5 Ways Planes Handle Lightning Strikes

Commercial air travel is one of the safest modes of transportation, and planes are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including lightning strikes. Although it may seem like a rare occurrence, lightning strikes on aircraft are more common than you might think. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates that a commercial airliner is struck by lightning on average once per year.

The good news is that planes are built to handle lightning strikes, and the chances of a catastrophic failure are extremely low. In this article, we'll explore how planes are designed to withstand lightning strikes and the measures taken to ensure passenger safety.

What Happens When a Plane is Struck by Lightning?

When a plane is struck by lightning, the electrical discharge can cause significant damage to the aircraft's skin and internal systems. However, planes are designed to absorb and redirect the electrical energy, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

The impact of a lightning strike on a plane can be compared to a massive electrical surge, which can cause:

External damage to the aircraft's skin, including dents, scratches, and burn marks
Internal damage to electrical systems, including wiring, avionics, and communication equipment
Disruption to flight control systems, including autopilot and navigation systems

Despite the potential for damage, modern aircraft are designed to withstand lightning strikes, and the chances of a catastrophic failure are extremely low.

Design Features to Withstand Lightning Strikes

Planes are designed with several features to withstand lightning strikes, including:

Conductive materials: Aircraft skins are made from conductive materials, such as aluminum or carbon fiber, which allow the electrical discharge to be redirected around the aircraft.
Lightning rods: Some aircraft are equipped with lightning rods, which are designed to attract lightning and redirect the electrical discharge away from critical systems.
Surge protectors: Aircraft electrical systems are equipped with surge protectors, which absorb and redirect electrical surges caused by lightning strikes.
Redundant systems: Critical systems, including flight control and communication systems, are designed with redundancy to ensure continued functionality in the event of a lightning strike.

5 Ways Planes Handle Lightning Strikes

Here are five ways planes handle lightning strikes:

Lightning Strike Protection (LSP) systems: LSP systems are designed to detect and respond to lightning strikes, redirecting the electrical discharge away from critical systems.
Surge protection devices (SPDs): SPDs are installed in aircraft electrical systems to absorb and redirect electrical surges caused by lightning strikes.
Composite materials: Modern aircraft are built with composite materials, such as carbon fiber, which are designed to absorb and redirect electrical discharges.
Redundant systems: Critical systems, including flight control and communication systems, are designed with redundancy to ensure continued functionality in the event of a lightning strike.
Regular maintenance: Aircraft are subject to regular maintenance checks to ensure that lightning protection systems are functioning correctly and that any damage caused by lightning strikes is repaired promptly.

Real-Life Examples of Lightning Strikes on Planes

Despite the risks, lightning strikes on planes are relatively rare. However, there have been several notable incidents in recent years, including:

In 2019, a Boeing 737 was struck by lightning while landing at a UK airport, causing significant damage to the aircraft's skin and internal systems.
In 2017, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A320 was struck by lightning while en route from New York to Los Angeles, causing a brief disruption to flight control systems.
In 2015, a Qantas Boeing 747 was struck by lightning while flying over Australia, causing minor damage to the aircraft's skin.

In each of these incidents, the aircraft landed safely, and there were no reported injuries or fatalities.

Conclusion

While lightning strikes on planes are a serious concern, the chances of a catastrophic failure are extremely low. Modern aircraft are designed to withstand lightning strikes, and the measures taken to ensure passenger safety are comprehensive.

By understanding how planes handle lightning strikes, we can appreciate the complexity and sophistication of modern aircraft design. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an aviation enthusiast, it's reassuring to know that the aircraft you're traveling on is designed to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions.

We'd love to hear from you! Have you ever experienced a lightning strike on a plane? Share your story in the comments below.