FALSE - you can be docked up to 1% but that is only if the CD actually applies the rule. Many are not.

Many of us black out our canopies. The rule is rediculous and needs to be ammended anyway, but until then, word has it that most of the CD's are overlooking it. Unless you plan on flying a perfect score, the 1% is really no big deal.

The rule should be applied so that black out or pilot is acceptable. I can understand dolls, dogs, and other "non-pilot" gear being disqualified so I am sure that is why the rule was put in to begin with. On the ground the plane should look real.. and a tinted or blacked out canopy does look real.

Pilots add weight, they break loose, they are expensive (for a good one)... a waste IMO... tinting is a lot more effective.

DP