Statistically, commercial aircraft average two lightning strikes per year per aircraft.
I count myself lucky, in that I have only been in two aircraft struck by lightning.
The first was a C-124 Globemaster, at 8000 ft. over the South American jungle, at night. I have no idea as to when we were hit, however there were lightning flashes and thunder close by for over an hour. On the lightning inspection at Recife, several holes were found in the top of the verical stabilizer and rudder. These were thought to be exit burns. No other damage was discovered.
The second time was on a DC-9. After departure, we were vectored around several cells. We saw lightning flashes and heard thunder close by. We didn't think we had been hit. However, at the gate one of the rampers came to the cockpit and informed us that the taxi lights were broken -- both of them. Closer inspection showed that lightning had burned a hole in the nose gear door, arced to the landing gear through the taxi light assembly. One light bulb was completely gone, the other had only the base and filiments dangling by the wires. That cost us a two hour delay waiting for parts and a mech. to install them.
Not very exciting, but that's the way I like it.
[This message has been edited by WINDY7C (edited 23 July 1999).]