A question on many people’s lips when asking about the fear of flying is ‘why do we do the safety briefing if flying is supposedly so safe?’

The answer is this. The whole airline industry works to a ‘just in case’ rule. Everything that we do as a team all boils down to this one simple rule.  

For example, if an aircraft pilot reports a problem that he/she experienced during a flight that has never happened before, it will be reported and investigated. If the investigation shows that it can be prevented, then steps will be taken to do so. It doesn’t matter if it involves redesigning an engine – and refitting every single operational engine – it will be done.

If it’s believed that the possibility of it happening again is minimal, it makes no difference. As long as there is a chance then something will be done about it. Why? JUST IN CASE.

The safety brief is important. We do it every day, and on every flight – and the majority of us do not enjoy doing it. So, should you pay attention to it? Yes!

I work on approximately 30-40 flights per month, and I know that safety brief like the back of my hand. When I fly as a passenger, do you think I pay attention to that brief? Sure as hell I do. I do not talk, I do not read. I pay attention as a courtesy to the crew.

If there were to be any problem on a flight, you simply must know how to act, and what to do. That is how and why fatalities are very rare – because the crew are highly trained to deal with an evacuation of 200-300 (or more) passengers in just 90 seconds, and the safety briefing has already prepared those passengers who could be botherd to listen.

There is no point in lying to you, aircraft do have problems. But, with so many technical advances, and back-up systems, your safety is not compromised. But, please pay attention to that safety briefing so that you know what to do in the highly unlikely need to evacuate the aircraft.

I will be covering emergency procedures, and the level of investigating (including DAILY reports that must be completed after EVERY flight) that goes into ensuring your safety in future weeks.