Static wicks

As an aircraft fly through solid or liquid particles such as rain, snow, fog, dust and ash in the atmosphere, the positive charges deflect and the negative charges get attached to the airframe. These negative charges may disturb radio communication (specially ADF and HF), erratic instrument reading, deflect magnetic compass phenomenon known as St. Elmo’s fire and other sudden discharge burn if left alone. Small antenna like rods attached at the tips of the wings, stabilizers, and fin called static wicks dissipate these negative charges to the atmosphere. All aircraft will have static wicks. They are not for lightening strike protection