World’s Most Experienced Pilot Shares Truth About Why We Use Brace Position on Planes

People get on planes all the time for business or pleasure trips and, usually, the ride is as smooth as it can be. But there are tragic moments and dangerous situations where action must be taken so you can be safe. If anyone’s had the misfortune of being on a crashing plane, the brace position was most likely adopted.

Brace Position Is Recommended When in Danger on Planes

Nick Eades, the world’s most famous and experienced 747 pilot, has spoken out about why people adopt the brace position in unfortunate situations on a plane. The position is when you bend down in your seat and put your hands over your head. That’s the pose passengers are asked to take when the plane is crashing, and Nick explains why that is.

The Neck Must Be Protected

Eades has explained that the brace position is urged by staff on planes because it’s the one that will keep you safe. The position offers more protection for the neck when there’s about to be a big impact. It’s been proven as the position in which the person’s body will suffer the least damage. There have been rumors that the position actually makes it easier for a passenger to pass away upon impact, but Nick Eades has completely dispelled all of that.

Clear Instructions Are Necessary

A lot of the time, planes are full of non-English speakers, so Nick explains that the position of ‘brace’ is no longer used in those words. He’s had several plane rides where the staff yelling “Brace, Brace!” was not fully understood. Now, the staff has given up on the phrase and prefers giving clear instructions. Nick explains that it took a long time for people in the aviation business to realize that yelling a single phrase in a state of emergency will have people not only panicked but also confused.

Since the brace position has been discredited because people might not know the meaning of it – the staff is now instructed to handle dangerous situations differently. If you’re ever in a terrifying situation when the plane is crashing, listen out for “Head down, hands over your head!” It’s a lot clearer and sends the right message to passengers.