Now this is something that would freak me out !

[FO Gyro]

I remember flying the first batch of SAA's B737-800's about 9 yrs ago that hadn't yet been fitted with the 2 metre high winglets. The non-winglet aircraft seemed to drop out of the sky when one retarded the thrust on landing, whereas the one's with winglets seemed to float that little bit more.

Here are some of the benefits of winglets from a Boeing 737 website (http://www.b737.org.uk/winglets.htm) :

Improved climb gradient. This will enable a higher RTOW from climb limited airports (hot, high or noise abatement) or obstacle limited runways.
Reduced climb thrust. A winglet equipped aircraft can typically take a 3% derate over the non-winglet equivalent aircraft. This can extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs.
Environmentally friendly. The derate, if taken, will reduce the noise footprint by 6.5% and NOx emissions by 5%. This could give savings on airport noise quotas or fines.
Reduced cruise thrust. Cruise fuel flow is reduced by up to 6% giving savings in fuel costs and increasing range.
Improved cruise performance. Winglets can allow aircraft to reach higher levels sooner. Air Berlin notes, “Previously, we'd step-climb from 35,000 to 41,000 feet. With Blended Winglets, we can now climb direct to 41,000 feet where traffic congestion is much less and we can take advantage of direct routings and shortcuts which we could not otherwise consider.”
Good looks. Winglets bring a modern look and feel to aircraft, and improve customers' perceptions of the airline.

[peterb]

Ja but if our local techies see how strong this high speed tape is they might think it can be used on loose rivets. Monkey see Monkey do!