Sharkskin on aircraft.

[freebeard]

There's probably a Cd out there.

Yes, maybe I should google it on Alta Vista or Bing.

[j-c-c]

"11) absence of the VGs might have improved safety implications for ground crews working in the vicinity of the tail."

Ok, that one lost me.

[freebeard]

I was wondering about the safety implications of the VG, when suddenly it struck me.

[j-c-c]

Just to be figuratively on the same, what approx size are these contemplated "VG's", that might effect ground crew safety?

[freebeard]

And how sharp is the edge.

[Piotrsko]

Well the VG's wont be any lower than the wheelie bar for long.

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by j-c-c

"11) absence of the VGs might have improved safety implications for ground crews working in the vicinity of the tail."

Ok, that one lost me.

You're walking the length of the entire lower 50% of the cylindrical fuselage, close to a surface, then encounter rigid knife blades, with outwards length equal to the boundary layer thickness just ahead of the upswept tail.
If you lose your footing on a ground power umbilical, HVAC flex-duct, refueling hose, etc., it's a hard landing for your head, and on a very small, very sharp contact patch.

[j-c-c]

With all the other hazards in the vicinity, that would be another I guess, and I now consider your point explained.

[freebeard]

I'd given it my best shot at #13.