Readers Decry Dornan’s Actions on Plane

I have been a pilot and employee for United Airlines and in the industry for quite a few years. There is a specific reason that the seat back be upright during takeoff and landing--protecting the passenger behind the seat.

In case of emergency, the protective position for a passenger is leaning forward placing the head down on the knees, thereby avoiding a forward whiplash or driving the head into the back of the seat ahead in the case of a sudden stop. Apparently Rep. Robert K. Dornan is ignorant of the reason for the rule. I certainly hope he is not unconcerned for the passengers’ safety.

The seat backs are to be upright for only the takeoff and landing. This at most would be for a maximum of five minutes and, with prearrangement, could be reduced to two minutes or less. If this were not acceptable to Dornan he could have arranged to have a stretcher provided at extra cost and could have been horizontal the entire trip.

If he approaches legislation and representing his constituents the way he handled the seat-back affair, we are getting the government we deserve.

H. M. WHITE, Newport Beach