Definition
A restriction on the exterior paint scheme of composite aircraft, generally limiting owners to lighter colors (typically white or near-white) to prevent the airframe from absorbing excess solar heat. Dark colors can raise surface temperatures high enough to weaken or distort the resin matrix that holds the composite structure together.
Plain English
Composite aircraft usually have to be painted in light colors because dark paint gets too hot in the sun and can damage the structure underneath.
Context Anchor
Seen when inspecting, repairing, or repainting composite aircraft surfaces, especially in manufacturer instructions or aircraft limitations.
Why Pilots Care
Choosing a non-allowable dark color can raise surface temperatures enough to soften the resin matrix and reduce structural strength.
Analogy
Think of a dark car dashboard sitting in the sun — it gets hot enough to warp or crack. Composite skin reacts the same way, except it's holding the airplane together.
Grounding Statement
A dark-painted composite surface parked in strong sun can become much hotter than a light-painted surface.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “allowable” means any color that looks acceptable or is legal in general. Here it means colors specifically approved for that aircraft or part so heat stays within safe limits.
Example Sentence 1
The owner wanted a dark blue paint scheme, but the manufacturer's allowable paint colors limited him to white with light accent stripes.
Example Sentence 2
Only white was on the allowable paint colors list for the fiberglass fuselage because darker shades absorb too much heat.