Lightning is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring and powerful phenomena, capable of delivering millions of volts of electricity in a fraction of a second. For passengers aboard an airplane, the sight of a lightning strike during a flight can be unsettling. However, modern aircraft are designed and engineered to withstand lightning strikes safely. In fact, lightning strikes are a relatively common occurrence in aviation, with commercial aircraft being struck, on average, once or twice a year. This article explores the science behind lightning strikes on aircraft and the sophisticated measures in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. A commercial airplane safely enduring a lightning strike, thanks to advanced aviation engineering. How Lightning Strikes Occur on Aircraft Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by the buildup of static electricity within thunderstorms. When an airplane flies through a storm cloud or near electrically charged regions, it can trigger a li...