Yes, generally speaking, planes can fly during lightning, although airlines and pilots actively avoid thunderstorms when possible.
While a direct lightning strike on an aircraft is a possibility, modern airplanes are designed to withstand such events. Aircraft manufacturers build planes with conductive materials that allow electrical currents from lightning strikes to pass through the plane's exterior and exit without harming the passengers, crew, or critical systems. This is essentially a giant Faraday cage.
Here's a breakdown:
- Aircraft Design: Modern aircraft are designed to conduct electricity across the exterior of the aircraft, minimizing internal damage.
- Lightning Strike Frequency: Commercial aircraft are typically struck by lightning about once a year, according to the National Weather Service.
- Pilot Avoidance: Pilots are trained to avoid thunderstorms and turbulent weather conditions, including areas with frequent lightning. They use radar and weather information to navigate around these areas.
- Potential Risks: While aircraft can withstand lightning, pilots avoid thunderstorms to minimize risks associated with severe turbulence, hail, and strong winds often present during lightning storms.
So, while a plane can fly during lightning, precautions are taken to avoid such scenarios to ensure passenger safety and comfort.
