Ask an Explainer

Airplanes are struck by lightning much more often than you think!

Lightning usually strikes the end of a wing or the nose of the plane. The electricity travels through the plane and exits out of the plane's skin. This is why airplanes are made mostly out of aluminum or aluminum alloys. Not only are they lightweight, they conduct electricity very well, which means they guide the strike back out before it can do any damage, and keep it outside, so it won't hurt the passengers. 

Engineers also shield the wires and electrical equipment so that it won't come in contact with the charged exterior of the plane. This way, since lightning will inevitably hit the plane at some point, everyone remains safe.