The meticulous and disciplined nature of cabin crew preparation during critical flight phases demonstrates their unwavering commitment to passenger safety. Their adherence to specific brace positions, honed through rigorous training and various safety protocols, underscores the paramount importance of minimizing potential risks during emergencies.
During taxi, takeoff, landing, and whenever the captain instructs them, the flight attendants take their positions in their seats. For example, in the case of extreme turbulence. You may have noticed that flight attendants usually sit very stiffly. This is because these are safety-critical moments and the most likely time for an emergency to occur (except for turbulence, which rarely leads to an emergency). Why is that so?
Instead of braces
The location of the flight attendant strut varies by region and airline safety regulations. While they are all pretty similar, none of them are the same as the passenger support position. The goal is to keep the body in a rigid position to minimize any potential impact from an unforeseen emergency. The cabin crew must sit with their feet firmly planted on the ground, knees, and feet close together, and their back and neck firmly pressed against the seat. With the elbows tucked in, the hands are placed either under the thighs or above the knees. Company policy may cause this position to change.
Airlines may have different protocols for cabin crew, but the position of the brace is generally the same.
Changes
This limits the amount of body movement and reduces the chance of injury in the event of an impact. The position of the flight attendant seat changes slightly depending on whether it faces the tail of the aircraft or forwards towards the cockpit. The feet of those facing forward should be placed somewhat behind the knees, while the feet of those facing backward should be placed slightly forward. Another version is available for forward-facing cabin crew that requires the chin to be tucked into the chest to prevent cervical spine injury.
All smiles aside, every takeoff and landing is preceded by a “silent check” by the cabin crew. Pictured is airBaltic
Reviews in silence
When the cockpit signals that it is safe for the cabin crew to travel on the plane, it is often when they lock into the crew seat and hold that position.
During this time they will also go through a “quiet check” which will prepare them for any emergency and every take-off and landing. This means paying attention to any visual cues outside the aircraft, as well as any emergency equipment in the area, door controls, commands issued, and adjacent healthy passengers.
preparation for a pre-arranged emergency
The final brace position for a flight attendant involves maintaining the same lower body position during a planned emergency landing, but placing one hand over the other and behind the head while keeping the elbows inward. This protects the face and head from flying debris while allowing the flight attendant to hear and shout emergency instructions.
These jobs may seem difficult, but crew members learn them as part of their training and then it’s just part of their daily routine working on different types of aircraft and sitting in both types of seats at different entrances. For the simple reason that it is an automatic move, several crew members also do this when they are passengers.
On the other hand, warming up frozen toes is also useful when flying in colder climates.
The strict safety protocols and procedures that cabin crew follow during critical phases of flight underscore the paramount importance of preparedness and vigilance on board an aircraft. The unique brace positions these professionals take, carefully tailored to minimize potential damage during emergency situations, exemplify their commitment to passenger safety.
These dedicated individuals undergo comprehensive training that equips them to seamlessly navigate various types of aircraft and handle various emergency scenarios. Their routine involvement in safety protocols, including a “quiet check” before takeoff and landing, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to vigilance and preparedness.
The meticulous attention to detail, from the exact placement of the jump seats to the practiced struts, underscores the seriousness with which flight attendants approach their duties. Their ability to quickly transition between roles, whether as guide or passenger, highlights their adaptability and commitment to safety, even in challenging situations or adverse conditions.
The cabin crew’s unwavering commitment to safety, thorough preparation, and their ability to remain calm and ready at all times ultimately play a vital role in ensuring the well-being and safety of everyone on board. Their diligence serves as a reassuring reminder of the prioritization of safety in the aviation industry.