World's most experienced Boeing 747 pilot explains why we use brace position on planes

The world’s most experienced Boeing 747 pilot has explained why the brace position is used on planes.

Anyone who has been on a plane will know that the brace position plays a key role in the flight attendant’s safety demonstration.

But few will have dwelled on why this is advised in the unlikely event of a plane crash.

But Nick Eades, the world’s most experienced Boeing 747 pilot, explained all in an interview last year.

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The world’s most experienced Boeing 747 pilot explained why the brace position is used

Plane crashes are very rare, but it’s always handy to know what to do if one happens.

The brace position is what is advised by flight attendants, in which passengers sit forward and hold their head between their legs.

A variation on the brace position includes putting one’s head next to the seat in front.

Fortunately, most of us will never be in a situation where we’ll have to adopt this position.

But it does make you wonder – why is this the advice given out?

Nick Eades, the world’s most experienced Boeing 747 pilot, spoke to LADBible back in 2024 about why this position is encouraged.

Turns out it’s all about preventing people from breaking their necks in the event of a heavy impact.

“You’re just trying to get the body into a position that’s going to suffer the least damage,” he said.

“It’s like whiplash – you’re trying to avoid that sudden movement of the head, which can result in serious injury, if not death.”

A 2015 study by the Federal Aviation Administration found that the brace position did indeed significantly reduce the risk of head and neck injuries i impacts.

In a Swedish plane crash in 1991, all passengers onboard survived, and this was credited to their universal adoption of the brace position.

Secrets of the business – what we’ve learned from pilots over the years

We’ve learned a lot from pilots over the years, including details that we passengers usually wouldn’t be privy to.

One pilot explained why anyone capable of driving a car would be able to fly a plane.

Another pilot lifted the lid on how much he earns each year, whilst a third divulged about a strict rest rule all pilots have to follow.

But some inside details passengers do get to hear – like when this Delta pilot made an unexpected announcement about getting home to his chickens.

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