Why are aircraft electrically bonded?

Aircraft are electrically bonded primarily to eliminate fire hazards and reduce electromagnetic interference. This bonding involves creating a low-resistance path for electrical currents, which helps to prevent electrostatic discharge and transient surges that could ignite fuel vapors, leading to dangerous situations. Proper bonding also minimizes the potential for interference from electrical systems, which is critical in a highly sensitive environment like an aircraft where communication and navigation systems must operate effectively without disruption.

The importance of eliminating fire hazards in aviation cannot be overstated, as the combination of fuel and ignition sources can have catastrophic consequences. Additionally, reducing electrical interference is vital for maintaining the integrity and performance of avionics systems, ensuring that they function correctly and reliably during flight operations.

While other options mention aspects related to efficiency or maintenance, they do not address the core safety and operational reasons for electrical bonding in aircraft. Thus, the primary reasons for ensuring effective electrical bonding focus on hazard mitigation and system integrity.