Specially designed weather instrumentation is used to help detect lightning and predict weather conditions. Systems such as Doppler radar are used to measure the speed and direction of moving objects and can effectively detect storms and precipitation. Various lightning tracking networks have also been developed and are in use across the country. For example, the National Lightning Detection Network uses magnetic sensors and computers to detect just when and where lightning strikes. When a so-called "supercell" is spotted pilots can be alerted.
Metal is a good conductor of electricity. Because of this fact, the outside covering of the airplane, or skin, is often made of a thin metal and composite shell. For example, many airplanes have skins made of aluminum. Some newer models of aircraft have skins made of various lightweight materials that are not conductors of electricity. As a result, they have a layer of conductive fibers installed just inside of the skin. The skin is the first line of defense in the event of a lightning strike, as most of the current should flow along the exterior of the aircraft and travel away from the plane all together.
A lightning strike has the potential to cause transient voltages to surge and damage airplane computer equipment, if left unprotected. As a result, airplanes have special systems designed to shield, ground and suppress potential power surges resulting from lightning strikes. Specially-made cables, circuits, thousands of semiconductor chips, and voltage protectors are all in place to guard against damage. The FAA has also set forth various standards and regulations to ensure that all aircrafts use on-board equipment that has been properly tested and certified for lightning protection. For example, each new aircraft must undergo at least 1,000 simulated lightning strikes to determine that the precautionary system is working efficiently.
Aircraft fuel tanks and fuel systems require protections to guard against sparking in the event of a lightning strike. Fuel filler caps and specially made fuel tank skins help to conduct a lightning strike away from volatile fuel systems, as well as maintain proper pressure throughout the fuel systems.
