This releases the stored energy to a more positively charged surface, resulting in an electrostatic discharge (ESD), also known as a spark or shock. This simple activity can be detrimental to ...

So, how is a plane supposed to protect itself from the threat of static discharge all the way up in the sky? As we mentioned, nature throws problems at us, but we've always managed to find solutions.

He quickly felt the expected pinch of static discharge. Next came a far more severe shock. Every LED on every switch in the rack changed from green, to orange, to black. "I think I went pale at the ...