redundant failure
"As the person flying when the lighning strike occured, wouldn't I be best placed to know if something was up?
All systems continued to function normally, aircraft continued to handle normally.
Why on earth would I disrupt the days flying programme and upset literally thousands of passengers?"
To reply to your query without the, us and them comments, glass house comments. etc. as to why you are NOT best qualified:
below are the systems of the aircraft that require checking on the aircraft I work on. Please pay particular attention to systems that are active but not used in normal operation. Maybe check the aircraft maint manual for your type you maybe surprised.
NOTE: The following inspection shall be done whenever aircraft is subjected to lightning strike.
(1) Using a torch and inspection mirror, visually inspect all engine electrical connectors and wires for evidence of damage. (Ref. Honeywell EM 72-00-09, page block 801, Honeywell EM 72-00-10, page block 801, Honeywell EM 72-00-11, page block 801, Honeywell EM 72-00-16, page block 801, AMM 74-20-01, page block 201, AMM 74-20-02, page block 201, AMM 75-10-03, page block 201, AMM 76-20-02, page block 201, AMM 76-20-03, page block 201, AMM 76-20-04, page block 201, AMM 77-12-01, page block 201, AMM 77-20-01, page block 201, AMM 77-20-02, page block 201, AMM 77-20-03, page block 201).
(2) Perform a ground run to determine proper operation of all engine electrical components and sensors as follows:-
(a) Ignition system.
(b) Vibration system.
(c) Anti-icing system.
(d) Rotor speed indicators.
(e) Oil system indicators.
(f) ITT system.
(g) Fuel flow indicators.
(3) Perform overspeed trip system redundancy and latch check.
MRB/MPD REF : 72-17B,72-17C
When a lightning strike has been reported, the aircraft and/or engine must be inspected for damage, and tests performed before the next flight (Ref. AMM 05-51-15, page block 1). All details of system malfunctions that occurred at the time of the strike, and subsequent to it, must be obtained from the flight crew.
In the following inspection requirements, the tasks are divided in phases as follows :-
Phase 1 - the initial inspection phase which, if found serviceable, will require no further action.
Phase 2 - the repair and replacement phase, if damage is found at phase 1. All structural repairs are to be performed in accordance with the procedures detailed in the Structural Repair Manual (SRM).
Phase 3 - used where tests are required after work at phase 2.
2. Inspection procedure
A. Equipment and materials
ITEM DESIGNATION
(1) Access platforms 11 to 24 ft. (3.35 to 7.32m).
(2) Warning notices.
Referenced procedures
SRM Structural repair manual.
WM Wiring manual.
AMM 05-51-15, page block 1 Lightning strike inspection (engines).
AMM 12-10-24, page block 1 Servicing - electrical power.
AMM 12-10-29, page block 1 Servicing - hydraulic power.
AMM 22-10-00, page block 501 Autopilot.
AMM 22-13-00, page block 501 Yaw damper.
AMM 23-11-00, page block 501 VHF communications system.
On aircraft 303
AMM 23-12-00, page block 501 HF communications system.
On aircraft ALL
AMM 23-60-11, page block 201 Static dischargers (tips).
AMM 23-60-14, page block 201 Static dischargers (trailing).
On aircraft 301,304-305
AMM 25-60-17, page block 201 Emergency locator transmitter.
On aircraft ALL
AMM 27-11-00, page block 501 Aileron control system.
AMM 27-12-00, page block 501 Aileron trim control system.
AMM 27-21-00, page block 501 Rudder control system.
AMM 27-31-00, page block 501 Elevator control system.
AMM 27-32-00, page block 501 Elevator trim control system.
AMM 27-50-00, page block 501 Flap control system.
AMM 27-61-00, page block 501 Lift spoiler system.
AMM 27-62-00, page block 501 Roll control system.
AMM 27-63-00, page block 501 Airbrake control system.
AMM 30-31-00, page block 501 Pitot, Q-pot and airflow sensor vane heaters.
AMM 30-32-00, page block 501 Static plate heaters.
AMM 30-41-00, page block 501 Windshield de-ice and demist.
AMM 30-42-00, page block 501 Windshield wipers.
AMM 30-71-00, page block 501 Water pipe heaters.
AMM 30-72-00, page block 501 Drain mast heater.
AMM 30-81-00, page block 501 Ice detection.
AMM 31-52-00, page block 501 Audible warning system.
AMM 32-30-00, page block 501 Extension and retraction.
AMM 32-41-00, page block 501 Brake controls and indication.
AMM 33-41-00, page block 501 Landing/taxi lights.
AMM 33-42-00, page block 501 Navigation lights.
AMM 33-43-00, page block 501 Runway turn-off (exit) lights.
AMM 33-44-00, page block 501 Wing inspection lights.
AMM 33-45-00, page block 501 Strobe lights and anti-collision beacons.
AMM 33-46-11, page block 201 Logo light unit.
AMM 34-11-00, page block 501 Pitot static system.
AMM 34-16-11, page block 201 Outside air temperature.
AMM 34-19-11, page block 201 Total air temperature.
AMM 34-21-00, page block 501 Compass system.
AMM 34-22-11, page block 201 Standby compass.
On aircraft 303-304
AMM 34-25-00, page block 501 Electronic flight instrument system (EFIS).
On aircraft 301-302,305
AMM 34-23-00, page block 501 Flight director system.
On aircraft ALL
AMM 34-33-00, page block 501 Marker system.
AMM 34-41-00, page block 501 Weather radar.
AMM 34-42-00, page block 501 Radio altimeter.
AMM 34-44-00, page block 501 Traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS).
AMM 34-51-00, page block 501 Distance measuring equipment (DME).
AMM 34-52-01, page block 501 Air traffic control (ATC) - Mode-S.
AMM 34-53-00, page block 501 Automatic direction finder.
AMM 34-55-00, page block 501 VHF navigation.
On aircraft 303
AMM 34-60-00, page block 501 Navigation management system (GNS-X).
On aircraft ALL
AMM 34-61-02, page block 501 Flight management system (GNS-XLS).
AMM 53-00-00, page block 1 Fuselage.
AMM 53-10-52, page block 201 Radome.