Definition
The flow of electrical charge generated within an aircraft's metal structure, wiring, and avionics when a lightning strike or nearby lightning discharge passes through or near the airframe. The strike couples energy into the aircraft's conductive paths, producing both direct current flow along the skin and indirect (induced) currents in internal wiring through electromagnetic coupling.
Plain English
When lightning hits or passes near an airplane, it pushes a surge of electricity through the airplane's metal body and wiring. That sudden surge of electricity is what this term refers to.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of thunderstorm hazards, lightning strikes, and possible electrical or equipment damage after a lightning encounter.
Derivation
Induced' comes from the Latin inducere, meaning 'to lead in.' In electricity, a current is 'induced' when it is created in a conductor by a nearby changing magnetic or electric field, rather than by a direct wired connection. Lightning's massive, fast-changing field 'leads' current into the aircraft's structure and wires.
Why Pilots Care
These currents can damage avionics, interfere with instruments, and create safety risks if not accounted for in aircraft design and procedures.
Grounding Statement
A lightning strike can affect an airplane electrically even when the damage is not obvious from the outside.
Intuition Check
“Current” does not mean wind, water movement, or “happening now” here; it means flowing electricity. “Induced” means the lightning caused the current to flow.
Example Sentence 1
After the strike, the crew suspected current induced by lightning had damaged the radios, because both comms went silent at the same moment.
Example Sentence 2
After the strike, maintenance checked for damage caused by current induced by lightning in the wing structure.