Passengers & SLF (Self Loading Freight) If you are regularly a passenger on any airline then why not post your questions here?

Why Why !

Old 12th Apr 2008, 21:51
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Why Why !

Why am i so scared of flying??

I'm not scared of crashing, I just hate all the sensations of flying, the smells, the feelings, urgh!!

No real bad happenings. Nothing...so why am i such a baby, i get into such a state that i can hardly stay on the damn aircraft.

I will never as long as I live see what thrill and enjoyment cc and Pilots get out of flying ewwww.
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Old 12th Apr 2008, 22:12
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Why am i so scared of flying??
More like why am i on this forum?
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Old 12th Apr 2008, 22:15
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Well which forum would you suggest i go to post this then? and i will gladly go there.
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Old 12th Apr 2008, 22:21
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here
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Old 13th Apr 2008, 12:51
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To try and answer the question ... our personal reaction to the physical stimuli of events around us is, perforce, personal. For example, I detest anything that tastes bitter so I cannot drink beer or coffee. Even the smell of these turns my stomach over. It has been like that all my life, my body will just not accept them (so spicy food for that matter) but I adore sweet smelling and tasting foods.

Likewise, I adore the take off roll and the moment of rotation. I can be in a really miserable mood but, the moment, the engines come up to power and the brakes are released - I start to smile. I no longer think about why some things are good for me and some bad.

If you are able to tolerate the journey by air - without actually feeling bad or panicked - then that may just be the way you are. If you DO feel frightened but still need to fly, then there are a number of courses and videos and do forth.
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Old 13th Apr 2008, 14:56
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Been Hacked

You probably have more awareness of what many people call 'seat of the pants' feedback from the airframe.

Do yourself a favour and book a trial lesson in a light aircraft.

That will take a lot of the fear away, when you see how easy it is to handle a smal plane.

But you might get hooked
 
Old 13th Apr 2008, 15:56
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Been Hacked,

The last thing you should do is book a trial flight in a light aircraft.

Consider what it is you dislike about flying first of all: does the process of booking the flight upset you or cause some mental irritation? Have you tried booking a free flight on one of the locos to explore this?

Having booked the flight does that make you feel anxious?

Does the process of negotiating the airport make you nauseous?

Do you have an understanding of the mechanics of flight?

Does the enclosed cabin make you feel nervous?

There are lots of variables, the majority of which can be cured by knowledge and some patient explanantion.

If I can help you ( 737 Training Capt scheduled carrier ) please feel free to PM me.

TRSS
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Old 13th Apr 2008, 16:36
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The last thing you should do is book a trial flight in a light aircraft.
....that's debatable...I've got a colleague at work who has recently developed a very mild fear of flying, and a friend suggested she take a flight in a light aircraft (I haven't heard how it went yet). There was someone doing a similar thing at my flying club the other day and I think in her case it did help a bit.

It's definitely something to think about.

Last edited by Contacttower; 13th Apr 2008 at 17:10.
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Old 14th Apr 2008, 10:25
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Been hacked, bless. While I don't have a fear of flying, I feel for you, because nothing's worse than that. Do you by any chance know what makes you fear flying? Is it the airport experience? Is it the "I am no longer in control of what happens to me" feeling?

I believe Virgin and other airlines have programmes that perhaps allow you to answer this kind of question... they take you through an entire course thing, and they let you book one. I can only guess that some bad flying experiences (like severe turbulence on your first flight, or a bad take-off or landing) make you fear such an unpleasant experience time and again.

Do you have a good friend who loves to fly, and who is happy to assist you in coping until you can cope on your own? Perhaps you two could do a trip together and take it step by step? I've found that I'm less stressed when I arrive with a LOT of time ahead, so that I can dawdle through check-in, security etc, and still have around 45 minutes before boarding. I'd avoid alcohol or any caffeine-based drinks (coffee, tea, Red Bull) to avoid being set on edge. I'm sure that an airline (but not budget airlines) would make some arrangements if you told them at check-in that you're a nervous flyer, who will possibly check on you often to see if you're still alright.

I hope you will be able to get a grip on your fear of flying, and will start enjoying that experience as much as all of us others do. Good luck!

