Yes, planes can leave in lightning, and can also fly through thunderstorms unscathed because they have built-in protection against electricity.
Lightning and Air Travel: What You Need to Know
While the thought of a plane being struck by lightning might seem alarming, modern aircraft are designed to withstand such events. Here's a breakdown:
- Aircraft Design: Airplanes are constructed to act as Faraday cages. This means the electrical charge from a lightning strike will travel along the exterior of the aircraft and exit without affecting the internal components or passengers.
- In-Built Protection: According to a reference from September 24, 2019, planes are equipped with "in-built protection against electricity and can fly unscathed through thunderstorms."
- Pilot Procedures: Pilots receive extensive training on how to navigate thunderstorms and minimize the risk of lightning strikes. While they may try to avoid the most intense areas, sometimes encountering lightning is unavoidable.
- Regular Inspections: After a lightning strike, the aircraft undergoes thorough inspections to ensure no damage has occurred.
Safety Measures in Place
Here's a quick summary of why lightning isn't a major threat to air travel:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Faraday Cage | The aircraft's aluminum skin acts as a conductor, channeling electricity along the outside. |
| Grounding | Electrical charges are safely discharged back into the atmosphere. |
| Shielded Electronics | Critical systems are shielded to protect them from electromagnetic interference. |
| Pilot Training | Pilots are trained to avoid thunderstorms when possible and to handle lightning strikes if they occur. |
Conclusion
Although lightning strikes on airplanes occur, the inherent design and safety measures of modern aircraft effectively mitigate any significant risk. Therefore, planes can take off and fly even with the possibility of lightning.
