I'm flying to Kentucky soon, and we're suppose to be getting thunder-showers the day I take off. Is it safe for a plane to fly in a thunderstorm, and if so, what if it gets struck by lightning? Does it bounce off, or does it do damage to the plane? Also, I'm flying by Southwest
2007-09-06 05:29:34 · 7 answers · asked by kelmarie1985 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
A plane in lightning.. acts as a "Faraday Cage".
They are often struck, seldom if ever seriously damaged.
The up & down drafts associated with thunderstorms
are far more pressing reasons why aircraft avoid them.
They do avoid them.
Modern commercial aircraft have radar units for the purpose.
Don't worry about it.
2007-09-06 05:36:36 · answer #1 · answered by Irv S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is very common that lightning hits an airplane. Similar to a car, an airplane offers very good protection to those inside, only better since it is a better example of a Faraday cage than a car is, as mentioned. The only accident I can recall where a commercial aircraft was brought down was on December 8, 1962 lighting hit a Pan American Boeing 707 in a holding pattern over Elkton, Md. The lightning caused a spark that ignited fuel vapor in a tank, causing an explosion that brought the plane down, killing all 81 aboard. Due to that accident, a lot of testing was done and added features to protect the fuel and electrical systems added to further reduce the risk of lightning caused problems. Since then, it is estimated that commercial aircraft average being hit at least once each year in flight with very few problems associated. They would be hit more often if it wasn't for the fact that pilots are taught to avoid thunderstorms if at all possible.
2007-09-06 13:25:42 · answer #2 · answered by Water 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Planes being struck by lightning is not an uncommon occurance and is almost always harmless...though I seem to recall more than one accident being blamed on lightning.
The severe winds, turbulance, and especially microbursts near the ground are the most dangerous aspects of flying near thunderstorms...which is why pilots often try to fly around them instead of through them.
That said, I had a flight from Houston to Phoenix that went right through an incredible complex of thunderstorms. Pretty intense to be honest, and lots of turbulance, but we made it just fine.
2007-09-06 16:57:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no problem, because the plane is an equal potential structure. When the plane receive a stroke there is no difference of voltage potential inside, and there is no risk then. It is common that lighting struck planes. The plane is designed to support a direct stroke without any problem. Do not worry, be happy.
2007-09-07 10:25:56 · answer #4 · answered by Alfredo G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, usually if there is a thunderstorm, the planes will fly above the storm. planes are also not connected to the ground, so they dont often attract lightening.
if lightening does strike, it may knock out the power briefly, but its really easy for the pilots to kick it back on again.
so no need to worry!
2007-09-06 12:38:09 · answer #5 · answered by swatthefly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blue sprite and red demon lightning can take down a plane, and it is looking like it has caused some unexplained plane crashes in the past.
..
2007-09-06 13:17:06 · answer #6 · answered by muddypuppyuk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you just google for this information? What, do you think nobody has ever asked this question before?
Hahaha, will the lightning "bounce off?" You've watched too many cartoons.
2007-09-06 12:36:45 · answer #7 · answered by pinchhazard 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