I fly most often on small aircraft and helicopters. My last flight was on a Beechcraft, the last flight to be allowed to land in Pensacola before it was closed due to an approaching hurricane. It was quite a flight, about an eight on the pucker meter, as multiple alarms and voice warnings sounded in the cockpit and we were buffeted about heavily and blown off the glide path on final.

As a crash rescue expert, and as someone who hates leaving my safety up to others, I always try for an exit seat, preferably an over-wing one. Theoretically, this is the structurally strongest part of the airframe. However, if you are flying in the third world and mainly worried about hijacking, I'm told exit seats are not a good plan, since that is where the cavalry may enter the aircraft.

I try to wear long sleeves and pants, in natural, non-melting fibers. I also plan to go straight over the seat backs and avoid the aisles, if possible. I also actually review the safety card and know exactly where the exits are.

Jeff