Scared of flying - A380 safe?
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Hopefully it can also help reduce the amount of gas per passenger
Are you referring to Aviation fuel...or some sort of other problem you have when flying? [QUOTE]
is there any way to harness that so the cabin smells less and we also save on AVGAS
Are you referring to Aviation fuel...or some sort of other problem you have when flying? [QUOTE]
is there any way to harness that so the cabin smells less and we also save on AVGAS
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I recommend taking flying lessons to reduce your fear. It takes away many elements of the unknown, making it a whole lot less scary. I know a number of people who have learned to fly and successfully conquered their fear of flying.
I've also heard generally good feedback about the "Fear of flying" courses run by people such as BA and Virgin, which might be cheaper than learning to fly!
I took a passenger for a flight a couple of weeks ago - she was terrified but didn't want her kids to see that she was. She'd spent 16 years flying as SLF for her job and absolutely hated it. But, she decided to go ahead with our little trip. We talked through exactly what was going to happen and why, and she had the freedom to call a stop to it at any time. We lined up, took off, turned in the circuit okay and departed the circuit for general handling during which she had a go of the stick. I then suggested we could go back and she wanted to stay up longer! So we did, and she loved it. By the time we were on short final she was waving to her family, and taxying in she had a grin from ear to ear.
Just telling you this to let you know that it is possible to face and conquer your fear. It's not wrong to be afraid, it's perfectly reasonable when stuff's going on that you don't understand and are not in control of. But that gives you a clue as to how to address the fear.
Good luck!
I've also heard generally good feedback about the "Fear of flying" courses run by people such as BA and Virgin, which might be cheaper than learning to fly!
I took a passenger for a flight a couple of weeks ago - she was terrified but didn't want her kids to see that she was. She'd spent 16 years flying as SLF for her job and absolutely hated it. But, she decided to go ahead with our little trip. We talked through exactly what was going to happen and why, and she had the freedom to call a stop to it at any time. We lined up, took off, turned in the circuit okay and departed the circuit for general handling during which she had a go of the stick. I then suggested we could go back and she wanted to stay up longer! So we did, and she loved it. By the time we were on short final she was waving to her family, and taxying in she had a grin from ear to ear.
Just telling you this to let you know that it is possible to face and conquer your fear. It's not wrong to be afraid, it's perfectly reasonable when stuff's going on that you don't understand and are not in control of. But that gives you a clue as to how to address the fear.
Good luck!
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a few tips from me (senior crew BA)
Just my 3 pence's worth. I have been flying as crew for 14 years (kind of average) - nothing of note happened. Check/google the stats - flying is very safe compared to crossing the road/riding a motorbike etc. Enjoy the experience. Get a seat near the wings, away from the window. Browse in the terminal. Enjoy the space, the architecture, admire us the crew gliding across and parting the crowds, get on, listen to the emergency demonstration, enjoy the meal, say thank you to the crew, do the inflight entertainment, have moderate amount of alcohol, have a sleep and get off. There is nothing to it. Bon Voyage.
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I was chatting to a member of the BA cabin crew on a recent longhaul flight and she said she had been crew for over 30 years.
So I asked her what was the worst thing that had happened.
One aborted take off was her reply.
I was more than a bit disappointed and had expected at least one emergency landing.
But in my disappointment, I was also reassured because if someone like her can fly as many times as she has had in all those years and never have a problem, then there's nothing really for us to worry about.
Enjoy your flight Pikabo
So I asked her what was the worst thing that had happened.
One aborted take off was her reply.
I was more than a bit disappointed and had expected at least one emergency landing.
But in my disappointment, I was also reassured because if someone like her can fly as many times as she has had in all those years and never have a problem, then there's nothing really for us to worry about.
Enjoy your flight Pikabo
Last edited by InSeat19c; 26th Oct 2012 at 23:35.
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I have never had a moment when I thought the aircraft was in danger
I agree with that statement, PAX, but having seen what idiot passengers stuff into the overhead lockers I have, when flying in turbulent conditions, occasionally found myself praying that the latches hold !
I agree with that statement, PAX, but having seen what idiot passengers stuff into the overhead lockers I have, when flying in turbulent conditions, occasionally found myself praying that the latches hold !
Last edited by OFSO; 1st Nov 2012 at 13:31.
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It's safe. promise!
I am not a pilot.
I don't fly often
I also do not like flying to much.
But what I do know is that flying is officially the safest way of transport.
There are more than 3 times more deaths and injuries on the roads than in airplanes.
I once was on a flight home from America one and there was a lot of turbulence.
