Thread: Pen Flares
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Old 04-07-2004, 19:32   #11
Smokin Joe
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Quote:
Originally posted by QRQ 30
As I think I said previously, if I hadn't seen it I may not believe it. A flashing mirror can penetrate a jungle canopy. Admitted you must first have sun but a pen-flare won't penetrate a high canopy. In daytimne a mirror will work anywhere a pen flare will. A flashing mirror in a sea of green will get your attention just as a flash from a car windshield.

Working in the low-tech time of the sixties and operating under canopy and with really screwed up maps we relied on a visual fix from an overflying aircraft at least once a day. The mirroerwas our primary and most effective instrument.
Provided the Aircraft you are trying to signal knows you are out there and is looking for your signal.

QRQ I'm not disagreeing you but in my experience people (including pilots) do not tend to always look down unless they are specifically doing a search. They tend to gaze at the horizon and there instruments. Its the natural lazy human thing to do.

Respectfully submitted.
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