Is the fear of flying groundless?

Answer 1

Its almost groundless, but not groundless. Millions of people every day can tell you that you dont need to be afraid of flying. But what do you tell the 100's of people who die every year in plane crashes? Tough luck?

What would you have said to those people who died in plane crashes the FIRST TIME they ever had to fly in an airplane?

Fear is a good thing. Even when its not always a rational thing.

There is no 'logical' or statistical counter-point to make to someone with a phobia.

Statistics dont matter when you're dead!

If you have a phobia, It all boils down to swallowing a big pill (real or imaginary) and/or travelling by car or boat instead!

Don't need to sugar-coat it.

Answer 2

I don't know if it's groundless, because you can have the feeling of not being in control. However, it is considered irrational. Flying is the safest form of transportation, even though it seems unnatural. But, people are afraid of a lot of things. You can get over it, though, as there are many books and programs to help people get over the fear. Hope this helps you.

Answer 3

Statistically speaking yes, the fear is groundless.

You would have to fly on a plane for over ten years continuously before being involved in a crash, and then you would have a 90% chance of survival (since many of the crashes include things like runway overruns which have few fatalities).

Compare that to the over 40,000 traffic deaths in the USA alone every year. If this figure was the yearly American death toll in Iraq, the people would be revolting.

Unfortunately the media blows airline crashes out of proportion while you only hear about the traffic fatalities as a three second blurb on the news radio station as you commute to work.

Still...the most dangerous part of flying is the cab ride to the airport.

Answer 4

i love flying. the best part is turbulence and landing. the fear of flying is both ground and groundless. plans can crash on landings, and takeoffs, and planes can crash to the ground from the air. i have been on many flights, and the chances of being in a crash are very slim, but it depends on the airline.

Answer 5

Since it is unnatural for a person to suspended at 30,000 feet, there is some rationality behind the phobia. But, as others have pointed out, commercial flights are safer than driving.

Answer 6

All flying is groundless. Otherwise it's walking.

Answer 7

No. All flying experiences start and (hopefully) finish on the ground.

Answer 8

I am petrified of flying. I hold my breath for days before.