Airplanes and spacecraft are subject to the tremendous electrical forces that can build up in the atmosphere. According to the FAA, commercial aircraft are struck an average of once every 3,000 flight hours, or about once a year. However, only one U.S. airliner has been confirmed as lost to lightning. Because of an airplane's metal construction, lightning flows along and away from its fuselage. Almost all lightning strikes on aircraft cause only superficial damage, and passengers are protected from injury.
Spacecraft are more vulnerable than aircraft.
Meteorologists can use this data to alert people in potential strike areas. The more accurate the prediction of where and when lightning will occur, the better chance there is of reducing or eliminating the damage it causes. Since lightning tends to strike the highest local point, special care must be taken to protect tall structures from direct strikes. These structures are often power lines, microwave relay towers used in telephone communication, or buildings filled with sensitive electrical equipment. Without protection, a lightning strike can cause power line surges and arcing, electrical fires and electrical or structural damage.