Why Lightning in clouds down not impact Aero planes?

Answer 1

Lightning occurs due to sparking between oppositely charged clouds or between oppositely charged cloud and ground.In the latter case,a high voltage spark rushes towards the ground through moisture-filled air.If any ground based structure is on the path of the spark,the top of the structure is excited to a high electrical potential while its bottom(in contact with the ground)remains at zero voltage.This high potential difference sets a very high current in the structure causing sudden heat generation and thereby causing destruction.
But in the case of flying aeroplanes,there is nothing like a ground point which remains always at zero voltage.Hence even if it is hit by lightning,the plane's entire surface aquires the same voltage and there is no potential difference anywhere .Because of absence of potential difference, there is no current and hence no damage to the plane.

Answer 2

I'm really only guessing, but maybe since an airplane is not grounded the electrons involved tend to find a better path to the ground.

Lightning did strike the Apollo 12 spacecaft not long after launch. But that's a bit different; I understand that it followed the exhaust trail to ground.

Answer 3

Sometimes it does, but the general answer is because the metal frame acts as a faraday cage. The electricity only passes around the plane, not inside it.

Answer 4

Lightning does strike airplanes, in fact it is common.