Definition
Small wick-like devices attached to the trailing edges of an aircraft's wings, stabilizers, and other control surfaces that bleed off accumulated static electricity into the surrounding air, preventing electrical charge buildup from interfering with radio and navigation equipment.
Plain English
Little pointed wicks on the back edges of the wings and tail that quietly drain off static electricity the airplane picks up while flying, so the radios and navigation gear don't get noisy or unreliable.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight inspection and in the Configuration Deviation List when deciding whether an airplane may be operated with one or more static dischargers missing or damaged.
Derivation
From 'static' (Latin staticus, 'standing still') referring to stationary electrical charge, and 'discharger' (to release or unload). Together: a device that releases standing electrical charge — in this case, into the air behind the aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents static buildup from creating radio noise, navigation errors, or spark hazards during flight through precipitation or clouds.
Grounding Statement
As the airplane moves through rain, snow, or dust, electrical charge can build up on the airframe, and static dischargers give that charge an easier path to leave.
Intuition Check
Static dischargers are not static ports and are not part of the system that measures airspeed or altitude. They deal with built-up electrical charge on the airplane, not air pressure.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot checked that all static dischargers on the wing and stabilizer trailing edges were present and not broken off.
Example Sentence 2
After flying through heavy rain the crew noticed reduced radio static once the static dischargers began working properly.