Speedbird 48
Spot on. The cause of the odd white knuckle for poor nervous pax not in the know.
I've never heard it announced over here, but I have interevened a couple of times over the years to say 'don't worry, it's normal - I have a pilots licence adn I know.' I don't tell them it's only a PPL to drive PA28s, as I reckon that would ruin the cathartic effect and subsequent sighs of relief :-) However, under the circumstances I reckon this sleight of hand is justified.