Plain English Meaning

When an airplane flies through rain, snow, or dust, it can pick up a static electric charge. As that charge bleeds off, it creates noise in the radios and weakens what the pilot can hear.

Full Definition

Radio interference caused by an electrical charge that builds up on the aircraft's exterior as it flies through rain, snow, ice crystals, or dust. When this charge discharges from the aircraft's surfaces and antennas, it disrupts radio reception, especially on lower-frequency equipment such as ADF and HF radios.

Context Anchor

Encountered in instrument flying and radio reception discussions when communication or signals become noisy during or dusty .