Release. Your concerns are of course normal, but to actually lose sleep over the matter is abnormal, and I would urge you to take medical advice if you fail to resolve these worries.
I have been flying for 32 years, and at present in the 757, 767, Cherokee and Chipmunk. I still think about the possibilities, especially when aerobatting the Chippie, but I reckon that if my number is up then God has given me a bloody big log book by now, and I should be grateful for all the good things that have come my way.
I never fly the Atlantic without wondering if it's my day to float in it. But somehow you 'know' that that is unlikely. At present around 1 in 1,250,000 chance. Pretty good odds.
You will not last long in this profession if you fail to address your fears, and rest assured that when I face a limits crosswind on a foul night no-one is crapping himself more than me, but if you are to be in charge of an aircraft and 320 passengers then the responsibility entrusted in you must be the most important thought in your mind. It must overide all else.
As for 'Crashing and burning', rest assured that you will not suffer long. The fumes/smoke and lack of available oxygen will knock you out before the flames can cause too much pain. Shock will do the rest. As for hitting anything solid. I am told by reliable medical sources that the brain is incapable of registering the pain
as your body disintegrates. So it beats Cancer eh?
[This message has been edited by BoeingBoy (edited 01 July 2001).]