Please can you help me rationalise my fear of flying?

Question

All I can think of is how there is only a tin box seperating me from a mile drop to Earth. Please help me

Answer 1

Loads of people are afraid to fly. It's a pretty common fear I guess, and it's a lot better than the fear I have: I HATE flying insects!

But anyways, lets say, worst case scenario; the engines fail. Bear in mind that it's highly unlikely that even 1 of these engines to fail, let alone 2 (or 4 on some aircraft), a plane travelling at 35,000 feet will be able to glide for over 13 minutes before needing to land. That's plenty of time for the pilot to steer the plane to the nearest airport or find a safe spot to ditch/land. Remember, the pilot wants to live too! :)

The second thing people worry about is mid-air collisions. Though airspace these days are getting crowded, planes are still required to fly several kilometers apart from each other (I forget how far apart). Even in case of an emergency, it would take a lot of effort to make 2 planes crash into each other.

I hope this little dose of logic hasn't put you off flying all-together! I love flying. Looking out the window as I leave the ground... there's nothing quite like it. I hope to be an airline pilot one day so I can enjoy the view from the cockpit. :)

Answer 2

Well, that "tin little box" you refer to is actually the safest way to travel according to statistics over the past few decades. I can't seem to find the exact numbers right now, but I think the stats say that you're 1,000 times more likely to be involved in a car crash on your on your way to the airport than having an incident during the actual flight.

Also remember that your pilots have been flying for several years and have several thousands of flight hours recorded at the controls of some very advanced aircraft. These pilots are all trained to national (and international, depending on the company) standards for proven safety records.

You are in good hands and should have no problems while flying. If need be, get a nice drink in you and take a nap! Hope that helps!

Answer 3

I used to be just like you....afraid to fly! But I made my mind up that if I was going to go across the country, I wasn't driving. I can't lie....the first time in the airplane, the take off, the landing, and the small turbulences scared the hell out of me. But guess what? Each and every time I flew after that, it became easier. Today I love flying so much that I am seriously thinking about becoming a flight attendant. Try it....you won't be sorry!

Answer 4

It is your great opportunity to be free of the earth and be a bird for awhile. In the daylight just to see the hills, roads, rivers, lakes and cities is a sight no other creatures in history have had the chance to witness. At night, the lights are like necklaces and diamonds spread out on black velvet.
The awe should far exceed any fear and with each flight the fear decreases and the awe increases.

Answer 5

Your fear of flying comes from a combination of different things. The media gives great focus and attention to plane crashes. When you get on a plane and become a passenger you lose control as opposed to being behind the wheel of a car, and you may be like I used to be - having images of cadavers laying in trees from past crashes.

Answer 6

It is the safest form of travel. Mainly because of all the safety precautions taken place. Yes accidents do happen, but you do not hear of them often. Just as much.. think and even research how many accidents in cars happen per day, will not compare to accidents to aircraft in a year.

Answer 7

if it makes you feel better, flying is a ton safer than driving


you have a better chance of getting in a car wreck on your way to the airport

Answer 8

To "rationalize" your fear is to justify it. That's not what you want.
You want (or should want) to LOSE your fear of flying via education leading to confidence.