Which one of the following is the most appropriate reason for aircraft being equipped with conducting tyres?

The correct answer is  For preventing sparks while they land on the ground.

Key PointsConducting Tyres on Aircraft

• Purpose of Conducting Tyres: Conducting tyres are primarily used to prevent sparks when the aircraft lands. This is because the friction between the tyres and the runway can generate static electricity.
• Static Electricity Discharge: As the aircraft lands, the conducting tyres help to dissipate any static charge safely into the ground, preventing the build-up of static electricity which could cause sparks.
• Safety Measures: The prevention of sparks is crucial for safety reasons, especially considering the presence of flammable substances such as aviation fuel.
• Grounding Aircraft: Conducting tyres ensure that the aircraft is properly grounded upon landing, which is essential for both safety and the proper functioning of onboard electrical systems.
• Misconceptions Addressed: While it's true that aircraft accumulate charges through various means, the primary reason for conducting tyres is to prevent sparks during landing rather than to address charges from other sources like lightning or air particle friction.

Additional Information

• Static Electricity in Aircraft: Static electricity can accumulate on aircraft due to various factors such as friction with air particles, lightning strikes, and the operation of onboard electrical equipment. However, the primary concern addressed by conducting tyres is the static charge generated during landing.
• Aircraft Safety Standards: Aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), have stringent regulations and standards to ensure the safety of aircraft operations, including measures to manage static electricity.
• Conductive Materials: Conducting tyres are made from materials that have conductive properties, allowing them to dissipate static electricity effectively. These materials are integrated into the tyre construction to ensure durability and effectiveness.
• Grounding Procedures: Apart from conducting tyres, aircraft are also equipped with grounding points and static discharge wicks to safely dissipate static electricity during flight and on the ground.
• Historical Incidents: There have been incidents in aviation history where static electricity has caused sparks and fires during refueling or landing operations. These incidents have led to the implementation of conducting tyres and other safety measures to prevent such occurrences.