How do you evaluate the structural safety of an aircraft after a lightning strike?

1 Inspect the exterior

The first step is to inspect the exterior of the aircraft for any visible signs of damage, such as burn marks, holes, cracks, or dents. You should also check the lightning protection devices, such as static wicks, surge diverters, and bonding straps, to see if they are intact and functional. If you find any damage, you should document it and report it to the maintenance team.

2 Test the electrical systems

The next step is to test the electrical systems of the aircraft, such as the avionics, the wiring, the instruments, and the sensors. You should use a multimeter, a continuity tester, and a voltmeter to check for any shorts, opens, or voltage spikes. You should also verify that the circuit breakers, the fuses, and the relays are working properly. If you detect any anomalies, you should isolate them and troubleshoot them.

3 Perform a structural analysis

The final step is to perform a structural analysis of the aircraft, using both analytical and numerical methods. You should use the finite element method (FEM) to model the aircraft and simulate the lightning strike scenario. You should also use the damage tolerance analysis (DTA) to evaluate the residual strength and fatigue life of the structure. You should compare the results with the design criteria and the safety factors, and identify any critical areas that need repair or reinforcement.

4 Follow the guidelines

To ensure a consistent and reliable evaluation, you should follow the guidelines and standards provided by the regulatory authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). You should also consult the manufacturer's manuals and recommendations for specific aircraft models and components. You should document your findings and actions, and keep a record of the lightning strike events.

5 Communicate with the stakeholders

The last step is to communicate with the stakeholders involved in the aircraft operation, such as the pilots, the crew, the passengers, and the owners. You should inform them of the status and the results of the evaluation, and advise them of any precautions or limitations. You should also answer any questions or concerns they may have, and reassure them of the safety and reliability of the aircraft.

6 Learn from the experience

The final step is to learn from the experience and use it to improve your knowledge and skills. You should review the lessons learned and the best practices from the evaluation, and share them with your peers and colleagues. You should also update your training and education on the latest technologies and methods for lightning protection and structural analysis. You should always be prepared and proactive for the next lightning strike event.