"ok, then, in the air force, we trained our pilots to fly them, not to crash them into one another"
I think that might be a bit diengenuous since I don't recall Eagle flights of USAF Hueys flying in tight formations into hostile LZs. I do know the 20th SOS definitely did some formation flying with UH-1F'/P's though with small numbers of aircraft. I think these photos from Tommy Thornton from 65-66 give you some idea why you might want to highlight the tips of the blades.
Ray
By the way Rick, your Huey is coming along nicely!
![](http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/ultrasauros/145th%20Tommy%20Thompson%20pics/2584May66Inserting173rdNorthofTanUyen-Made7LiftsonT_zps7b255279.jpg)
![](http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/ultrasauros/145th%20Tommy%20Thompson%20pics/2574May66Inserting173rdNorthofTanUyen-Made7LiftsonThisMission_zpsbe19a5ab.jpg)
![](http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/ultrasauros/145th%20Tommy%20Thompson%20pics/2604May66Inserting173rdNorthofTanUyen-Made7LiftsonThisMission4_zps4e28f07d.jpg)
![](http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w177/ultrasauros/145th%20Tommy%20Thompson%20pics/22424Dec6568thTigersBeachAssaultAfterB-52Strike-5ThunderbirdsAttachedto68thforOperation_zpsb7675faf.jpg)