What should you ensure about your seat before ditching?

When preparing for a ditching maneuver, ensuring that your seat is locked and facing aft is crucial for safety. This orientation helps to provide the best possible chance of surviving a water landing. A seat facing aft minimizes the risk of injury upon impact as it allows the body to align with the direction of deceleration, which can reduce the forces experienced during a sudden stop.

In addition, a locked seat is essential for keeping the occupant secure during the ditching. If the seat were to become unlocked, it could move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury or even making it difficult to exit the aircraft once it has landed on water. This secure position also aids in the proper distribution of impact forces, which is vital to maintain structural integrity during a ditching scenario.

Maximizing safety during an emergency situation is paramount, and ensuring the seat is locked and appropriately positioned helps achieve that goal.