Struck by Lightning on your cell phone?

[3BCat]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally, a report that I can show my wife...[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NOAA DEBUNKING LIGHTNING'S CONNECTION TO CELL PHONES[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Contrary to recent media reports, NOAA lightning experts state that lightning is not attracted to people carrying cell phones.
"Cell phones, small metal items, jewelry, etc., do not attract lightning. Nothing attracts lightning. Lightning tends to strike taller objects," said John Jensenius, a NOAA National Weather Service lightning expert. "People are struck because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. The wrong place is anywhere outside. The wrong time is anytime a thunderstorm is nearby."
(June 23, 2006)


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[SkiFishFly]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] "Nothing attracts lightning. Lightning tends to strike taller objects," [/FONT][/quote]

I always wonder why we close down ramps when lightening is nearby.
Lets see people working next to a 3-4 story metal structure which is grounded. Wonder which is likely to get struck by lightening the person or the large tall metal structure?

 

[jws717]

yea or the airplane while getting refueled BOOM!

 

[SkiFishFly]

yea or the airplane while getting refueled BOOM!

Any stats/facts on how often an aircraft has been struck by litening while parked at a terminal/gate? Have you ever seen evidence of such an occurance?
There has certainly been lots of opportunity (ie exposure to this perceived risk). Seems like the probability of occurance is infinitesimally small - perhaps even zero.

 

[Gorilla]

But the rampers use it as a great excuse to go watch sports on the ready room TV.

I'd do it if it was in my contract.

 

[Mesabi Miner]

Wonder which is likely to get struck by lightening the person or the large tall metal structure?

Depends. The "highest object around" argument hinges on the word, "around." For instance, you may be standing on the ramp, 100 feet from the metal terminal building. Clearly, the building is the highest obstacle - within 100 feet. But, scientists now are figuring out that the area "around" you is much smaller. Some experts say the radius can be as little as 15 feet. So, if you're 10 feet from the building, the building would probably be struck first. At 20 feet, you're now the highest obstacle within 15 feet of you. You may be struck. In any case, if you're outside in a thunderstorm, you're at risk. Unpredicability is the name of the lightning game.

BTW, didja know that the purpose of a lightning rod is twofold? The first (and main) purpose of a lightning rod is to dissipate the electric field that exists between the cloud and the structure, thereby preventing the strike. If a strike does occur, the rod now serves to safely provide a path of least resistance to the ground.

MM - a.ka. Mr. Wizard

 

[ivauir]

A few years ago (in another life) a crew cheif lost his life when the airplane he was NEAR was struck by lighting. Yes the lightning sought out the highest object (tail of a C-130), and yes those inside were safe because of the metal fusilage. No the aircraft did NOT "go boom", and no the crew chief was not safe because he wasn't the highest thing around. Do you remember the advice to not go near a tree during a lightning storm? That is because the lightning will be attracted to the tree initially, but will also strike anything near the tree. Same principle with airplanes. This is not a contract issue. It is safety.

 

[Falconjet]

Next time they shut the ramp down for lightning and you think its safe why don't YOU go run around on the ramp and fuel the airplanes and chuck the bags?

Even if there is only a slight chance of anyone getting struck there is no trip in your system (or anybody else's for that matter) worth taking that gamble.

FJ

 

[3BCat]

I had a lightning strike while standing on the jetway in STL. I was about two feet from the cabin door, on the jetway, and BOOOOM!!!

I felt hairs standing on end that I didn't know existed. I don't think you can get much closer to a strike and not get hit. The bolt struck the rain shroud that was just above my head. If I had a Martini in my hand, I think it would have exploded.

I said a few prayers that night. Be sure to tell your kids, "When thunder roars, go indoors."

 

[jws717]

Any stats/facts on how often an aircraft has been struck by litening while parked at a terminal/gate? Have you ever seen evidence of such an occurance?
There has certainly been lots of opportunity (ie exposure to this perceived risk). Seems like the probability of occurance is infinitesimally small - perhaps even zero.

I do belive the was at least one ramper was killed in PIT recently.

 

[Oh-ryan]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Finally, a report that I can show my wife...[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NOAA DEBUNKING LIGHTNING'S CONNECTION TO CELL PHONES[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Contrary to recent media reports, NOAA lightning experts state that lightning is not attracted to people carrying cell phones.
"Cell phones, small metal items, jewelry, etc., do not attract lightning. Nothing attracts lightning. Lightning tends to strike taller objects," said John Jensenius, a NOAA National Weather Service lightning expert. "People are struck because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. The wrong place is anywhere outside. The wrong time is anytime a thunderstorm is nearby."
(June 23, 2006)
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Glad to hear that nothing attracts lightning... well except for taller objects. But nothing else. Thanks Mr. Expert.

Kinda reminds me of the scene from "The Jerk"... "I don't need anything else... oh, I need this. The ash tray, the lamp, the chair, the paddleball game, and the remote control... and thats ALL I need!"

 

[CRAZY LEGS]

Any stats/facts on how often an aircraft has been struck by litening while parked at a terminal/gate? Have you ever seen evidence of such an occurance?
There has certainly been lots of opportunity (ie exposure to this perceived risk). Seems like the probability of occurance is infinitesimally small - perhaps even zero.

I've seen two airplanes struck by lightning at different FBO's this year. Hows that fit in your probability model?