One of the perks of owning an airplane is that you can paint it any way you want — the designs are limited only by the imagination. The owners of Van’s RV aircraft are among the most expressive out there, as a walk through the RV parking area at last year’s AirVenture proved.
Some aircraft owners go for the cartoon-inspired paint scheme. The Lockheed Skunkworks skunk was found on one tail. Another airplane sported Fifinella, the Walt Disney-created mascot of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). A few feet over, Miss Vista teased and Mighty Mouse struck a heroic pose. Other designs were more iconic, such as an 8 ball or a pirate motif.
Some designs are in homage to other airplanes, such as the GeeBee-inspired TeeBee, or to an airline, such as American Airlines.
Geometric designs in the form of diamonds and stripes are popular. Black and white checkered flags are a particular favorite, as are patriotic designs that include the American flag.
Often times the painting is done by a shop that specializes in custom motorcycles or automobiles, using colors and techniques that were unheard of decades ago.
Check it out for yourself the next time you attend and air show or fly-in.
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