Expert: Paul Soderman - 4/21/2005

Question
Hi Paul,

Whenever I fly I've noticed little sticks on an airplane's wing and on the tail. What are they?

Here's a photo of what I mean:
http://www.airchive.com/airline%20pics/Long%20Beach%20Compressed/JB%20wing%20and...

I see them on every plane I look at and I don't know what they do!

Thanks so much!
--Victoria

Answer
Hi Victoria

It looks to me like those on the wing are electro-static discharge rods that bleed static charge away from the airplane.  Static electricity can build up on the aircraft when it flies through rain or clouds if the conditions are right.  The charge can interfere with radio communication.  On the ground, the charge is dangerous during fueling, but the mechanics attach grounding wires to prevent problems.  The rods on the tail may be similar or they may be antenna used to communicate with mother earth.

NIce photo.

Paul