A lightning protected gas turbine engine includes an engine mount structure, an engine case, a gas turbine engine, and a conductive rod. The engine mount structure has at least one engine mounting pad thereon, and the engine case is coupled to the engine mount structure. The gas turbine engine is disposed within the engine case and includes at least a rotationally mounted shaft. The conductive rod has a first end and a second end, and extends through the engine case and into the gas turbine engine. The first end of the conductive rod is electrically coupled to the shaft, and the second end of the conductive rod is electrically coupled to the at least one engine mounting pad.