:-)

S.
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Old 14th Apr 2008, 11:22
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I'm not scared of crashing
I sure as hell am.
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Old 14th Apr 2008, 12:54
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Dear Been Hacked ... maybe I can help.

Firstly the Flying Without Fear website and the products therein were a godsend for me. That's a starting point. I'd advice the DVD, book and CD's.

Last year I got a job that meant I'd have to commute, by air, twice weekly. The thought of which had me nauseated beyoned belief. Thankfully my first flight was with a colleague and it was a perfect flight. My first thought on touchdown was however that I'd never be able to do that again, and I wondered how I'd even get home. First thing I did was get on the web, found that website, read it and then bought the stuff.

Which brings me to where I am today. I now fly alone at least twice a week. I've been on a plane that had to be rebooted, one that sat on the tarmas for an hour whilst "a small but vital part" was replaced (Captains words), through some very bumpy turbulence...but mostly I've been on peaceful, non-eventful flights.

Sensations are very well explained in the book (I still read it when I'm feeling jittery) and as for smells and feelings, the answers lay in your own hands.

the most important thing I always remember is that there is no more on earth the captain would get skyward if he for any reason wasn't happy with the aircraft. It's not like running your car to the nearest garage knowing it may or may not make it when it has a problem. The other thing I always remember is that most of the 'events' we dislike in an aircraft (i.e. turbulence etc.) are just a fraction of what it's been tested through. What may seem like a very scary bumpy and pitching journey is no doubt a tiny percentage of what the plane can really withstand.

I'm not cured, I don't run up the plane two at a time but I make it easier for myself. I've learnt that airports can often be the worst part of the experience at yet thay are nothing to do with the journey. I pre-book my seats (the few extra quid is worth it), if I can I book in on line and print my own baording pass as I only take hand luggage (and I fit a weeks wardrobe onto mine!) and I get to the airport timely enough that I'm not rushed but I'm not sat around thinking.

I wish you well and do please drop me a PM if you want any more info or just want to ask questions.
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Old 14th Apr 2008, 20:44
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I too have a fear, and I will be honest my fear is of crashing! I only fly for holidays, usually scheduled flights with BA (very limited where you can go from Aberdeen)

I do not show my fear to others, but inside I am falling apart. Every noise, every smell panics me. I do relax a little when the seatbelts sign go off as I always tell myself the Captain must be happy with everything!! The worse part for me is landing, I absolutely hate it. I also hate when the plane banks, I think it is going to tip over.

I have a great fascination for aeroplanes though and I LOVE Aircrash investigation ( I am even watching it now as I type this) I find it amazing how they can find out the cause of most crashes. I have the utmost admiration for you guys and girls that fly these planes, I really do. In fact I have the utmost admiration for anybody that works in the industry, air traffic controllers, engineers and technicians, ground staff etc.

I have flown more in these last 5 years than all my life but it doesn't get any easier for me. Also flew long haul for the first time last year on a 747 which I was extremely apprehensive about, however I was very pleasantly surprised as to how nice that flight was.

There is no way in the world you would get me up in a small plane or a helicopter so that will not allay my fears.

I am due to fly next weekend, BA to Heathrow then my first flight with Lufthansa to Munich. I can already feel the apprehension starting!!
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Old 14th Apr 2008, 21:03
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I used to watch all the Air Crash progs until I realised I was just exasperating matters. I'm sure anyone that thought about it would worry about an accident, or crashing, but do you feel that same way when you drive your car? I've tried to be more subjective about what I didn't/don't like about flying, and it's the very fact that there are SO many checks, re-checks and triple checks that helps allay my fears. I too look forward to the bong allowing the cabin crew out of their sets, but it's just another thing to stick your fears onto.

Banking I used to hat too, fearing the aircraft would 'slip' ... again, the book I bought was brilliant at this.

I wish you some peace, and I can thoroughly THOROUGHLY recommend EFT and NLP.
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Old 14th Apr 2008, 21:53
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BH

Getting up in the morning frightens me fartless:----------

Hey I understand your fear, do try a trial flt at your local aero club, or even get a glider trip, now thats a nice with no noise!

All so called pointless fears (vertigo is medical) are based upon a reason, 'tis just finding the base point.

I've been in aviation for over 40 years, but still some times get a twitch at
V1.

