The recent HudsonRiver plane crash which took place in New York on 15 January 2009 showed theworld how a plane ?crash? need not end in disaster and tragedy.A quick thinking pilot and a little patiencefrom the passengers can make a big difference in a situation like this one.
As a passenger though, you have little controlover the expertise of your pilot, but you can help to decrease the chances ofhurting yourself.
Adopting a braceposition, knowing where the exits are, staying calm, having an exit strategy inplace, choosing a safe seat and wearing your seatbelt are all measures you canadopt to stay in one piece after a plane has crash landed.
To expand a littleon these points:
Brace yourself
On boardguidelines will show you how best to brace yourself, but the basic idea is toget your upper body as low as possible to reduce the chances of you hittingyour head, hold on so you don't knock around into the seat in front of you orthe passengers beside you and bring in your legs so they don't get crushed orbroken by the seat in front of you.
Stay calm
Not an easy task,but certainly an important one. A clear head will help you get off the planefaster, without trampling anyone or causing even more panic in your fellowpassengers.
Know where the exits are
A plane may wellcrash into darkness, or be filled with smoke. It may even be sinking. If youknow exactly where the exits are, with your eyes closed, then you have a betterchance of gettign to them quickly.
Safe seating
Some stats saythat the back of the palne is the safest place to sit, so iff you subscribe tothis theory then choose a seat near the back of the plane.
Buckle up
As in a car, wearyour seatbelt at all times, and wear it tight. Also, don't let yourself panicand forget that it is a buckle type seatbelt, if you are in a crash situationand need to leave your seat in a hurry don't waste time in a panicky search forthe push button release found in a car. Many people do...
If you are feelingnervous about a long flight, speak to your travel agent, or better yet, your agent,as they will be in the best position to advise you on pre flight and aftercrash counselling if you feel you need it.
