What happens if a plane is struck by lightning

With the summer storm season approaching and the increase of lightning strikes occurring, it’s no wonder there is some concern from travellers about what happens if a plane is struck by lightning.

You might think that a metal plane would be the perfect lightning target and do some pretty terrible damage, but some experts have come together to share that that simply isn’t the case.

Regional pilot, Charlotte, told Readers Digest about what has happened when she’s been hit by lightning while up in the air. 

“I’ve been struck by lightning twice,” Charlotte said. “Most pilots have.” 

“Airplanes are built to take it. You hear a big boom and see a big flash and that’s it. You’re not going to fall out of the sky.”

Read more: Why you’re really asked to turn your devices off during a flight

According to pilot and author, Patrick Smith, planes are hit by lightning regularly and is not something that people need to be too concerned about.

“An individual jet liner is struck about once every two years, on average”, Smith said, adding that planes are specifically designed to withstand a strike.

“Once in a while there’s exterior damage – a superficial entry or exit wound – or minor injury to the plane’s electrical systems, but a strike typically leaves little or no evidence.”

So, the next time you’re travelling through a storm and are worried that your aircraft might be struck by lightning, you can rest assured that the plane is prepared to take the impact. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.

Have you ever flown in a plane that has been struck by lightning? What happened? Let us know all about your experiences in the comments section below.