When flying in the sky, the number of times an aircraft is struck by lightning is more frequent than one might think. However, these lightning strikes do not affect the aircraft during flight.
According to global statistics, on average, every aircraft experiences one lightning strike for every 3,000 flight hours. Lightning typically strikes aircraft with engines located at the rear (which are increasingly rare). Nonetheless, if struck by lightning in midair, the aircraft remains unaffected.
A spokesperson stated that lightning strikes on aircraft are quite common. But how can they survive a surge of electricity amounting to billions of joules, equivalent to a quarter-ton of TNT?
“The outer shell of the cabin and the internal components of the aircraft are designed to conduct electricity while also insulating the current from the crew, passengers, and electronic devices inside” – said Chris Hammond, a retired pilot and member of the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA).
“There is a metal mesh inside the aircraft’s shell, a type of fine steel mesh, which is how the electricity is channeled away“, he added.
Thanks to their special design, lightning strikes do not affect the operation of aircraft.
Moreover, the electrical networks and connections to fuel compartments are shielded with multiple layers to protect against electrical malfunctions caused by external impacts. All these systems are rigorously tested before the aircraft is put into service – a process that involves generating artificial lightning to impact the shell and internal components of the aircraft.
However, a lightning strike can easily be perceived by passengers on board. For instance, passengers on two flights struck by lightning over western London last April reported hearing a loud bang.
In previous years, aircraft were not completely protected from lightning. Hammond recalls a time when he was piloting an older aircraft while waiting to land in San Francisco. Suddenly, his plane was hit by a very strong lightning strike.
“All the screens went black,” Hammond said.
Fortunately, the aircraft was equipped with backup systems. Afterward, the aircraft was able to land safely as the computer systems gradually came back online.
Important Tips for Air Travelers
Passengers who have purchased domestic flight tickets need to prepare the following documents: ID card, citizen identification; military identification or certification. For international flights, passengers must prepare: passport, visa, and any documents required by the destination country.
Additionally, passengers should arrive at the boarding gate about 20 – 30 minutes prior to the flight departure. This time is also used for staff to check and announce any passengers who are not yet at the boarding gate. The boarding gate information is typically provided after check-in.
Individuals with a history of sinusitis can be more sensitive to changes in cabin pressure, especially during takeoff and landing. Therefore, before the aircraft takes off, passengers should use nasal spray two hours beforehand. It is also advisable to always carry medication in case it is needed.
The cabin pressure will saturate the amount of oxygen in the air. The humidity in the aircraft cabin drops significantly, leading to bronchial dryness, which is a primary cause of asthma attacks experienced during flights. Therefore, it’s recommended to engage in light exercise before takeoff, such as walking around the airport.
