Thi is interesting..........I had a question in a practise GCSE Physics paper about why the aircraft was earthed! :)

Just to further confuse the issue, anti-static additive is added to Jet kero, but not to gasoline.

Sorry to go slightly back here, but in the 'car static' situation whats the physical difference between putting your hand on the metal before stepping out of the car or stepping out of the car first?
Assuming i've built up a static charge in the car why wouldn't I get a shock by earthing myself on the door before stepping out, but would by standing on the ground and doing it?
Admittedly I haven't tried this yet but I await an answer with interest.

Cheers...

In the first case (stepping out of the car) you are just earthing yourself. as the car seat is a pretty good insulator. In the second case you are earthing the entire car.

The USAF lost a KC10 (Military DC10) some years ago due to a lack of bonding while refuelling. The boom operator died in the incident, he had scratched the glass on the window at the refuelling station with his fingernails trying to get out.

An A320 was also lost at Minatitlan Mexico last year due to the same reason.
Right wing cought fire , total loss.