How do planes handle lightning strikes?

When flying through a thunderstorm, lightning strikes are a real concern for pilots and passengers. Although commercial airplanes are built to withstand lightning strikes, it is still a scary experience for those onboard. When a plane is struck by lightning, the electricity travels through the plane's conductive exterior, which is made of aluminum, and then exits the plane through its tail.

To protect the plane's electronic systems, airplanes are equipped with conductive lightning protection materials and devices, including metal wires or strips on the plane's exterior that are connected to the plane's grounding system. This system helps to direct the lightning away from the plane's sensitive electronic systems.

After a lightning strike, pilots are required to report the incident to air traffic control, and the plane is then inspected for damage before being cleared to fly again. In some cases, a lightning strike may cause a plane to divert from its course or make an emergency landing, but these occurrences are rare.

Planes handle lightning strikes very well. In fact, lightning strikes are so common that they are not considered a safety hazard for commercial aircraft.

Planes are designed to withstand lightning strikes. The metal skin of the plane acts as a Faraday cage, which directs the lightning strike around the interior of the plane. The lightning strike then travels along the exterior of the plane and exits through the tips of the wings or the tail.

The only real danger from a lightning strike is if it damages the plane's electrical systems. However, planes are equipped with lightning protection systems that are designed to prevent this from happening. These systems include lightning rods, conductive meshes, and surge arrestors.

Lightning rods are metal rods that are mounted on the top of the plane. They are designed to attract lightning strikes and direct them away from the plane's body. Conductive meshes are made of metal wires that are embedded in the plane's skin. They help to distribute the lightning strike over a larger area, which reduces the risk of damage. Surge arrestors are devices that are installed in the plane's electrical system. They are designed to protect the system from voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes.

Even if a lightning strike does damage the plane's electrical system, it is usually not a serious problem. The plane can usually fly safely to its destination and then be repaired.

In rare cases, a lightning strike can cause a fire on the plane. However, this is also not a common occurrence. Planes are equipped with fire suppression systems that are designed to quickly extinguish any fires that may occur.

Overall, lightning strikes are not a major safety concern for commercial aircraft. Planes are designed to withstand lightning strikes, and the lightning protection systems on planes are very effective.