Petrified of Turbulence
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,488
Likes: 35
From: Hong Kong
I went through a stage of hating turbulence - basically went through a phase of hating flying; spent too much time worrying about what could happen even though the chances of something bad happening are incredibly slim. In the end I suppose I rationalized the fear out and then decided to enjoy a bit of turbulence as though it was a train going over points or a bus going over pot holes or....being married.
Everything is under control.
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: Washington, D.C.
Northbeach suggested the self-study program. That's worth a try. Self-hypnosis probably helps some people. If those don't work, for as much as you fly, I'd seek out a professional counselor or psychologist who specializes in phobias. I know there are some around DC but I don't know about where you are. Maybe a mild tranquilizer would take the edge off.
Before I logged in here I was reading the thread, and at the bottom were ads for programs to reduce social anxiety and fear of public speaking. LOL I could probably use those.
I have flown a C-150, long ago, just 15 hours. I was taking lessons, bounced in a couple of landings, and got spooked. Quit and never got my private pilots license. I found flying a small plane scary, especially the landings. On the other hand, on a commercial flight, nothing bothers me, even the rare severe turbulence. I think it is the lack of control you mention that clears my mind. There's nothing I can do about it, so I just go along for the ride. It is interesting that the lack of control has the opposite effect on you.
Before I logged in here I was reading the thread, and at the bottom were ads for programs to reduce social anxiety and fear of public speaking. LOL I could probably use those.
I have flown a C-150, long ago, just 15 hours. I was taking lessons, bounced in a couple of landings, and got spooked. Quit and never got my private pilots license. I found flying a small plane scary, especially the landings. On the other hand, on a commercial flight, nothing bothers me, even the rare severe turbulence. I think it is the lack of control you mention that clears my mind. There's nothing I can do about it, so I just go along for the ride. It is interesting that the lack of control has the opposite effect on you.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,103
Likes: 0
From: 45 yards from a tropical beach
Drive4it
There was once a young man who had a dream, but he lived in America, and to realise his dream he would have to go to Europe. The problem being, he was completely, absolutely, utterly !!!!! scared of flying in turbulence. He could not go by sea, as there would be but one window of opportunity for him, and sailing would take too long.
It took a phenomenal amount of time, effort, love and support, but his family and friends finally convinced him to take the flight, him spending most of it sitting on the floor with his arms around his head. However, he achieved his dream and flew back to America without a problem, and indeed flew overseas many times afterwards.
The event took place in Rome in 1960. The young man won the heavyweight boxing Olympic Gold medal.
His name was Cassius Clay.
There was once a young man who had a dream, but he lived in America, and to realise his dream he would have to go to Europe. The problem being, he was completely, absolutely, utterly !!!!! scared of flying in turbulence. He could not go by sea, as there would be but one window of opportunity for him, and sailing would take too long.
It took a phenomenal amount of time, effort, love and support, but his family and friends finally convinced him to take the flight, him spending most of it sitting on the floor with his arms around his head. However, he achieved his dream and flew back to America without a problem, and indeed flew overseas many times afterwards.
The event took place in Rome in 1960. The young man won the heavyweight boxing Olympic Gold medal.
His name was Cassius Clay.
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 80
From: Bedford, UK
Well, for the last time
We are all frightened of fear. Call up Rainboe and we will saunter over the Bay of Bengal. Human beings are 2 dimensional creatures, happy in moving over our 2 dimensional surface. Up and down isn't to our taste. Hardly surprisingly that we are uncomfortable 36k feet above the ground.
Pilots' Pal
Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 0
From: USA
I speak from the advantage of having a background in aircraft maintenance so this is easy for me to say: I go with the philosophy that knowledge helps (in most cases!).
Knowing what a structure can stand (videos linked elsewhere) - with the knowledge that they stress them to 150% of known loads - certainly helps.
AF447 remains a mystery but the little knowledge we have of it shows the classic accident trajectory of a series of failures, problems or circumstances. Accidents such as this are rare. Aviation has been in the news lately with the Qantas A380 and Boeing's incidents [by ICAO definition not accidents - no deaths (Boeing's incident didn't occur on a commercial flight anyway)]. There are many incidents every day but most end with no problems. Aircraft rarely fall out of the sky these days; catastrophic structural failure is very rare. Cheer up and remember that - give or take a a few numbers - you are 26 times more likely to die on the car journey to/from the airport.
Knowing what a structure can stand (videos linked elsewhere) - with the knowledge that they stress them to 150% of known loads - certainly helps.
AF447 remains a mystery but the little knowledge we have of it shows the classic accident trajectory of a series of failures, problems or circumstances. Accidents such as this are rare. Aviation has been in the news lately with the Qantas A380 and Boeing's incidents [by ICAO definition not accidents - no deaths (Boeing's incident didn't occur on a commercial flight anyway)]. There are many incidents every day but most end with no problems. Aircraft rarely fall out of the sky these days; catastrophic structural failure is very rare. Cheer up and remember that - give or take a a few numbers - you are 26 times more likely to die on the car journey to/from the airport.
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 5
From: Wor Yerm
I don't like turbulence either, if for no other reason than it spills my tea. Unfortunately, it is part and parcel of flying. I wish I could guarantee a smooth flight on a given day but I can't. I'm not trying to be horrible, but you will have to grin and bear it. Tensing up and holding onto arms of your seat with white knuckles won't help either. It may even make the ride worse (for you). Also make sure your seatbelt is not too tight and let yourself flop around a bit (relax?). There is nothing you can do to stop it. Any turbulence you encounter will end (eventually) and any minute you suffer will be a minute less to be endured.
As I am not a trick cyclist I am unable to offer any cures other than pragmatism. I hope it hells a little.
PM
As I am not a trick cyclist I am unable to offer any cures other than pragmatism. I hope it hells a little.
PM
