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What is P-Stat
P-Stat is an acronym
for Precipitation Static. P-Stat is a form of electrical
discharge usually caused by flying in rain, snow, dust
or clouds that interferes with navigation and
communication equipment and systems.
What can be done to protect
against P-Stat?
Utilizing the
correct number of quality static dischargers, properly
bonded in their proper location on the aircraft, is
fundamental to acceptable protection against P-Stat.
What is streamering?
As aircraft fly through P-Stat conditions, the insulated
portions, like fiberglass panels and radomes, become
charged and "streamer" the discharge to the
airframe. This "streamering" discharge couples into
the antenna system and creates noise.
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How do static dischargers work?
Static dischargers
have a lower corona voltage threshold than the aircraft
structure and go into corona before the structure goes
into corona. This corona current is bled through a high
resistance resistor (8-2000 Megohms), and thus the
corona spark is decoupled from the aircraft by
approximately 50 db.
Why is bonding important?
When a part of the aircraft (like an access inspection plate) is not bonded, a difference in voltage
levels can exist between the two surfaces. As a result of
this difference, sparking can be induced across the two
un-bonded portions of the aircraft. The energy of the
spark can couple into the antenna, and this causes
crackling-which interferes with the communication and
navigation systems.
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Because it is fundamentally important...
Remember: Electrostatic problems
like these can only be corrected with:
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The proper number of quality dischargers...
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Properly installed on a...
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Properly bonded aircraft.
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