Good luck and enjoy the roller coaster ride, for that's all it is, but with a glass or two!
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Old 15th Apr 2008, 00:18
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If I may say ... those that cheerfully suggest to Been hacked and others, to take a flight in a light aircraft, appear to have ZERO idea of how fear of flying (or of anything) manifests itself. I urge anyone that is nervous to NOT go in a light aircraft - or even a turbo-prop, until they feel they have a better understanding of their fear and what sparks it off.

Firstly, the difference between a light aircraft and a passenger liner are so astronomical as to not need explanation. BUT if the person thinks that any little 'blip' and 'shimmy' of a A320 or B767 airframe worries them - then a light aircraft will have them hysterical within a minute of rotation!

The smaller the machine, the greater you feel each and every bump. They will be fixated on the fact that there is only one engine and one pilot. They will be in a new environment that appears far riskier than anything they have been in before. The list of fears they will find is almost endless and with no real way of 'mapping' it onto their experience as a pax in a commercial liner.

If they can attend a course where they are shown footage of what is happening on the flight deck and played the sounds, whilst a pilot explains them all and shows them external pictures of the aircraft to show what is happening (flaps retracting, raising the gear) then they can map what they hear and feel with what is supposed to be happening and that it is OK.

Secondly, I have a phobia about a particular event (nothing to do with flying itself, although the two can sometimes be linked) and I know that the unreasonable nature of a phobia is that it springs up at you at any moment and you cannot control it. I know that it is just a phobia but, when it launches itself, I can be left sweating and shaking - even when nothing has actually happened.

So, please, do not suggest that a nervous pax takes a flight in a light a/c until they understand what they would be letting themselves in for. There are a number of well documented courses, DVDs and books, FWOF has spoken of their help, that is the place to start.
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Old 15th Apr 2008, 06:07
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Paxboy

What experience of desensitisation of fear do you have?

I made my suggestion based on real experience. I also have psychology qualifications and 15 years experience in working in the area of behavioural change.

Remember that a person on a trial flight (which last about 20 minutes) can be on the ground in under 5 if they feel uncomfortable.

Desensitisation is achieved by confronting the fear in a small way and then increasing the intensity of the experience.

Given that the OP is an adult, a trial flight is one of a raft of possible options.

Whilst the OP will know whether or not this is an acceptable starting point (it may not be), I don't really think that you should dismiss the idea out of hand.
 
Old 15th Apr 2008, 08:33
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I suspect, while everyone now debates the pro's and con's of light aircraft flights, desensitization, fear of flying etc, that the original poster has now moved on to post sarcastic answers on other threads, having no interest in the replies generated.
Just my opinion.
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Old 15th Apr 2008, 08:37
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Well even if that's true dollydaydream it doesn't mean the discussion can't be interesting...
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Old 15th Apr 2008, 11:28
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I love flying in the big stuff. The only time I've been terrified of flying is in a light aircraft. It was piloted by a friend in whom I had absolute confidence and I still came within a whisker of losing my breakfast and my nerve. I felt every lump and bump - plus I don't get that sense of being a long way off the ground in a 737. I've never been so pleased to get my feet on the floor and will not be repeating the experience again in a hurry. That day is how I found my screen name.

Just because the plane is smaller, doesn't make it a way of "confronting the fear in a small way". A small plane will amplify and exaggerate any sensation about flying that bothers a person (even if they weren't aware of it before).

Plane big enough to have an onboard toilet & trolley of g&t = good
Anything smaller = avoidavoidavoid
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Old 15th Apr 2008, 13:34
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Just because the plane is smaller, doesn't make it a way of "confronting the fear in a small way". A small plane will amplify and exaggerate any sensation about flying that bothers a person (even if they weren't aware of it before).


Snogging.

You are using a false frame of reference.

Yep, it would be stupid to send someone with a fear of flying off in turbulent conditions for a 2 hour flight - the damage could be severe.

BUT, a 15 minute circuit on a calm summer evening is a whole different matter, PROVIDED the person involved is not coerced and can always stop the sortie quickly.

When I owned a plane, I used to do these sort of little flights every now and then and generally the passengers said it heldped them a lot. Usually they had control for a few mintues too, although not always.

However, it isn't a panacea for all and shoudl not be forced on people.
 

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