As the black clouds roll across Europe, bringing with them extreme weather warnings, we examine whether you need to be worried about flying in a storm.

According to an article in the UK’s Guardian newspaper, on average, every commercial aircraft is hit by lightning once a year. It goes on to explain that it is routine for an aircraft to land as soon as possible after a strike, but this is a precautionary measure. Lightning is extremely hot – up to 30,000C. The typical damage is a scorch mark where the point of contact was, usually a wing-tip. The plane’s electronics are well shielded these days. Passengers usually won’t notice a thing, or they might just see a bright flash.

Airplane manufacturer Boeing advise that:

Strikes to airplanes are relatively common but rarely result in a significant impact to the continued safe operation of the airplane.

If you are interested to learn more, check out these articles:

Guardian newspaper article (May 2012)

Boeing comprehensive technical data and statistics regarding lightning strikes to Boeing aircraft.

Canadian ski resort work and winter season employment

If you are planning to work in a Canadian ski resort this winter you’ll need to get your skates on…

Although the ski season may not officially kick-off until November, employers are keen to secure their seasonal staff early and for many the hiring process is already well under way. Many employers will travel around the World to interview face-to-face others will accept online applications and conduct SKYPE interviews.

Below we have listed some of the larger Canadian winter season employers along with details of some of the international recruitment fairs that are planned.

Fairmont Hotels:

• Banff Springs
• Chateau Lake Louise
• Tremblant 
• Chateau Whistler

Sunshine Village – Banff 

Banff Hiring Fair – October 9, 2013 (applications to attend the fair are accepted online from July 2013)

Marmot Basin – Jasper 

Panorama Mountain Village – British Columbia 

Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler, September 27th & 28th and November 1st & 2nd, 2013

Work abroad recruitment fairs

Some of the biggest employers travel overseas to recruit their seasonal staff. The job fairs are hosted by Work Abroad companies and in most cases you’ll need to register first (and in most cases pay a fee) to get a chance to attend the fair. However, depending on your motivations this could be a great way to secure your job. But don’t delay, the recruitment initiatives happen over the summer.

Alltracks will be holding interviews in the Autumn for Snow School positions.

BUNAC UK will be holding interviews in July and September

CCUSA will be holding interviews in Dublin over the 2nd, 3rd & 4th August 2013

IEP will be holding a recuitment fair in Auckland on August 24th & 25th 2013

Oyster will be holding interviews in September 2013

The Working Holiday Club will be holding interviews as follows: Australia, June 2013; New Zealand July 2013; London, Copenhagen and Stockholm July 2013.

(Information correct at date of posting – please check with the companies directly before making an application).