Originally Posted by
wrench1
Technically, the bonding between the aircraft and fueling system structure is the primary requirement. The goal is to eliminate the static potential between the fuel system and aircraft and not grounding it to earth. Several older references still incorporate earth grounding but the current go to guidance does not. So those "earth strips" don't really provide a backup to the primary bonding.
But why do you still see such earthing straps on the underside of tankers if they offer no protection against antistatic charge?
How do small aircraft that are refueled with canisters do this? I can't imagine that a cable / bonding when refueling is always connected? perhaps forgotten?