What happens to the aircraft in the presence of St. Elmo's fire?

St. Elmo's fire is a weather phenomenon that occurs during thunderstorms and is associated with the charging of the atmosphere. When an aircraft flies through an environment with significant electrical activity, such as a thunderstorm, and develops St. Elmo's fire, it typically develops a negative charge.

This phenomenon is the result of high levels of electrical activity in the atmosphere. St. Elmo's fire is visible as a bluish glow at the tips of the aircraft's surfaces, such as wings and antennas, due to ionization of the air. When an aircraft becomes charged negatively, it indicates that it is in proximity to a positively charged area of the thunderstorm or electrical field.

While it is important for pilots to be aware of weather phenomena like St. Elmo's fire and their potential effects, this specific occurrence is primarily associated with the aircraft's electrical charge. Keeping in mind the characteristics of thunderstorm environments can help aviators make informed decisions regarding flight safety and routing.