To: Capt Chambo
In turn most of these strikes were from small innocuous cumulous clouds, and in most cases we were clear of the clouds themselves.
I shall change the storyline to reflect several innocuous Cumulous clouds just above and below the flight path. Lightning can go up as well as down and sideways. Your help is appreciated and it will make the story more believable. The name of the book if it is published is Wings of Wax.
Thanks again. I now have answers to the lightning question and the hydraulics question now; I need to find out what glass panel announces movement of the flaps and slats.