What color is characteristic of an AN steel flared-tube fitting?

The characteristic color of an AN (Army-Navy) steel flared-tube fitting is indeed black. This standardized color-coding is crucial for identifying the material and type of the fitting during aircraft maintenance and assembly.

The black coloring signifies that the fitting is made from steel, which has specific properties that are suitable for particular applications, especially in high-pressure hydraulic systems. The use of consistent color coding helps prevent confusion and errors when it comes to component selection, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency in aviation practices.

Other colors are assigned to fittings made from different materials; for example, blue is typically associated with aluminum fittings, while green pertains to brass; knowing these color codes is essential for anyone working in aviation maintenance or with aircraft systems.