St. Elmo's fire occurs when the air becomes charged and discharges between what?

Prepare for the Instrument Flying Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ensure readiness for your test!

Multiple Choice

St. Elmo's fire occurs when the air becomes charged and discharges between what?

Explanation:
St. Elmo's fire is a corona discharge caused by a strong electric field around sharp points on the aircraft in a charged atmosphere. The discharge occurs from the aircraft into the surrounding air, producing a visible glow at tips like wingtips and antennae. It’s not a discharge to another object such as a lightning strike, nor an internal electrical short. This glow is a surface phenomenon resulting from ionized air around the aircraft, and while it signals high atmospheric charge, it generally doesn’t affect the aircraft’s flight instruments.

St. Elmo's fire is a corona discharge caused by a strong electric field around sharp points on the aircraft in a charged atmosphere. The discharge occurs from the aircraft into the surrounding air, producing a visible glow at tips like wingtips and antennae. It’s not a discharge to another object such as a lightning strike, nor an internal electrical short. This glow is a surface phenomenon resulting from ionized air around the aircraft, and while it signals high atmospheric charge, it generally doesn’t affect the aircraft’s flight instruments.

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