Brace Position

[TightSlot]

The Brace position is intended to minimise injuries in a survivable crash. It is based upon research by people who know what they are talking about, not made up by individual airlines. There are three main components (In the UK):

• Feet flat on the floor, slightly behind the knees - reduces "flail" which can shatter shin bones on the seat rail in front, rendering an otherwise functional survivor immobile.
• Arms and Hands - Over back of head (not interlocked finger) and elbows in to reduce flail and protect from flying debris.
• Leaning Forward - reduces the chance of submarining or jacknifing which can cause impact injuries and/or internal injuries.
• Head Location - Resting the head against whatever it could strike, thereby reducing head impact injuries and chance of unconsciousness.

As in all things aviation, the position is something of a compromise and will clearly accommodate some sizes of human being better than others - for the majority however, it remains a sensible and practical position.

What I find confusing from the previous posts is that this position is clearly viable for any passenger in any seat pitch. If somebody believes that it is not achievable then they have simply not understood what the brace position actually is?

P.S. - There are safety arguments for/against rearward facing seats: Only one side of the argument has been presented above.