Why does the flight crew adopt such a specific position?
During the most sensitive phases of flight – takeoff and landing – the flight crew always positions themselves in the same way: straight back, hands flat on their thighs, head tilted downwards, feet firmly planted on the ground. Nothing is left to chance.
This posture is known as the safety position , a measure validated by international civil aviation standards, notably by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). It helps reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking or impact. The hands are turned inward to prevent fractures in case of a collision, the legs are parallel to protect the knees, and the head is tilted to protect the cervical spine.
It’s a bit like a body airbag: everything is designed to cushion and protect as much as possible, with a minimum of involuntary movement.
What this position truly reveals: a steely resolve
At first glance, one might think they are meditating or relaxing. But in reality, this moment is anything but passive. When they assume this posture, the flight attendants are silently performing a mental preparation exercise.
They review the evacuation procedures, possible scenarios, and actions to take. It’s a bit like ultra-targeted mental preparation, similar to the mental visualization practiced by top athletes before a jump, a race, or a decisive match.
This ritual helps maintain composure in an emergency, allowing one to act without panic and, above all, to effectively assist passengers. Posture is therefore not just a matter of the body: it also prepares the mind.
And what about the passengers in all of this?
And what about the passengers in all of this?
It’s true, no rule requires you to adopt this position during the flight. But understanding the reasoning behind it can change your perspective on safety procedures. And above all, help you feel more confident on board.
Keeping your seatbelt fastened (even when the signal is off), listening to safety instructions, identifying nearby emergency exits: these are simple but decisive actions.
And if you feel anxious during the flight, leaning back in your seat, placing your hands on your thighs, and taking deep breaths can also help calm your mind. Like a bubble of serenity in mid-flight .
A profession far more complex than it seems
A profession far more complex than it seems
We often picture flight attendants as the smiling faces who bring us a drink or a blanket. But behind every smile, there are hours of intensive training in safety, crisis management, passenger psychology, and rapid decision-making.
Knowing that the people sitting at the end of the row are not there just for show, but are ready to intervene at any moment, radically changes our perception of theft.
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