First things first, don't panic! Flying is, mile for mile, the safest form of transport around. In fact, flying is probably one of the least risky activities you take part in on a day-to-day basis.
Take a look at the stats. A staggering 4,000 people are killed in accidents at home every year in the UK, while the number of deaths worldwide from aviation accidents in 2009 was 1,104. On that evidence, you're far safer on a plane than you are at home!
Added to that reassuring information, is the little-known fact that, if you are unlucky enough to be in the highly unlikely position of being involved in a plane crash, chances are you'll still be absolutely fine.
A study from the US government showed that out of 568 plane crashes between 1993 and 2000, 90% of passengers and crew survived.
So how to give yourself the best chance of survival? Iain Young, MBE, chief test pilot for Marshall Aviation Ltd and CEO of Marshall Executive Aviation, works closely with the Civil Aviation Authority and has been an air accident investigator.
Here are Iain's top five tips for surviving a plane crash:
1. Listen up! All planes are different
"Pay attention to the safety briefing from the cabin crew, and read the safety information card. I know everyone thinks that they've heard it all before, but each briefing and information card will be specific to that aircraft type. If you follow the instructions to the letter, you'll have the best chance of coping if there is a crash. "
2. Don't get caught out with seat belts and exits
"Have a plan. This is so important. Once you've listened to the briefing, and read the card, take a moment to think in your mind what you'd do, and where you'd need to go in the event of an evacuation. You would definitely be in shock, so being able to bring your mind back to your plan could really help. Note where the exit is - are you going left or right when you get up? Remember that the seatbelt on a plane unbuckles, it doesn't release when you press it, so practice opening and closing it a few times too."
3. Brace correctly
"There's a few urban myths floating around about adopting the brace position. I'll clear that up now. First, bracing is the best position to get into to minimise injury. Second, getting into a brace position will be achievable, even if you're on board a plane with a smaller seat pitch, because it's a requirement that the safety advice the plane gives, has been tested. Again, this is airline specific, so make sure you check what they recommend."
4. Choose your seat wisely
"What's the safest seat on the plane? The one right at the front on the left hand of the cockpit! But if you're not a pilot, then any seat near an exit is a good bet. Of course, not everyone can sit next to an exit, and there is no way of predicting where 'the safe seat' is on a plane because it depends on the point of impact. Just be clear where your nearest exit point is."
5. Crouch low and move fast
"On leaving the plane, move quickly, but in a controlled fashion. In the event of a fire, you don't want to hang around, so get out of your seat and move towards the exit. Leave your belongings where they are and listen to the cabin crew. They have safety procedure training every year, so they will know what to do. I've been involved in test flying smoke detection and clearance, as a rule, the smoke stays high, so don't crawl or get on the floor. Crouch low and move fast."
So there you have it: pay attention, be prepared, brace, crouch low and move fast. But don't forget you'll almost certainly never need to use this information.
Source:- http://uk.travel.yahoo.com/p-promo-3359547
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