Ralf,

History has shown that the a majority of lightning strikes exit the aircraft from the top of the rudder. Fiberglass rudder surfaces usually blow apart in some fashion with scorch/burn marks.  Because the vertical fin and rudder are nonconductive, in an air flow they act like other plastics and accumulate a static charge. Painting with even a mildly conductive primer helps reduce static effects. You can install static wicks in a fiberglass rudder by running a ¼ in braided bonding strap internally from the static wick mounts to the top hinge. Then jump across the hinge with a short bonding strap, then down to your ground connection. I utilized three knurled receptacles potted in the trailing edge of my rudder and tied them together at the top hinge.  It’s easy to do on an unpainted surface, but will require paint touch-up if you are already flying.

Regards,

Randy Harris

L-IV B524BA  

Dear subscribers,

I am finally put my static wicks on. I put 2 on each aileron and on each elevator. I made sure that I have a good electrical connection to my engine ground.

I got 2 wicks left now. My rudder is made out of fiberglass so I assume it is not conductive. My small wingtips are also made out of fiberglass. I did not use conductive primer or anything else to make them conductive.

Is there a need to put these on now or would it be worthless?

Since I had the control surfaces off anyway I put gap seals in place – so I should be able to tell soon if there is a speed increase (given they don’t come off)

Thanks

Ralf