Fear of flying?

Question

I go to Arizona every summer and have been going since I was 8. Yet, I still have a horrible fear of flying and I doubt I can get over it. What should I do to either keep calm on a flight or get over the fear? (If possible, although it's unlikely.)

Answer 1

Sounds like a rational paranoia to me! Ever drive?

Answer 2

A couple of ideas:

1. Talk to your doctor and explain how upset you get when flying. Perhaps he will write a small script for Valium (not enough to knock you out, just enough to take the edge off)

2. If you can find someone who really knows about airplanes (IE a pilot, mechanic or someone who designs/builds them), have them really explain how an airplane works. My Dad has been a mechanic for delta for 25 years, served 4 years in the USAF (fixing aircraft) and even held a private pilots license for a while. At an early age he explained to me how flying works and was always available to answer any question about it. So I have never been afraid of flying. But I do understand how people can be, as even though I'm not scared of it, it is crazy to be that high up!

Of course, everyone has heard the old saying "More people die in car wrecks on the way to the airport than die in plane crashes", but it really is true. Just this last week, there have been 5-6 fatal car wrecks that were reported on the news, but there hasn't been a serious plane wreck in the US for a while. Also remember, that at any given time, there are thousands of planes in the sky, every single day. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Check with your airline. Many have workshops for those who fear flying.
You can get over your fear of flying if you work at it. Booze or pills might get you through the flight but they only mask the anxiety. Knowledge and experience are the cure.
Basically, airplanes fly because air passing over the top of the wing travels faster than the air below the wing. This increased speed lowers the air pressure above the wing relative to the air pressure below it. This is called lift. You've probably seen a convertible car with the top bulging as it goes down the highway. Same idea. The air inside the car is not moving as fast as the air over the outside of the roof. The air outside has less air pressure than the air inside, so the roof material bulges. If you follow that car long enough to see it slow down you will see the bulging roof begin to sag until the low pressure air can no longer lift the weight of the material and it comes to rest on its internal frame.
The point is, as long as the wings keep thier shape and the airplane goes fast enough through the air, the wings will generate enough lift to stay airborne.
If you would like more info, I would be happy to correspond by email. Or/Also, go to your local airport and talk to a flight instructor. Pilots love to talk about flying, especially to those who aren't comfortable with it.
I hope this helps - good luck.

Answer 4

There are a number of things you can do. The first is to learn to relax- doing real relaxation exercises like breathing in through the nose, out the mouth. Progressive relaxation techniques work as well, where you start by relaxing your toes, feet, ankles, calves, etc. The other advantage to doing this when you are taking off is that it acts as a distraction to what is going on. There are therapies that can help you- where you imagine yourself on the plane, and also imagine yourself being completely relaxed, etc. Look on the net- under relaxation techniques, and also look into the different therapies for fear of flying. The relaxation techniques are generally very helpful.

Answer 5

OK first relax the chance that u wont make it is very slim second be prepared for the fun and third they will cram u in to a small area so get a good seat oh yes no legroom in second class and if u really want to fly do it first class its the only way to fly!

Answer 6

I actually fly quite a bit for work, and I can tell you honestly I still hate it. However, what works for me is to use headphones (I use the full coverage Bose with Noise reduction) and play music that would be relaxing in any environment. I also tend to watch the flight crew. If they don't seem to be worried, I relax a little more.

Good Luck though. It's not easy!

Answer 7

I work at a airline and fly a whole lot. I usually focus on a dvd, listen to music or sleep. It's really fun and relaxing once you get off the ground.

Answer 8

well im flying for the first time in about a week and im scared but everybody keeps telling me to think of it as a ride at like a fair so maybe that would work

Answer 9

i have flown dozens of times, and i hate it so much it so boring, if i had a top 10 list of things i hate to do flying would be on there, if you are scared take a sleeping pill before you get on and nap through the whole thing

Answer 10

I am more affraid of driving on city streets. Treat flying as if it were a carnival ride.

Answer 11

next time your on a plane look at the exit doors, they actually move in and out almost an inch like they are about to pop off during take offs...it's even more scary when you are sitting in the exit row