2006-08-23 23:28:15 · 11 answers · asked by ABY 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
dont think it happens? check out this pic!
http://www.neuralgourmet.com/drupalfiles/images/plane_ltg_0.jpg
or this one
http://www.hurricanehunters.com/ph130ltg.jpg
2006-08-27 00:10:46 · answer #1 · answered by cherokeeflyer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well sometimes they are, but usually the pilot usually knows how to avoid the cloud areas where the plane is likely to be hit.
If a plane is hit by lightning the electronics might be knocked out for a while, but the engine will be still be running since it's fuel powered. And even if the engine would stop, a plane can keep gliding for some time, and will not fall flat to the ground.
Edit: CubicMoo: Even though the plane body doesn't offer a quick route to the eartth, it does offer a slightly shorter (less resistive) path than than the plane's volume filled with air would. Therefore Planes are likely to get hit by lightning during unlucky circumstances.
2006-08-24 06:33:42 · answer #2 · answered by nitro2k01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aircraft can be hit by lightning, but it doesn't tend to happen. The reason lightning strikes the Earth is because of the electron difference between the clouds and the ground. Lightning likes high-up objects because they provide an easier route to the Earth. Since airplanes are in no way touching the Earth, they do not provide a good path, and so lightning tends not to strike them.
Hope this helps.
2006-08-24 06:32:19 · answer #3 · answered by CubicMoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lightning can indeed hit the airplane. If the airplane
is made of metal, the charges repel as far away from each other as possible. This means that they stay on the outside surface of the conductor. It does not stay there long, and leaks off into the atmosphere.
2006-08-24 06:40:02 · answer #4 · answered by summer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thry fly over the cloud
2006-08-27 04:01:57 · answer #5 · answered by rainysuresh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because before flying they check the weather report.If bad weather they don't fly or cancel the flight.
2006-08-24 06:34:48 · answer #6 · answered by manasad14 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is no complete electrical path to earth through the plane when its flying.
2006-08-24 06:43:23 · answer #7 · answered by A Bank 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are hit,the crash in russia yesterady was said to be hit by lightning which caused a fire.
2006-08-24 06:33:46 · answer #8 · answered by frank m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They ARE hit sometimes with pretty bad consequences ......
2006-08-24 06:30:49 · answer #9 · answered by curiosity_unbounded 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did'nt know the answer to this question but it is a really good question and thanks for asking it. I have learnt something today.
2006-08-24 17:17:09 · answer #10 · answered by slipper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