Methods and apparatus for an in-flight precipitation static sensor

A method for forming a precipitation-static sensor on an external surface of an aircraft, comprising:

• forming a first dielectric layer on the external surface of the aircraft;
• forming a conductive layer over a portion of the first dielectric layer;
• attaching a first end of a conductor to the conductive layer;
• and
• forming a second dielectric layer over a portion of the first dielectric layer, the conductor, and a portion of the conductive layer, such that the conductive layer includes detector region.

A system for measuring in-flight precipitation static experienced by an aircraft, the system comprising:

• at least one precipitation static sensor coupled to an external surface of the aircraft, the precipitation static sensor comprising:
• a first dielectric layer attached to an external surface;
• a conductive layer formed over a portion of the first dielectric layer;
• a conductor having a first end coupled to the conductive layer;
• and a second dielectric layer formed over a portion of the first dielectric layer, the first end of the conductor, and a portion of the conductive layer, such that the conductive layer includes detector region;
• a meter device communicatively coupled to the conductor, the meter device configured to produce a current responsive to a charge accumulated by the at least one precipitation static sensor.