fear of flying...an understatement?

Question

VERY afraid to fly. maybe it is just the crash i am afraid of.
not just since 9/11, but FOREVER.
i need to overcome this fear, i am flying in november.
any resources, and suggestions, statistics... ANYTHING will help. thanks!!!

Answer 1

I was like that for years. I would get on the lawn dart, oops I mean plane and hold it up but the arm rests, knowing that everyones fate was in my hands and if I let go the plane would go down like the Titanic.

I bought a recovery company 9 years ago. I was forced into taking.....PILOT LESSONS. Ya the first 6 months were filled with screams, so I got another instructor. The second one did not seem to scream as much as the first so I hung it out with her.

What you need to know and what I had to learn is this; the plane is not going anyplace but where it is suposed to. With A/P the plane can take off and land itself. Gone are the Flintstone aircrafts of 30 years ago. With the computer updates the only worry to have is the ride to and from the airport. There are more people killed on the highways systems and the roads in a day than there are in the USA by aircraft in a year.

Before you fly take a couple of Benydryl, load some music in the IPod, get a window seat (more room for sleeping). Tell the flight attendants that you are scared, they are a great help.

Remember that flying is just like driving, you are going to hit bumps in the road, you hit bumps in the sky. The plane has to slow down and speed up you will feel this. The flaps will show you what is going on. We drop the flaps to slow down for landing, nothing to worry about there.

The best thing to remember is do not drink over 1 alcholic drink, do not order the chicken and pray you do not get seated next to a fat guy that over laps into your seat.

After you land you will have that rush of reliefe and you will realize that it was fun and will be looking forward to the trip home.

Look honey at one time I was so scared of flying I was on a flight from NYC to Frankfurt Germany and the plane hit a large airpocket, I jumped out of my seat and made a VERY LOUD PSA...HOLY $%^& WE ARE GOING TO DIE!!!! Well I did get to ride in first class the rest of the trip I think they voted me out of the back. The pilot came out to calm me, by that time I was praying to Gods that dont exsist. All I could do was look at the pit door and wonder who is flying this damn thing if you are here.

Now I fly around the country and repo aircraft for GMAC and other finance companies. Nothing like the sky at sunset.

I was OK and you will be too.

Answer 2

The most dangerous part of the whole trip is the drive to the airport. You're more likely to be injured during that phase than you are once you walk through the airplane's door.

If you can swing it, go look into desensitization therapy. A psychologist or counselor will develop a plan where you will gradually be exposed to more and more stimuli related to the trip. Along the way you'll probably learn some calming techniques to help relax you if you start to feel stress.

For example, you might start by going to the observation gallery at an airport, and watch the planes take off and land. You'll notice that they do both very smoothly, and the people on them are happy, friendly, safe, and comfortable. Then you might ride a bus, and learn that the inside of an airliner is similar - an aisle, with seats on each side, overhead compartments for stowing small luggage and parcels, and windows along the sides to look out. And you'll learn that like airplanes, busses come and go every day, safely and routinely.

Next you might visit an airport and see inside a small plane, and sit inside. The pilot can explain the controls, and show you that they are in touch with the air traffic control system, that they have redundant ways to achieve safe and efficient travel, to communicate with the ground and other planes, etc. You may see a movie taken in flight, and see that the ride can be smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable.

If the counselor is trained in it, you may be hypnotized to help you learn other relaxation skills, and to help calm you before and during the flight. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a light tranquilizer to help you also.

But for all of this to happen, you have to take the first steps. Start looking for a counselor now. Talk to your doctor and tell him about your fear, and ask for his help. You only have a short time, and all of these steps will take time to accomplish. Start calling now.

Answer 3

Children of Bodom Our Lady Peace Rise Against Primal Fear Opeth Rage Against the Machine Amorphis The Offspring Elevenking God Forbid As I Lay Dying RED Breaking Benjamin All That Remains Godsmack Ensiferum

Answer 4

I was scared of flying once when I was young, but my way of curing it was probably a bit drastic- I joined the Parachute Regiment, after jumping several times that cured the flying fear..still scared of parachuting though :))

Anyway there is no need to fear flying at all, you have more chance of getting killed crossing the road!
Some airlines run courses for people really scared, but expect it would cost.
Just look at a plane from this point of view- its like a bus with wings, but a lot safer :)

Answer 5

i agree with ralf. i am more scared driving on the motorway to the airport than i am flying.. your safer in the sky than down below. i was scared once. till i flew to India. and we had to go from Liverpool, heathrow, France. mumbai then on to final destination Goa,5 up and downs, tell you it was like being on a bus. waiting for the passengers to get on, cured me. one way flight was more than average person does is 2 years or more.

Answer 6

just go to the drug store and get sth. to help you to fall asleep.