Abstract: The invention includes a method of mounting a component to the skin of an aircraft. The component can include a drain valve, a gas cap, other external fuel instrumentation such as sensors, and antennae. One aspect of the invention includes a new method of mounting a drain valve to an aircraft fuel tank. The drain valve in the method includes any conventional drain valve having a stem and a flange that surrounds the stem. The method includes applying a material around a drain opening of the fuel tank; the material directs an electric charge away from the drain valve.