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Posted for "Timothy Ong" <timothy.ong@leadingedgeaircraft.com>:
Bill,
The carbon fiber is not what gives the Columbia it's lightning protection.
It has a metal mesh built into the critical surfaces. Additionally
everything is grounded to the engine. There are bonding straps to all
bearing blocks of the control surfaces which are also grounded. The paint
can be only certain thicknesses in certain areas; otherwise, you lose the
protection of the mesh. BTW the columbia wing is e-glass. Only the spars
contain carbon fiber...that is strickly for strength. Also, the ES does
have carbon in the spars just like the Columbia.
With all this protection, it does not guarantee the aircraft will survive a
lightning strike, only give it a much better chance.
Your better to buy a strike finder and stay away.
Regards,
Timothy Ong
Lancair Tech (part time)
I spoke with the Lancair sales people today and found out that the ES does
not have any carbon fiber in it. The Columbia 300, which is certified has
carbon fiber in the wings because that is what the FAA required for IFR<<<<
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