For the millions of people scared of flying, one of the main reasons for this fear is the fact that most of us simply don’t understand how an aeroplane works. We know that it accelerates along the ground and takes off and the wings help it stay in the air before it descends again, but further than that, most of us are clueless. It can be reassuring to know about the safety measures in place on a plane which are there to keep us safe.
If you have a fear of flying, it may be the case that you have never been on a plane at all, so you may not know about the safety talk before take-off. The flight attendants will demonstrate how to use all the safety equipment and point out the escape routes, along with explaining the procedures if the plane needs to be abandoned.
It is extremely unlikely that anything will go wrong on a plane, but it is useful to know what to do if there is a problem. Firstly, if you will be landing on water, you will find a lifejacket which is usually stowed under your seat which can easily be inflated once you are out of the plane, and it includes a whistle and a pipe to refill it if it starts to deflate. Life cots are also available for babies.
If the oxygen levels drop in the cabin for some reason, oxygen masks will drop from above the seats to provide everyone with a safe oxygen supply. Any changes in cabin pressure will be detected by a pressure switch in the cockpit which will raise the alarm to the captain, so you needn’t worry that the pressure will drop without anybody noticing.
Emergencies on the ground mean the plane will need to be evacuated onto the runway. This might involve opening the emergency exits and using the inflatable slide to exit the plane quickly. Remove high heels and sharp objects which could damage the slide and leave personal belongings inside the aircraft to make sure you can move as quickly as possible and don’t take up space in the escape routes with bags and coats.
Cabin crew are first aid trained, and will know how to attend to anyone who is unwell. First aid kits are kept on board, and if there is a serious medical emergency the plane will be diverted to land at the nearest available airport. It is very common to be nervous about flying, so flight attendants will be able to offer support and reassurance if you have any worries whilst in flight to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Carl Prestwick is an aviation enthusiast who spends his time blogging about aeroplanes and airports.
