Bonding Straps.
ASFKAP,
I am fully aware that the cabin furnishings don't come under the realm of the MEL/CDL, but I thought we were talking about the basic airplane. The thing doesn't have to have any interior in order to fly, such as on delivery flights and that is just a weight and balance issue.
As you so rightly say there are a multitude of bonding straps that a pilot cannot see on a walkround, although if he/she should find a broken one they would of course bring it to the attention of an engineer/mechanic. There are normally several between the various parts, dependant upon size of airplane, and they ensure a multi path route for electrical discharges without welding the hinges, and that is real bad!!
There is a spectacular series of shots of an All Nippon 747 climbing out of Osaka, and being hit by lightning on the internet at the moment. If I was bright I would know how to transfer it from my e-mail to this forum, but???
Speedbird 48.