- TJ Newman was a flight attendant for 10 years before publishing books.
- His latest novel, Worst Case Scenario, examines a catastrophic plane crash.
- The writer’s top safety tip in a real emergency is to “leave everything behind.”
What would you do if an air disaster occurred?
Well, in an attempt to prepare passengers for the worst, the flight attendant turned author… TJ Newman has shared a number of safety tips with DailyMail.com from his days as a pilot.
His latest novel, Worst Case Scenario, addresses exactly that topic: a plane crashes into a nuclear power plant.
But the Phoenix-based writer points out that these are the most extreme events that could take place in the skies, and that mild turbulence is the most likely disturbance travelers will encounter.
First, the aviator says the first safety measure everyone can take is to buckle up.
TJ Newman was a flight attendant for 10 years before turning to writing aviation-themed novels.
His latest novel, Worst Case Scenario, examines a catastrophic plane crash.
She explains: ‘If you are in your seat, your seat belt must be fastened at all times.
‘Just look at any of the incredible videos of severe turbulence that have appeared in the news recently.
“In situations like this, most injuries would have been avoided if the passengers had worn their seat belts.”
Although they may seem annoying, TJ says it is always “imperative to comply with crew member instructions” and that they are on board “for one reason: safety.”
In addition to securing your seat belt, the author says other instructions the crew may give you before takeoff include stowing your bag properly, having your seat back in the upright position and securing your tray table.
While all planes may look the same, TJ points out that configurations can vary wildly, with exit doors in different locations and rows following different layouts.
For this reason, he says it is important to “review the safety information card” of each aircraft, every time you fly.
The globetrotter reveals: ‘I flew as a flight attendant for a decade and as a passenger, even I now check the card before every take-off.’
Even though it may seem like they are being pushy, TJ says it is always “imperative” to follow crew members’ instructions and that they are on board “for one reason: safety.”
TJ Newman’s latest book, Worst Case Scenario: A Novel, published by Little, Brown and Company, is now available
Continuing in the same vein, TJ adds: ‘Familiarize yourself with that plane’s exits and emergency equipment, so in the unlikely event of an evacuation, you won’t hesitate.
‘You’ll know which direction to take.
“The difference in those seconds could save your life.”
Finally, if there is a true emergency, TJ’s top tip is to “drop everything.”
The New York Times bestseller, who worked as a flight attendant for 10 years, concludes: “If you have to evacuate a plane, timing is everything.
‘Don’t stop to look for a suitcase. Nothing is more important than your life and that of your fellow passengers. Drop everything and get off the plane.’
TJ Newman’s latest book, Worst Case Scenario: A Novel, published by Little, Brown and Company, is now available.he