Dear Tom,
Lightning is in the news again with the Air France jet tragedy over the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil. How often are jets struck by lightning?
Terry Proce
Dear Terry,
Lightning strikes to aircraft are quite common. Federal Aviation Administration statistics indicate that commercial aircraft are struck about once during every 5 to 10 thousand hours of air time. University of Florida lightning expert Dr. Martin Uman says, "Because modern commercial aircraft are essentially all metal, lightning currents seldom penetrate them. ... Generally, lightning leaves pit marks or burn marks on the aircraft's metallic skin or burn or puncture holes through it."
Most strikes cause no significant damage because the electrical current flows harmlessly across the metal skin of the aircraft. In addition, special shielding protects all of the craft's sensitive electronic equipment.
Lightning is in the news again with the Air France jet tragedy over the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil. How often are jets struck by lightning?
Terry Proce
Dear Terry,
Lightning strikes to aircraft are quite common. Federal Aviation Administration statistics indicate that commercial aircraft are struck about once during every 5 to 10 thousand hours of air time. University of Florida lightning expert Dr. Martin Uman says, "Because modern commercial aircraft are essentially all metal, lightning currents seldom penetrate them. ... Generally, lightning leaves pit marks or burn marks on the aircraft's metallic skin or burn or puncture holes through it."
Most strikes cause no significant damage because the electrical current flows harmlessly across the metal skin of the aircraft. In addition, special shielding protects all of the craft's sensitive electronic equipment.
