In The Event Of A Skyjacking You Should

In the event of an aircraft hijacking, your actions can significantly impact the outcome for everyone onboard. While the prospect is terrifying, understanding the established protocols and maintaining composure are your most powerful tools. This guide outlines the critical steps to take and the rationale behind them, drawing on aviation security expertise and psychological principles to empower you with knowledge.

Introduction: Understanding the Protocol

Aircraft hijacking, though statistically rare due to stringent security measures, remains a serious threat. The aviation industry and security agencies worldwide have developed comprehensive, evidence-based protocols designed to minimize risk and maximize safety for passengers and crew. Knowing these procedures isn't just theoretical; it's a practical skill that can help you navigate an unimaginable crisis with clarity. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of the recommended actions during an aircraft hijacking, grounded in the principles of aviation security training and crisis management psychology. Understanding why these steps are taken is crucial for maintaining the calm and cooperation necessary for a positive resolution. The primary goal is to ensure your safety and the safety of others by following the instructions of the flight crew and security personnel, who are trained to handle such situations.

The Critical Steps: What You Should Do

1. Remain Calm and Comply (Initially): Your first instinct might be panic, but consciously taking a deep breath and attempting to stay calm is vital. The hijackers are observing passenger reactions. Displaying fear or resistance can escalate the situation. Initially, compliance with the hijackers' demands is often the safest immediate response. Do not argue or challenge them. Focus on observing details without drawing attention to yourself.
2. Follow Crew Instructions Precisely: The flight crew, particularly the captain and flight attendants, are the designated authorities during an emergency, including a hijacking. They undergo rigorous training for this scenario. Your absolute priority is to follow their instructions without hesitation. This could mean:
   • Moving to a specific seat or area.
   • Remaining seated with your seatbelt fastened.
   • Raising your hands as instructed.
   • Not making eye contact with the hijackers.
   • Keeping your hands visible and empty.
   • Avoiding any sudden movements.
   • Not attempting to communicate with or distract the hijackers.
3. Observe and Report (Discreetly): While compliance is key, your observations are invaluable intelligence. Mentally note details like:
   • The hijackers' appearance (height, build, clothing, distinguishing features).
   • The number of hijackers.
   • Their language(s) spoken.
   • Any weapons visible (type, size).
   • Their behavior and interactions with each other and passengers.
   • Any specific demands they make.
   • The aircraft's location and direction of flight.
   • The time of day/night.
   • The number of passengers and crew.
   • Crucially, report these details ONLY to the flight crew or designated security personnel when instructed to do so. Do not share information with other passengers or use onboard communication systems unless explicitly directed.
4. Protect Yourself and Others: While direct confrontation is highly discouraged, there are passive protective measures:
   • Seatbelt: Always keep it fastened, even if the aircraft seems stationary. It prevents you from being thrown during sudden movements or turbulence.
   • Cover Your Face: If possible, use a blanket, jacket, or piece of clothing to cover your face and nose/mouth. This can help if tear gas or pepper spray is deployed.
   • Avoid Eye Contact: This can be perceived as defiance or a challenge by the hijackers.
   • Stay Low: If the aircraft experiences sudden turbulence or a potential crash scenario, remaining seated with your head down and hands on your head (as instructed) offers the best protection.
5. Trust the Professional Response: Law enforcement and military personnel are trained for hostage rescue and hijack scenarios. Their primary objective is to resolve the situation safely, often by negotiating or, if necessary, conducting a tactical operation. Your role is to remain a passive, non-threatening witness until released or instructed otherwise. Resist any urge to intervene or attempt heroics, as this significantly increases risk.

The Science Behind the Strategy: Why Compliance and Calm Matter

The protocols aren't arbitrary; they are rooted in psychological principles and operational realities:

