A note from our ASHSC Chair, Ruth Ann Bledsoe
I wanted to address this topic as we had four lightning strikes on aircraft with ANC based F/As on board in a two month period from July 21st to September 23rd. Lightning strikes usually happen between May and September with July and August having the most strikes. The last aircraft accident from lightning was recorded in 1988. Following that event the FAA and aircraft manufacturers worked together to better isolate all critical components from the damaging effects of a lightning strike.
From the F/A’s Perspective:
F/As can expect one or all of the following:
- loud booming noise
- bright flash of light
- the aircraft may jerk or momentarily shake
In extremely rare occasions one might see St Elmo’s fire which is a large glowing ball of plasma energy float down the aisle. Lightning strikes typically hit forward of the wings 90% of the time, and 96% of strikes happen in clouds.
From the Pilot’s Perspective:
We were grateful to have Captain Dan Pike speak on this interesting topic. Most strikes happen around 10,000 feet during climb or descent which is the busiest time for pilots. On a scale of one to five (five being the most serious) pilots consider a lightning strike usually as a two. Be patient and remain calm as the pilots are busy and will make an announcement as soon as possible. Pilots should call after the announcement with updates and at that time tell them what you need in the cabin. You may need to divert, do an air turn back (ATB) to your departure city, or continue on to your destination to have the aircraft inspected. Please feel free to ask for a debriefing with the pilots after the flight has landed to make sure all your questions are answered.
From the Maintenance Perspective:
We were pleased to have David Boyce, who is the Regional Manager of Maintenance for the state of Alaska, comment on what happens once the aircraft is on the ground following a suspected lightning strike. About seven years ago Alaska Airlines tightened their procedures for aircraft hit by lightning, and now there is a very thorough inspection preferably done in a very well-lit hangar. Mechanics use LED lights to inspect every inch of the aircraft fuselage including walking across the top of the aircraft. The mechanics are looking for tiny holes, loose rivets, scorch marks on the outside, and on the inside attempting to determine the reasons for any popped circuit breakers and make sure all systems are working properly. Only when all the tests are done will that aircraft fly again.
From the Weather Perspective:
Don Moore is the meteorologist in charge of the Alaska Aviation Weather Unit and Volcanic Ash Advisory Center. Carrie Haisley is the meteorologist in charge of the Anchorage Center Weather Service Unit, a small National Weather Service office in the FAA’s Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center. They both work for NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and they addressed the weather conditions associated with lightning strikes and turbulence.
At any given moment there are several thousand thunderstorms active around the world. Many of these will affect airports and flight routes. For a thunderstorm to truly be a thunderstorm instead of a rain shower, it must produce thunder, which is a shockwave created by a lightning discharge. A single storm may produce hundreds of lightning strokes, which averages worldwide to around eight million lightning strikes per day, or 100 every second. Lightning is simply a massive discharge of electricity, not unlike the tiny spark of static you might notice when you reach for a metal door handle on a dry winter’s day.
I sincerely hope this helps you feel more comfortable with lightning strikes. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want more information on this interesting topic.
Ruth Ann Bledsoe
Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Chairperson
Alaska Airlines Council 30, Anchorage
(907) 854-3393
ruthann.bledsoe@afaalaska.org
