Definition
An electrical connection made between two metal parts of an aircraft to ensure they share the same electrical potential, providing a continuous low-resistance path for current flow and preventing static charge buildup between the parts.
Plain English
A metal-to-metal link that ties two parts of the aircraft together electrically so they behave as one piece of metal. This stops static from building up between them and gives electricity a clean path to flow through.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, fuel-system work, electrical-system inspections, and static-electricity precautions.
Derivation
From Old English 'bond,' meaning something that ties or holds together. In aviation electrical use, it refers to tying two metal parts together electrically rather than physically.
Why Pilots Care
Proper bonding prevents dangerous static sparks near fuel vapors and ensures radios, navigation, and electrical systems work without interference.
Intuition Check
Bond does not mean only to glue or fasten parts together here. In this context, it means to connect parts electrically so they share the same safe path for electricity.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic checked the bond between the aileron and the wing to make sure static would not build up across the hinge.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight inspection the pilot checked that all visible bonding wires on the control surfaces remained secure.