What are bonding straps and where are they installed?

• A. Insulative bands that separate airframe sections; installed at fairings
• B. Conductive connections that tie airframe sections to a common electrical ground; installed at joints and mounting points as required
• C. Non-conductive spacers to reduce EMI; installed near radios
• D. Grounding cables from battery to engine; installed in the engine compartment

Answer: (B)

Bonding straps are conductive connections that tie airframe sections to a common electrical ground. They are installed at joints and mounting points where metal sections meet, creating a continuous, low-impedance path for static electricity and lightning currents across the airframe. This equipotential bonding reduces the potential for arcing between parts and helps prevent interference with avionics and radios. They’re usually braided copper or aluminum straps placed across joints or onto mounting points, and they’re inspected for damage or corrosion and replaced as needed. They are not insulators, EMI spacers, or battery-to-engine cables.