• De-escalation Psychology: Hijackers often seek attention, power, or a specific outcome. Displaying panic or defiance can fuel their ego and escalate violence. Compliance signals cooperation, potentially reducing their perceived need for extreme measures. Maintaining calm projects stability, which can subtly influence the hijackers' behavior.
• Operational Efficiency: The flight crew's primary training focuses on gathering intelligence, maintaining communication with ground control (like air traffic control and government agencies), and managing the situation within the aircraft. Their instructions are designed to facilitate this coordination. Disobeying instructions disrupts their ability to function effectively.
• Risk Mitigation: Sudden passenger movements, attempts to communicate, or resistance can trigger the hijackers to use violence. Compliance minimizes unpredictable actions that could provoke a violent response. The structured protocols are designed to create a predictable environment for negotiators and tactical teams.
• Intelligence Gathering: Detailed, accurate observations from passengers, when relayed through the crew, provide critical intelligence for negotiators and tactical teams. This information is vital for assessing the hijackers' capabilities, motivations, and potential vulnerabilities, ultimately aiding in a safer resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What if the hijackers threaten to harm someone? A: This is an extremely difficult situation. The crew is trained to assess threats and may attempt negotiation. Your role remains compliance unless explicitly instructed otherwise. Do not intervene physically.
• Q: Can I try to escape during the flight? A: Attempting to escape mid-flight is incredibly dangerous and almost always unsuccessful. The aircraft is not designed for passenger evacuation at altitude. Wait for official instructions, which will come from the crew or, if the aircraft lands, from authorities.
• Q: What if the hijackers land the plane? A: If the hijackers force a landing, authorities will be on standby. Your role is to remain calm, follow crew instructions, and avoid any actions that could be misinterpreted. Negotiators will work to resolve the situation.
• Q: How long can this last? A: The duration varies greatly depending

Compliance and Calm Matter

The protocols aren't arbitrary; they are rooted in psychological principles and operational realities:

• De-escalation Psychology: Hijackers often seek attention, power, or a specific outcome. Displaying panic or defiance can fuel their ego and escalate violence. Compliance signals cooperation, potentially reducing their perceived need for extreme measures. Maintaining calm projects stability, which can subtly influence the hijackers’ behavior.
• Operational Efficiency: The flight crew’s primary training focuses on gathering intelligence, maintaining communication with ground control (like air traffic control and government agencies), and managing the situation within the aircraft. Their instructions are designed to facilitate this coordination. Disobeying instructions disrupts their ability to function effectively.
• Risk Mitigation: Sudden passenger movements, attempts to communicate, or resistance can trigger the hijackers to use violence. Compliance minimizes unpredictable actions that could provoke a violent response. The structured protocols are designed to create a predictable environment for negotiators and tactical teams.
• Intelligence Gathering: Detailed, accurate observations from passengers, when relayed through the crew, provide critical intelligence for negotiators and tactical teams. This information is vital for assessing the hijackers’ capabilities, motivations, and potential vulnerabilities, ultimately aiding in a safer resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: What if the hijackers threaten to harm someone? A: This is an extremely difficult situation. The crew is trained to assess threats and may attempt negotiation. Your role remains compliance unless explicitly instructed otherwise. Do not intervene physically.
• Q: Can I try to escape during the flight? A: Attempting to escape mid-flight is incredibly dangerous and almost always unsuccessful. The aircraft is not designed for passenger evacuation at altitude. Wait for official instructions, which will come from the crew or, if the aircraft lands, from authorities.
• Q: What if the hijackers land the plane? A: If the hijackers force a landing, authorities will be on standby. Your role is to remain calm, follow crew instructions, and avoid any actions that could be misinterpreted. Negotiators will work to resolve the situation.
• Q: How long can this last? A: The duration varies greatly depending on the specific circumstances, the hijackers’ demands, and the effectiveness of the negotiation strategy. Hold times can range from a few hours to several days, and in rare cases, even longer. It’s crucial to understand that prolonged situations like these are inherently stressful and require unwavering adherence to established protocols.

Understanding the Importance of Non-Verbal Communication

Beyond simply following instructions, passenger behavior plays a significant role. Maintaining a low profile, avoiding eye contact with the hijackers, and demonstrating a posture of submission can be surprisingly effective. This isn’t about appeasement; it’s about minimizing perceived threats and projecting an image of non-resistance. Conversely, any action that draws attention – loud talking, fidgeting, or attempting to make eye contact – can be interpreted as defiance and potentially escalate the situation. The crew will often communicate subtle cues to passengers, such as directing them to sit down, keep their hands visible, and avoid any movement that could be perceived as a challenge.

Conclusion

A hijacking is a terrifying event, and the instinct to react is understandably strong. However, the established protocols surrounding passenger behavior during a hijacking are not designed to be punitive, but rather to maximize the chances of a safe and peaceful resolution. Compliance, coupled with calm and observant behavior, provides the best framework for both the crew’s operational effectiveness and the success of the negotiation process. By understanding the underlying psychology and operational necessities, passengers can contribute to a more controlled environment, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome for everyone involved. Remember, your safety and the safety of others depend on your ability to follow instructions and maintain a demeanor of quiet cooperation.