On Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 9:54:02 PM UTC-4, son_of_flubber wrote:
I had the seat pan out of my glider and I noticed that there are several braided wires connecting the metal stick to other metal parts and the (-) side of the power distribution block, battery, and (via power distribution wires) to the (-) of the electrical instruments (with small fuses on each instrument).

I understand that this has something to do with possible lightening strikes and also minimizing RF interference for radio, transponder etc..

Can someone provide a better explanation (or a link)?

If lightening hits a control rod, what happens to the pilot holding the hot stick?

I have a fiberglass glider with some steel structural members (no carbon fiber) ... if that matters.