The correct spelling of the aviation term "brace position" is /breɪs pəˈzɪʃən/. The word "brace" is pronounced with a long "a" sound and a voiced "s" sound, while "position" is pronounced with an unstressed short "i" sound and a stressed "o" sound. The brace position is the recommended safety position for passengers during emergency situations on an aircraft. It involves leaning forward and placing your head down, with your hands interlocked behind your head or on the seat in front of you.
The brace position refers to a safety technique instructed to passengers on an airplane, especially during an emergency landing or crash. It is a precautionary measure designed to minimize injuries and increase the chances of survival in a potentially catastrophic situation.
When passengers are advised to adopt the brace position, they are instructed to lean forward from their seat, bend their waist over their legs, and place their head as close to their knees as possible. Meanwhile, they must keep their hands crossed on the back of their head, with one hand gripping the wrist of the opposite arm.
The purpose of assuming the brace position is to protect vital organs, especially the head, which is considered one of the most vulnerable parts of the body during impact. By bending forward, the brace position helps to reduce the forward movement of the head and limits the forces sustained by the neck and spine. The crossed hands on the back of the head provide additional protection for the head.
Moreover, the brace position also ensures that the body remains intact and secure within the seat, preventing it from being propelled forward and subsequently striking hard surfaces during the deceleration phase of a crash landing.
While the brace position does not guarantee absolute safety, it is an established safety protocol recommended by aviation experts to enhance the probability of survival and minimize the risk of severe injuries during an emergency landing or crash.
The word "brace" has its origin in the Old French word "bracier" or "braiser", meaning "to embrace or hold". It entered Middle English as "brase" during the 14th century with similar connotations of clasping or gripping. The term "brace position" specifically emerged in the realm of aviation, referring to a safety technique for passengers to adopt during emergencies. The position involves bending forward and protecting the head by clasping the hands together or placing them on the back of the head. The term "brace" in this context retains its original meaning of holding or clenching, indicating the protective nature of the position.