Why am I afraid of heights, but enjoy flying?

Question

I can't stand at the edge of a high building or go up a glass elevator without fear, but love to fly and can look out the window just fine.

Answer 1

I am the same way--get me ten feet up on a ladder and I am gripping on to that ladder with "white knuckles" and don't want to let go for anything but get me up in an airplane and I am euphoric flying. I think it is being in the cabin of a jet or airplane that tricks us into trhinking we are safe and secure like on earth. The little houses and cars don't seem real. But even though both you and I like flying in airplanes PAwatcher, I think we would be terrified to be one of those Biplane "wing walkers" of the 20's! I think the more senses that are at play in helping us realize we are off the ground--high high off the ground, the more frightened we will be. In an airplane you can look down at your feet and see something solid. If you look over the edge of a multistoried building there is nothing to stop you from falling all the way to your death and so then all your self-preservation instincts kick in and you are frightened..
-Spec

Answer 2

me too i love flying heights ok elevators i am afraid of it breaking and falling

Answer 3

Because you have people around you you're safe.