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What dangers are present if the aircraft is not grounded as soon as it lands?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
Just like rubbing your hand on a balloon, the skin of an aircraft can build up a lot of static electricity due to the aerodynamic friction as the airplane flies. Since the tires are rubber, which is an excellent electrical insulator, and the tires are the only part that contact the ground. It is possible for the aircraft to retain this charge well after landing. Anyone or anything that comes into contact with the aircraft could ground the charge & get a good jolt & probably a spark.
Naturally this is of grave concern, as the first thing to touch the aircraft may very well be a fuel hose. The spark generated on discharge could ignite fuel vapors.
To mitigate these risks, most aircraft are equipped with "static wicks" which bleed off this static electricity into the air as the aircraft flies. These will be in the form of small rigid plastic protrusions from the trailing edges of the wings and tail surfaces. There may also be a static wick on the landing gear which discharges static charges into the ground on touchdown. Fuel trucks are also equipped with ground-lines which are connected to the aircraft before fueling takes place.
Additionally, many aircraft which use glass windshields (as opposed to acrylic) may produce and hold a very dangerous charge in that windshield. When cleaning one of these windshields, it is important to first pour a small amount of water onto the glass to dissipate the charge to the rest of the aircraft, otherwise you may receive a very dangerous electrical shock.
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
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What does the aircraft lands on?
A runway
Why do aircraft engineers earth the aircraft as soon as it lands?
when aircraft land ,by friction charges has developed on it.it can cause fire so after landing it soon earthed
Why are tires of an aircraft made slightly conducting?
This is to disperse static electricity ween the aircraft lands. Many aircraft also have 'static wicks' which are bits of wire fitted to the trailing edge of wings.
Why does a space shuttle lands the way it does?
The space shuttle lands like an aircraft because it is the safest and simplest way, currently, to land a reusable craft.
What is an aeroport?
An aeroport is an obsolete name for an airport, a place where aircraft lands and takes off for the purpose of carrying passengers.
Are there gaers in the engine of an aeroplane?
Not as you will have on aground vehicle. The "gear" term on any aircraft is the wheels and attached struts it lands on
In which present-day country in North America did French explorers first claim lands?
French explorers first claimed lands in present-day Canada, particularly along the St. Lawrence River in the early 16th century.
What are the lands now in present day that francisco coronado explored?
Peru.
Why the aircraft should be earthed?
As aircraft fly through the air, the friction causes them to become charged with static electricity. After an aircraft has landed there is a possibility of charges escaping to earth as a spark. Therefore, the aircraft should be earthed with a conductor as soon as it lands, allowing the charge that has built up to flow to earth.
Explain aircraft landing gear systems?
It is the system of wheels that opens before an airplane lands and closes after take off. The system also supports the aircraft while on the ground, taxiing or landing.
What is the Meaning of alienable and disposable lands?
Alienable and disposable lands refer to those lands of the public domain which have been the subject of the present system of classification and declared as not needed for forest purposes.
Does an airplane take off and land with the wind?
No. An aircraft takes off and lands into the wind. (Or as close as possible to directly into the wind).
