Originally Posted by Doodlebug
...the application of a non-certified layer of rough, protective 'paint' to the leading edges. Interesting, that last one.
This business of applying unapproved automotive coatings that are intended to minimize rock and stone damage to exposed surfaces of truck wheel wells to aircraft leading edges seems to be a uniquely South African fetish.
Below are two pictures that I took of a Rossair DHC-6 that I audited in 2005. Someone had applied a very rough automotive coating to the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer, apparently in an attempt to "protect" the surface from rock chips. I just about crapped my pants when I saw this, and grounded the aircraft immediately. The effect of an unapproved rough coating like this is EXACTLY the same as the effect of a layer of rime ice on the airfoil - and just as dangerous.
It would be a good idea if the South African regulatory agency took a closer look at this problem.
Michael
ZS-OEF, operated by Rossair, 2005.
