Can St. Elmo's Fire Damage Aircraft Electronics?

💡 The Answer

• St. Elmo's fire itself is a low-current corona and rarely causes direct damage to aircraft.
• However, it signals a strong electric field that may precede a lightning strike, which can be destructive.
• Aircraft are designed with static wicks and bonding to safely discharge corona and prevent interference.
• Pilots may see St. Elmo's fire on cockpit windows, but modern electronics are hardened against such fields.