Hello, Raimo and everyone,
Following Raimo's report about his lightning strike, I forwarded his e-mail
to Andy Draper who now works in the engineering department of the UK Light
Aircraft Association (which was the PFA until 1 January 2008).
Here is Andy's reply:
Sent: 13 June 2008 11:00
Dear David,
Thank you for bringing my attention to Raimo's report. I'm pleased to
learn that he, his passenger and aircraft landed safely. We did prove
that the Europa can be fully controlled with the trim at either extreme
of travel and the CG at either limit so Jos's statement that the Europa
would become uncontrollable in pitch is incorrect.
The only other lightening strike in a Europa that I know about was to
Paul McAllister in the USA. It may be out of date, but the e-mail
address that I have for him is paul.mcallister@qia.net. Paul may have
some useful pointers as to what he found the airframe may have suffered.
I'm afriad that I have no experience in lightening strike damage.
One comment that I would make is that pilot's should be aware that
lighening can strike well away from the centres of CBs. The overhanging
cloud should also be considered a no fly area.
The other place to seek advice from would be the BGA who are bound to
have experience in examining lightening damage to composite gliders.
Regards
Andy
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