Lightning storms leave for some interesting moments. What are the dogs thinking undet my chair?

*smiles... I've seen that too...

V.

An airplane made completely out of metal should survive lightning just fine. The current would just travel to the point where it would be closest to the opposite pole, and the metal surface would work like a Faraday cage, protecting everything that was inside. However, if the plane was partially made out of wood, or if the parts were riveted together... all sorts of funny things could happen. The rivets would become welded, or possibly just melt and drop away, and wood would probably explode or catch on fire, depending how much water is left in the wood. I might have to look into this... but very possibly an airplane of a bit older design could be royally fucked if it flew into a thunderstorm. Although, cloud to cloud thunder strikes are very pretty, in my opinion.

Eerie little story. I have read similar stories before. Servicemen come from many branches of life. Lots of superstition, some folks have. Or maybe it's just stress and communal hallucination. Well written.

I was a flight mechanic on a B737 once that took a direct hit on the wing. From where I was sitting - because it woke me up - the first thing I did was check to see if the engine was still there. I really thought it blew up. Once I assured myself it was still running as it should be I knew what had happened. I was then called up to the cockpit because the co-pilot's flight director had gone loopy, thought he pilot's was fine. After a few minutes it righted itself like a punch drunk boxer. I did a post strike inspection when we got back on the ground and you could tell where it had passed through because there was some slight scoring but nothing serious. In my time I have found melted rivets and such on other aircraft. Though not common, it's not rare. There have also been accounts of aircraft blowing up from lightning strikes.

Thank you for your comments - I always appreciate it.

V.

And if your grounding straps between the wing/controls aren't up to the charge, they can be welded in place. The charge can also magnetize metal, which can be fun when the compasses point one direction as you circle. Avionics can be very hit and miss - and it may die 'later' for no apparent reason.

(and don't get me started on computer gear hits/near hits! )

the mosquito was made almost entirely of wood. a strike would be bad in one of those. and many modern planes are composite. they have to add features to conduct charge, and anything you have to 'do' can fail....one of the Apollo launches was struck by lightning too. all the same it's brown trousers time, Faraday cage be damned....

the point is, what a great little story <3

ty ty ty ty and a hug....

V.

From Men in BLack. "That's going to leave a mark."

From Men in Black II. "That's not going to grow back."

Bunners

*laughs...

V.

YEOW!!! The hair's still standing up on the back of my neck!! Well done, Vixyy.

you spoil me... thank you....

V.

Good photo-illustrations. Very effective and indirect.

Very effective dream-imagery and dream-logic. A pilot's decisions in action.

thank you Hey... it was a lot of fun to write...

V.

The wraith’s eyes left mind and turned to gaze upon my Flight Engineer.

mine not mind (so seldom I find a goof on you, the ones watching me find them by the dozen - each! )

Very nice. While not in the air, I've wondered a couple times if I'd just taken my last breath/step ...

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee... *giggles madly and grabs an eraser...

thanks so much Red - those sort of things I always appreciate being pointed out...

I'm glad you liked it...

V.

The beauty of the internet and electronic documents, so easy to correct an error - rather than knowing that stack of printed out books all have the same goof in them ...

and that's also why - no matter what - you need a good editor.

V.

Are you volunteering?

*chuckles... talk to me in three years when I retire... till then I hardly have enough time to turn around...

V.

Twas teasing, and you won't - have more time, I've seen it before!

you're probably right - then again I intend to write a whole lot more...

V.

Very good story.

In Dad's flying career he tangles with Thunderheads and Thunderstorms a few times. One time in a Bellanca Pacemaker pointed nose straight down full power and climbing at 2500 feet a min, airspeed at near redline as he tries to get to the outer edge of the storm.

They suck in you the bottom and spit you out the top in bits and pieces.

wow!!!! That must have been so scary! Thanks for sharing that one...

glad you liked the story...

V.

Surprised? You could say that. This was a little darker than expected. Had a Kingish tinge to it. I like!

now that's the first time I've heard that.... thank you so much...

V.

Kinda felt like an 'R' rated Twilight Zone to me. Though I'll admit I was expecting the bomber to play a speaking role. A fun read, tense and (literally) crackling with energy. I think I've mentioned I haven't flown enough to experience such rough conditions but I have been out of the water in a small boat when the waves convinced us it was time to head in. Nature will usually get the upper hand if it really wants to get you.

*smiles... I hadn't thought about it but you're right. Rod Serling is one of my literary heroes after all... and a small boat is no fun place to be during a storm!

*hugs...

V.

Oh how it does my heart good to know I was able to surprise you. Glad you like it Bering...

*hugs...

V.

eeeeeeeeeeeee.... *blushes...

V

Strange things happen in the air.

Most assuredly they do...

V.

Martin Cadin had a whole book of this sort of strangeness. And I think Ernie Gann had one too.I think Marty's book included the one about the B-17 that did a perfect landing, all shot up but had NO one on board, everything in order, all chute in place, etc. Sort of an Aerial Marie Celeste. Strange doings indeed. wcj

now that would be creepy...

V.

I think it was in "Ghosts in the air". I've got it on a book shelf somewhere , but can't lay my hands on it right noe. Hope this helps. WCJ

Devil take 'em if they're not quick witted enough to give him a sock in the jaw.

*smiles so very big...

V.