Brace position

Brace Position

The brace position is a protective stance adopted by passengers and crew in aircraft emergencies to minimize injury during a crash landing or impact. This position involves sitting with the head down and forward, arms protecting the head, and feet flat on the floor. The specific instructions can vary depending on the airline and the design of the aircraft seats.

Overview

When an aircraft encounters an in-flight emergency that could lead to a crash landing, passengers are instructed to assume the brace position. This safety measure is designed to reduce the risk of injury to the head, neck, and limbs. The effectiveness of the brace position has been supported by aviation safety research, which suggests that it can significantly reduce fatalities and serious injuries in crash scenarios.

Techniques

There are several variations of the brace position, often tailored to the seating configuration and space available:

• Forward Brace Position: Passengers lean forward, placing their head against or near the seat in front of them, with hands on the back of their head and elbows on the sides of their thighs.
• Rearward Brace Position: In rear-facing seats, passengers lean as far back as possible, pressing their head against the seatback, with hands crossed over the wrists and holding the seat's armrests or the seat belt.

Importance of Proper Technique

The correct execution of the brace position is crucial. Incorrect posture can lead to increased risk of injury. Passengers are advised to remove sharp objects from their pockets, secure loose items, and fasten their seat belt as tightly and as low on the hips as possible to prevent submarining (sliding forward under the seat belt).

Controversy and Research

While the brace position is widely recommended and has been shown to reduce injuries, there has been some controversy and debate over its effectiveness and the best practices. Some studies suggest variations in the position could offer greater protection, and there is ongoing research into optimizing the brace position for different body types and ages.

Training and Awareness

Airlines and safety organizations provide instructions for the brace position in their safety briefings and in-flight safety cards. Crew members are trained to assist passengers in assuming the position in the event of an emergency.

See Also

• Aircraft safety
• Emergency landing
• Aviation accidents and incidents