Are Airplanes Struck by Lightning and How Are They Protected?

Are airplanes ever struck by lightning? Yes, they are, and the phenomenon is quite common, even on flights that are perfectly clear. Understanding how these strikes occur and how modern aircraft are protected against them can alleviate concerns about the safety of commercial air travel.

Common Experiences of Airplane Lightning Strikes

While it is a rare experience for passengers to witness a lightning strike during a flight, it is not uncommon. In fact, I have been struck by lightning on at least two occasions while flying. The experience is often unnerving, with no visible signs or sounds announcing the strike. Because the aircraft is not grounded, there is usually a minimal amount of current developed. The evidence of a strike is often seen as tiny pinholes in the aircraft's skin, where the lightning traveled outward. In some instances, it can cause minor damage, such as welding on jet engines or frying onboard electronics.

Specific Instances of Damage

I recall one instance where I lost some radios on the flight. The exact reason for their failure was unclear, but it was suspected that they had been fried by the lightning strike. Another instance involved an aircraft where lightning performed some impressive metalwork, wilting the surfaces around the bearing. However, the aircraft usually remains airworthy and safe despite these incidents.

New Materials and Their Impact on Lightning Protection

The construction materials of modern aircraft also play a role in lightning protection. Newer aircraft are often made from lighter composites to reduce weight and enhance fuel efficiency. However, composite materials do not conduct electricity well. To address this, most of these aircraft have a metal weave embedded in the carbon fiber exterior, ensuring that the 787 and A350, which are over 50% composite, can safely withstand lightning strikes. This is crucial given that lightning strikes are a common occurrence in aviation.

Prevention and Protective Systems

The best way to prevent lightning strikes is to avoid meteorological conditions that can generate them. This is not limited to thunderstorms; there are even some dry air conditions that can produce electric charges. Thus, pilots must be vigilant and monitor weather conditions, selecting routes that offer a sufficient safety margin around thunder cells. However, even with these precautions, lightning strikes can still occur.

Protection Mechanisms in Modern Aircraft

Modern aircraft are designed with robust protection systems against lightning strikes. The aircraft's metal skin effectively guides and disperses the energy of the lightning. Inside the conducting enclosure of the plane, the electronics are well-shielded, and their redundant backup design ensures reliability. This means that in most cases, passengers do not even notice the lightning strike. In fact, if there is damage, it is usually minor. The loud bang and occasional flashes are the only noticeable signs.

The Impact of Lightning Strikes on Commercial Flights

Despite the potential for panic-inducing scenarios, lightning strikes are relatively harmless. The electronics on an airplane are designed to withstand such events, making the likelihood of major issues very low. The passengers on board are often unaware of these strikes. However, pilots are trained to handle such situations and will avoid unnecessary risks by diverting around thunderstorms whenever possible.

Conclusion

Lightning strikes on airplanes are a real occurrence, but thanks to significant advancements in aircraft design and materials, they pose a minimal threat to passenger safety. The metal skin and shielding of modern aircraft ensure that these strikes do not cause major issues or pose significant risks to the aircraft's integrity. Understanding how these systems work can help alleviate some of the concerns surrounding the safety of commercial air travel.