I found it really helped to have a quick chat to the pilot he told me everything was fine and that it's nothing to worry about.
If you done like turbulence ask to sit in the middle of the plane ( where the wing is) it's not as noticeable there.
I don't fly often
I also do not like flying to much.
But what I do know is that flying is officially the safest way of transport.
There are more than 3 times more deaths and injuries on the roads than in airplanes.
I once was on a flight home from America one and there was a lot of turbulence.
I found it really helped to have a quick chat to the pilot he told me everything was fine and that it's nothing to worry about.
If you done like turbulence ask to sit in the middle of the plane ( where the wing is) it's not as noticeable there.
Son of Slot
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Hello Bae_systems and welcome to the forum. Yes, where the wings meet fuselage is the most stable place but, turbulence happens. Which is why all pax are requested to keep their seatbelt 'lightly fastened' during flight.
It can get turbulent in this cabin too ...
It can get turbulent in this cabin too ...
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@Bae_systems
How does one "have a quick chat with the pilot"?
Also, the thread is from 2012, so I'm sure that poster either felt the fear and did it anyway (see what I did there?) or just resigned themselves to their fate of never going anywhere by plane...ever!
How does one "have a quick chat with the pilot"?
Also, the thread is from 2012, so I'm sure that poster either felt the fear and did it anyway (see what I did there?) or just resigned themselves to their fate of never going anywhere by plane...ever!
I've always been uncomfortable about flying, particularly take off and turbulence but having read the article below,it put it all in perspective.
Turbulence: Everything You Need to Know
I too used to the have a mental image of the pilots wrestling with the control column during a particularly bumpy flight and to read they're probably more concerned about spilling their coffee really reassured me. As soon as the plane starts that 'shudder' and the seat belt lights go on, I make myself recall this particular article and it has help me control my nerves!
Mrs Bws
Turbulence: Everything You Need to Know
I too used to the have a mental image of the pilots wrestling with the control column during a particularly bumpy flight and to read they're probably more concerned about spilling their coffee really reassured me. As soon as the plane starts that 'shudder' and the seat belt lights go on, I make myself recall this particular article and it has help me control my nerves!
Mrs Bws
Last edited by BWSBoy6; 3rd Nov 2015 at 12:40.
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I have managed to avoid involvement in any flight that was not totally routine (apart from an over-run at Beirut in a Coronado that landed very hot) while working as an airline/airport manager/consultant since 1969 and flying as an airline passenger at least 20 times a year on average, short and long-haul. In the same period I have had 3 serious car accidents, and one train accident.
I am living proof that anyone who is involved in a serious incident in a lifetime of flying as a passenger is very, very unlucky. No doubt someone here has time to look up the probability, but I know it's so small as to be almost negligible, like winning the Lottery.
However, you make your own luck, and I make mine by avoiding wherever possible small private airlines in States that were once in the USSR, private airlines in the Far East, and most airlines in Africa.
As a massive generalisation (who cares, it's my life), such airlines tend to have poor management and a lack of working capital, and to be regulated by National Authorities that have a propensity for incompetence, poor training, lack of funds and in some cases corruption. (Rather like the UK CAA, now that I mention it). As a result, they are best avoided, but even so the risk of any given flight going wrong is still extremely small.
I am living proof that anyone who is involved in a serious incident in a lifetime of flying as a passenger is very, very unlucky. No doubt someone here has time to look up the probability, but I know it's so small as to be almost negligible, like winning the Lottery.
However, you make your own luck, and I make mine by avoiding wherever possible small private airlines in States that were once in the USSR, private airlines in the Far East, and most airlines in Africa.
As a massive generalisation (who cares, it's my life), such airlines tend to have poor management and a lack of working capital, and to be regulated by National Authorities that have a propensity for incompetence, poor training, lack of funds and in some cases corruption. (Rather like the UK CAA, now that I mention it). As a result, they are best avoided, but even so the risk of any given flight going wrong is still extremely small.
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How does one "have a quick chat with the pilot"?
Son of Slot
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Indeed DRUK, I can't imagine how we frightened them off. 
To give a further nugget, flight crew will tell you that - when it's bumpy for them, it's less so for us. When it's REALLY bumpy for them, then they know that we are feeling it. This for the simple reason that they are at the end of the 'see-saw' and feel movement more than us.
To give a further nugget, flight crew will tell you that - when it's bumpy for them, it's less so for us. When it's REALLY bumpy for them, then they know that we are feeling it. This for the simple reason that they are at the end of the 'see-saw' and feel movement more than us.
