red surfaces

Good question. I hope someone has some thoughts. I've even noticed on certain color film from the 8th AF in England that some B-17's had the innersurface of the flaps painted an reddish kind of orange, and I always wondered what it was.

Red means danger. It is also easy to see on white or any other color. Even the Air Force uses red for their speed brakes, flaps, aux air doors, etc.

Yep...it was a way for the pilots to make sure they were open before heading into their dives....

it wasnt red oxide primer????I know they used yellow and zinc chromate(apple green)

QUOTE: it wasnt red oxide primer????I know they used yellow and zinc chromate(apple green)

Nope, Insignia Red was used to provide a quick visual referance. Zinc chromate varied in tone from yellow to apple green though it usually appeared more green than yellow.

Thats cool, great answers. I had no idea. Once again, the beauty of this forum!

I've heard it said (from a Naval Aviator) that the edges of gear doors and other panels are painted red as a high-visibility safety feature (like OHS) - anything that opens and sticks out and can draw blood must be painted red - hence the red remove before flight tags on pitots and the like.
Cheers
LeeTree