Hi all
I am not a pilot but I hope you don't mind me posting the following.
I have always had a fear of flying to a certain extent but did not let it stop me flying. However earlier this year I had to cancel a trip to Europe (sister's wedding) due to panic attacks (principally due to Sept 11. I had not flown at all since that day.)
Anyway I enrolled in the Fearless Flyers course (
http://www.fearlessflyers.com.au/ ) which I have just completed today. The course finished with a flight Mel-Syd for the day with lunch at Bondi. As you would well be aware it was a fine day and not too bad for flying.
Anyway the course and the day went fine. Although I was nervous flying there were no panic attacks and I coped ok. Most other people doing the course also reported good results.
A number of people contributed their time and expertise to helping the group including a number of women pilots and your own Captain Dale Newman who was a fountain of knowledge.
I would just like to publicly express my thanks to all associated with the course and comment that I found the course worthwhile and would recommend it to anyone with a fear of flying. The course presenters are genuinely interested to help people with their problems and their results reflect this commitment.
I am sure that in your flying duties you come across many passengers who have, to some degree, a fear of flying. I hope that you will point them towards this course based on my and other's recommendations.
Also I'd like to express my thanks to the Captains and staff on QF3 out of MEL at 8.30 AM today and QF447 out of Sydney 3.40 PM for the warm welcome they gave the group. We are fortunate to have a great airline and great staff in QANTAS.
Thanks and keep up the good work
Peter Berrett