The deletion of the scene makes later references to it nonsensical.

Don Sathern, supervisor of visual programming for Sony-Trans Com Inc., the nation's largest in-flight movie service, said: ''Everybody wanted the scene out. Usually, plane-crash sequences are automatically out.'' Raymond Cites Statistics

Mr. Levinson said he didn't have the authority to insist that the scene be restored. ''We can't do anything about it,'' he said. Still, he called the editing ridiculous.

''These airlines don't know that supposedly there is a degree of risk?'' Mr. Levinson asked. ''They've never heard of such a thing? We're saying that over the years, planes have crashed. That is a reality of life.''

In the airport scene, Charlie tries to prevail on his brother to board the airliner, but Raymond is adamant:

''Airline travel is very dangerous,'' Raymond says. ''Don't be silly,'' Charlie snaps. ''It's the safest in the world. You're going to love this. Trust me.''

Raymond remains steadfast in his flight phobia, citing 30 air crashes in 1987 and 211 fatalities.

One airline is showing ''Rain Man'' with the scene intact: Qantas, which Raymond singles out for the best safety record.