





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Dan, 5J

The original post was inquiring whether or not to use a white panel, is anyone actually recommending that he go ahead and do that?

I do! If it doesn't work out for him he can always repaint it. If
that's too much trouble, simply cut out a panel shape from white paper
and tape it in place. Sit in the glider with the canopy down on a sunny
day and have a friend rotate the glider around a complete circle. That
won't account for bank beyond a wing on the ground, but will give him a
good idea if it will work for him.

BTW, in the summer, I only wear white shirts and it's never been a
problem. I wear darker clothes in the colder months and glare is more
of a problem then, but it's the lower sun angle, not the color of my
clothes. Check the ramp at a contest and tally what everyone's
wearing. I'm not suggesting that contest pilots know what's best to
wear, just that there are more of them in one location at one time so
you'll have a better sample.

My personal opinion of a white panel is that it will be too bright with
the sun over the pilot's shoulder and will make it harder to read the
instruments. Softer, non-gloss colors will provide better contrast, I
think.

On 11/24/2015 7:43 AM, wrote:
On Monday, November 23, 2015 at 4:43:46 PM UTC-8, Dan Marotta wrote:
Go for it, and enjoy!



I've had panels that were black, grey, and sky blue and all were
just fine. The overhang of your glare shield will block most, if
not all of the reflections. If it doesn't work out the way you
like, simply repaint it. Ignore the safety nazis who want you to do
everything their way "in the name of safety".




On 11/23/2015 1:05 PM,
wrote:



What is the reason that most instrument panels are black ? is it to reduce reflection ? I have a white panel I want to use.
Dan





--

Dan, 5J
The original post was inquiring whether or not to use a white panel, is anyone actually recommending that he go ahead and do that?

--
Dan, 5J