Aeroplanes, despite flying through stormy weather and areas with frequent lightning strikes, are rarely affected by lightning in a dangerous way. While it might seem concerning that a plane flying at high altitudes can be struck by lightning, modern aircraft are designed to handle these events safely...READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT FROM SOURCE |
In fact, lightning strikes on planes are relatively common, but they do not pose a significant risk to the safety of the aircraft or its passengers.
The primary reason airplanes can safely withstand lightning is due to their construction. Most commercial aircraft are made of aluminum, a conductive material that helps direct the lightning strike along the exterior of the plane. When a plane is struck by lightning, the electrical charge travels along the surface, entering and exiting through the aircraft’s nose and tail, without penetrating the aircraft’s interior
This phenomenon is known as the “Faraday cage effect,” where the aircraft’s outer shell prevents the lightning from affecting sensitive internal electronics or passengers.
Moreover, aircraft are equipped with lightning protection systems that help absorb and dissipate the electrical charge, reducing the risk of damage. Key components like fuel tanks, wings, and avionics are also carefully designed to withstand the impact of a lightning strike. For instance, the fuel tank systems are grounded and constructed to prevent sparks from igniting the fuel.
While it is true that lightning can cause some temporary effects, such as visible marks on the aircraft or minor damage to certain external parts, pilots are trained to handle these situations, and aircraft undergo regular maintenance and inspections to ensure their safety. Additionally, airlines carefully plan flight routes to avoid severe weather conditions when possible, further minimizing the likelihood of a lightning strike occurring directly over a vulnerable area.
In summary, aeroplanes are not significantly affected by lightning strikes due to their sturdy, conductive construction and lightning protection systems. The likelihood of a lightning strike causing harm to the aircraft or its passengers is extremely low, making flying during thunderstorms generally safe..…READ ORIGINAL & FULL CONTENT HERE