onthefly1, I have two daughters, one like you who started to get nervous after a single experience, bad buffeting in turbulence, actually on an AF flight, on the same route and around the same time as AF447. She now gets prescription drugs from her doctor before any flight. Her aunt was like that too and latterly only ever went anywhere by ship. My daughter does get some relief now from asking questions and finding out in more detail how an aircraft works in differing conditions.
My other daughter is completely fine with flying.
Personally I fall instantly asleep from the moment the G forces start to push me back into my seat on release of brakes.
I wonder if it is genetic, or can anyone make the switch?