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Imagination takes flight

By Meg Godlewski · June 13, 2011 ·

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.

IMG_4044 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.

IMG_4058 IMG_4057 IMG_4055 IMG_4054 IMG_4050 IMG_4047 IMG_4046 IMG_4045 IMG_4043 IMG_4041 IMG_4038 IMG_4035 IMG_4034 IMG_4033 IMG_4031 IMG_4026

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