Static-electrical discharge in cockpit

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briankelly327
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Static-electrical discharge in cockpit

Post by briankelly327 »

Yesterday in flight I noticed that every time I put my hand near the windscreen I got little static shocks. And my gf and I realized our hair was standing straight up.

The conditions were imc, we took off in rain, and were flying thru some low viz, some clouds, some drizzle. I can’t recall ever observing this phenomenon before during 6 years with the DA40.

Anyone have insight into what / why? And is this dangerous? All electrical equipment and radios were performing fine. All static wicks are operable.

Thanks,
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Pehu
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Re: Static-electrical discharge in cockpit

Post by Pehu »

Pretty normal when in clouds or in visible moisture. The water droplets generate static electricity when you fly past them. I have had it many times in my DA40. To my understanding they are nothing bad, just a bit annoying when you try to touch something you get a small zap :)

In faster aircraft like jets, that same phenomenon will present as static electricity in the cockpit window for example.
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