No More Hiding With 'Plane Sight'

Here's one of those "why didn't I think of that?" ideas that recently crossed the ANN news desk (much like the idea of strapping a rocket motor to a Velocity... but that's another story). Toronto-based Redfab, Inc. will be at Oshkosh to publicly unveil its line of highly-visible, light-reflective markers that can be fitted to the areas on your aircraft that are most vulnerable to ramp or hangar damage.

"Line technicians are subject to human error brought on by distraction and fatigue," says Redfab’s president, Michael Moore. "Aircraft wings, elevators, rudders and props can be virtually invisible to drivers at night or in foggy, rainy weather."

Called "Plane Sights," the florescent orange markers can be installed and removed in about a minute. Redfab says the kit weighs about eight pounds, and includes a carrying case about the size of an ordinary briefcase. Individual components start at $79, and complete kits start at $489(US).

Moore cites a survey of 271 aircraft owners conducted by the company, that found over eight percent suffered ground damage within a two-year period. Aircraft based in community hangers were even more vulnerable, with over 18 percent suffering damage during the same period.

IATA estimates that the annual bill for ground damage to aircraft ranges between four and seven billion -- with a "b" -- dollars a year.

FMI: www.planesights.com