2006-08-23 04:13:32 · 13 answers · asked by philip * 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
No. The plane acts as a Faraday Cage.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faraday_cage
2006-08-23 04:19:20 · answer #1 · answered by williegod 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Contrary to popular and misguided belief lightning does not bring down aeroplanes, current regulations require the aircraft must meet very strict requirements with respect to lightning protection for their systems. All surfaces and equipment are electrically bonded together so that lightning can easily pass through the structure. If lightning does strike some damage to structures and systems can occur, but it rarely causes any very significant problems and will not harm anyone inside.
It has become a bigger issue with the new composite structures that will not let a charge pass through them, particularly with the small homebuilt types. The larger types usually have some kind of conductive mesh built in to protect them from damage, since they still have to meet the same safety requirements as the metal aeroplanes.
There are people out there keeping the flying public safe.
2006-08-23 05:12:00 · answer #2 · answered by PolarCeltic 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. The plane follows Faraday Cage principle. And you can actually touch the side of the plane as well. There is no potential for the lightning so there shouldn't be any damage to you or the plane. I work on high voltage gear all the time. It is only a problem if there is a potential (or ground) to go through you.
If touching the plane had an effect (like some have suggested) the guys working on high-tension lines would all be dead. They are actually touching the wires. (Don't try this!)
http://home.att.net/~llrosner/Fall2004/Web3/Helio.JPG
2006-08-23 05:19:46 · answer #3 · answered by Drewpie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you are sitting in a seat which is a non conductor of an electricity, also if you or your body is not touching any thing which is a good conductor of electricity, you may not be electrocuted. But I don't know whether the plane started catching fire.. better avoid flight during a lightning day
2006-08-23 04:20:52 · answer #4 · answered by gansatanswers 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no. like a car, planes are protected by the rubber on the wheels and handles. Cars are also really safe during a thunderstorm.
2006-08-23 13:52:48 · answer #5 · answered by K.I.S.S. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
Like a car that gets struck, the electricity passes through the easier path, the steel or aluminum bodies.
2006-08-23 04:24:45 · answer #6 · answered by Louie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no. the metallic body of the plane sheilds you from the electric discharge.it is on the basis of faraday cage principle.
2006-08-26 00:15:46 · answer #7 · answered by prateekemw2006 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The body of the plane will protect you.
2006-08-23 16:06:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may damage some of the electronic equipment, but you'll be OK.
2006-08-23 04:20:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, but it could fry the instruments or electrical components causing a crash which is equally unpleasant.
2006-08-23 04:22:16 · answer #10 · answered by raysny 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