Lightning Strikes & Airplanes: Are You Safe?
Flying through the air at 30,000 feet, the last thing you want to think about is lightning. But what happens if a plane gets struck by lightning? It's a common concern, especially during storm season. Fortunately, modern airplanes are designed to withstand these electrical jolts. Let's delve into the science and safety behind lightning strikes and air travel.
What Happens If A Plane Gets Struck By Lightning? Understanding the Odds
The good news is that airplanes are struck by lightning more often than you might think! On average, a commercial airplane gets hit by lightning about once a year. The reason you probably don't hear about it happening all the time is because it's rarely a serious issue. Modern airplanes are meticulously engineered to act like Faraday cages, essentially conducting the electricity along the outer skin of the aircraft and safely discharging it without harming passengers or critical systems. Understanding what happens if a plane gets struck by lightning requires a look at the engineering that goes into aircraft design.
What Happens If A Plane Gets Struck By Lightning? The Faraday Cage Effect
Think of your car during a thunderstorm - it's generally considered a safe place to be because the metal body acts as a Faraday cage. The same principle applies to airplanes. The aluminum (and increasingly, composite) skin of the aircraft conducts the electricity from the point of entry (typically a wingtip or the nose) to the point of exit (often the tail), effectively bypassing the interior and protecting the passengers and sensitive electronics. That's a crucial piece of the puzzle when considering what happens if a plane gets struck by lightning.
What Happens If A Plane Gets Struck By Lightning? The Impact on Electronics & Systems
While the Faraday cage effect does its job, what happens if a plane gets struck by lightning regarding its internal systems? Modern aircraft are also equipped with sophisticated surge protection systems to safeguard sensitive electronic equipment. These systems are designed to absorb any residual voltage spikes that might occur, preventing damage to navigation, communication, and flight control systems. Redundant systems are also in place as a backup, ensuring continued safe operation even if one system is temporarily affected.
What Happens If A Plane Gets Struck By Lightning? What Do Pilots Do?
Pilots are highly trained to handle a variety of in-flight emergencies, including lightning strikes. While a strike itself is rarely catastrophic, pilots will typically follow standard operating procedures, which might include:
- Assessing the Damage: Checking instruments and systems for any malfunctions.
- Communicating with Air Traffic Control: Informing them of the strike and requesting weather updates along the planned route.
- Possible Diversion: In rare cases, if systems are significantly affected, the pilots may choose to divert to the nearest suitable airport for inspection and repairs.
It's important to remember that pilot training is incredibly comprehensive, and they're well-prepared to deal with what happens if a plane gets struck by lightning.
What Happens If A Plane Gets Struck By Lightning? Potential Damage and Inspection
Although the design of modern airplanes minimizes the impact of lightning strikes, some minor damage can occur. This might include small burn marks on the entry and exit points, or minor damage to antennas or sensors. After a lightning strike, the aircraft undergoes a thorough inspection to identify and repair any damage before it is cleared for further flight. This inspection process is a vital part of ensuring continued safety and addressing any potential concerns arising from what happens if a plane gets struck by lightning.
What Happens If A Plane Gets Struck By Lightning? A Q&A for Nervous Flyers
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Q: Is it safe to fly during a thunderstorm?
- A: Airlines generally avoid flying directly through severe thunderstorms. Air traffic control uses radar to guide planes around these areas, and pilots have the authority to delay or divert flights if necessary.
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Q: Will I feel anything if the plane is struck by lightning?
- A: You might see a bright flash and hear a loud bang. Some passengers report feeling a slight jolt, but it's usually not significant.
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Q: Should I be worried about a lightning strike causing a crash?
- A: The chances of a lightning strike causing a plane crash are incredibly low. Modern airplanes are designed to withstand lightning, and pilots are trained to handle the situation safely.
Key Takeaways
Lightning strikes on airplanes are more common than you think, but due to sophisticated engineering and pilot training, they rarely pose a significant threat. The Faraday cage effect, surge protection systems, and redundant electronics all contribute to the safety of air travel, even during thunderstorms. If you're a nervous flyer, understanding what happens if a plane gets struck by lightning and the safeguards in place can help ease your anxiety.
Summary: Lightning strikes are common, but planes are designed to protect passengers. Q&A: Is it safe to fly in a storm? (Yes, generally avoided.) Will I feel it? (Maybe a flash/bang.) Crash risk? (Extremely low.)
Keywords: Airplane Lightning Strike, Plane Struck by Lightning, Flying in Thunderstorms, Aircraft Safety, Faraday Cage, Lightning Protection, Aviation Safety, Flight Safety, Air Travel, Weather and Flying, what happens if a plane gets struck by lightning