The old ways:
040303-N-6842R-025 Key West, Fla. (Mar. 3, 2004) Ð Lt. Allen Karlson, a student pilot assigned to the ÒTigersÓ of Training Squadron Nine (VT-9), with instructor Cdr. Joe Kerstiens (USNR) sits ÒshotgunÓ(rear seat) evaluating Lt. Allen Karlson before his solo formation training. 1st Lt. Tim Miller flies his T-2C Buckeye down to cross under the lead, on his first formation solo, during a formation training mission over Key West, Fla. VT-9 came to Key West to teach Navy and Marine Corps student pilots formation flying and gunnery techniques. The instructors are part of Squadron Augment Unit Nine (SAU-9), the Reserve component for Training Squadron Nine (VT-9), one of two training squadrons that operate from Naval Air Station Meridian, Miss., under Training Wing One (TW-1). U.S. Navy photo by Ens Darin K. Russell. (RELEASED)
U.S. Navy photograph 330-CFD-DN-ST-89-08969. Photographer Jim Bryant. Via NARA. National Archives Identifier: 6445247
In case you missed it, the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) last August announced they are ditching the classic white/orange/black/red scheme used by its aircraft for generations (since the mid-1950s) in favor of sort of a glossy faux tactical look.
From last year’s presser:
CNATRA utilizes four different type/model aircraft, with a fifth on the way, to support intermediate/advanced strike, intermediate/advanced multi-engine and advanced rotary training. These aircraft include the T-45C Goshawk, TH-57 Sea Ranger, TH-73 Thrasher (replacing the TH-57 Sea Ranger), and the T-44C Pegasus, soon to be replaced by the T-54A (King Air 260).
For these aircraft, the new paint scheme will utilize shades of a glossy grey coat to more closely resemble the tactical paint scheme (TPS) covering operational fleet aircraft. The shade of grey will closely resemble the specific counterpart for each training aircraft. For example, the coat of the TH-73 Thrasher will reflect the darker tactical paint scheme of the MH-60S Seahawk, while the T-54A will have a lighter coat similar to the P-8A Poseidon. Colored markings will contrast the grey paint for lettering and symbols like the United States roundel.
Additionally, the tail of each aircraft will feature a distinctive color scheme identifying the specific training air wing (TAW) an aircraft is assigned to, typically referred to as a tail “flash.”
Well, it looks like the first T-45s, those of Training Air Wing 2, have been repainted.
The conversion will slow:
The new changes to CNATRA aircraft will be gradual. An aircraft will only receive its new paint when the current life cycle of its orange-and-white coat is nearly complete. This will result in the last orange-and-white paint coats disappearing in seven to eight years.
As with everything, there are mixed feelings, with many bringing up the fact that the high-viz livery was chosen to help visually deconflict airspace (and ground space!) and make spotting downed aircraft easier.
I’ve always been a fan of the old yellow-chrome “Yellow Peril” look from WWII for trainers and target tugs.
NAMU Johnsonville Curtiss SB2C Helldiver target tug.
N3N pictured at NAS Pensacola, NNAM photo
Sailor cranks the engine of an N3N training flight, circa 1941 Kodachrome NNAM
Stearman N3N-3 N2S trainers NAS Corpus Christi, TX WWII cadets
Harry Greene flies his Boeing Stearman Kaydet Primary Trainer airplane over the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, May 30, 2016. Greene is a helicopter pilot at Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and an aircraft enthusiast in his off-duty time. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Tara Molle/Released)
Yellow is my favorite
Alternatively, I think that the high-viz 1920s look or 1940s-early-50s fleet blue would be great choices.
USS Boxer CV-21 March 10, 1948, off San Diego First operational jet fighter squadron VF-5A FJ-1 Fury LIFE Kodachrome.
Plus, this new gray Goshawk look greatly resembles the gag-filled privately-owned Folland Gnats and HF-24 Ajeet used in 1991’s Hot Shots!
Who knows, maybe someone in CNATRA is a fan.
Clip ensues.