Martin, Paul McAlister had a lightning strike on his
Europa which produced only modest damage and left the
plane fliable, detailed at:
http://europa363.versadev.com/LightningStrike.html It
was clearly a much lower energy strike than the one that
blew up the glider. It apperas to havetravelled along thge
wires to his nav ligfhts and thus avoided the control
runs. When I was contemplating flying to Ausralia I did a
fair bit of research on the topic and found it exremely
difficult to get any authoritive advice other than the CAA
publication triggered by the glider incident (CAA
AIL/0014, 2001, ISBN 1 904862 19 5) which gives
recommendations for protecting gliders. It makes excellent
sense for Europas contemplating getting near to Cu Nims.
( And although I usually feel it best to stay very well
clear of such things, it is not possible to get to
Australia without risking doing so unwittingly). My plan
had been to run some aluminium mesh along the aileron and
flap close outs to link with the rear lift pins and the
bar across the fus behind tghe seats, with foil extensions
---From the outer aluminium mesh around the wing tip. I also
planned to run a link from the engine frame to the tail
wheel spring.
Hope that helps, David Joyce, G-XSDJ
"Martin Olliver" <martflynut@aol.com> wrote:
><martflynut@aol.com>
>
> Hi All. Has anyone experienced a lightning strike in a
>Europa? If not what is the perceived result of such a
>strike? A few years ago in the south of England a plastic
>glider was struck and broke up in flight both occupants
>survived as parachutes were deployed. A luxury I am
>unable to have due to size issues (not saying I am fat
>just well built!) My concern with the Europa is the lack
>of bonding between components and conductors to ensure
>components don't explode apart, as happened with the
>glider.
> If as I suspect we all take a risk with this issue has
>any one considered any possible remedial action to
>improve the situation?
> Martin.
>
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> Read this topic online here:
>
> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=366176#366176
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