Really need a pep talk about airplanes.

[Randi]

If you're flying in the very near future, I'd suggest you take 5 mg. of Valium an hour before departure, that I'm sure wil relax you. If you have some more time before you go, then, how about one of these "courses" for people scared of flying? They really seem to help a lot - from what I've heard.

I don't mind flying at all, I actually enjoy it, mostly the take off, landing, drinks and food.

The very first time I was on an airoplane, I didn't really know what to expect, thought I might get sick, since they had these paper bags in front of every seat. But I didn't. I suppose it was a good thing that my first flight was the worst I ever experienced, because I had no idea if what was happening was normal or not. It was a propellar (DC8 I think) flying over the alps (which is not allowed anymore), and in a thunderstorm.

Perhaps getting to know all that goes on, and what the different noises are, will help you relax. I guess, the more you know, the better.

I was lucky in 2000 to be invited to sit on the flight deck during landing, that was really interesting, but of course, after 9/11, this will not be possible anymore.

Hope you have pleasant flight! You WILL survive!

[Donnaj4962]

I fly several times a year... and it is definitely the way to go! I agree with Karen, it is a much safer mode of transportation than traveling by car... and you get there that much faster!

I have flown in some rough weather, even a thunderstorm that had produced tornadoes. The last trip I took (this past Christmas and New Years) the flight from Florida to Indiana was so bumpy that they had to stop the beverage service. But I just concentrated on my book, and I was fine.

I would agree with a little something to calm you down before your flight, but don't overdo it. If you are flying in the day, there is so much to see from the window. Heck, the lights are gorgeous in the evening also! You want to keep your wits about you... but still be relaxed. Have fun! It truly is one of the safest modes of transportation!

[Suki Wingy]

I have a pilot in the family. He flies every day pretty much from Pitsburg, PA to Jamaica, and he's never run into trouble. I also fly a lot. Commercial Airlines can make it through a lot. Heavy storms over mountains will create turbulance (been there) but nothing will go wrong. The one time a craft did loose one engine, it drifted and everyone was ok.

[Freedom]

OK, this is what you do.

On take off: just picture the old Flistones cartoons. There's Fred and Barney running their feet like mad down the runway trying to get enough speed to pull in their feet (landing gear) and get rolling! You can actually close your eyes and hear their feet going "pitter patter pitter patter" until they (you) leave the ground!

On landing: you picture them dragging their feet to slow things down!

Works for me for years. Hope it helps you, too!

[Catty1]

I'm with Kuhio98 on this one.

I had a friend who was fearful of flying. My dad had been an RCMP bush pilot since before I was born, so I flew in all makes and models!

I found there are two reasons for the fear:

1. Not understanding HOW the flight process works, ie:

a. Plane is NOISIER when at takeoff as it takes a lot of power to fight gravity and get up to cruising altitude. Watch the wing flaps - they go down a bit fo "scoop" up air to give the aircraft lift.

b. It levels off at cruising altitude...takes less power to STAY up than to get there...so it is quieter. (My friend thought it was LOSING power).

c. BIG ROAR at landing - watch them wing flaps -waaay down plus engines in reverse blasting into the flaps to BRAKE that big baby to a halt!

2. Control

a. You are not in the driver's seat. You have to accept that and be ok with it, whether you like it or not.

b. Here's Kuhio's point - the more at peace you are with the fact of your mortality(we are all going to die one day), the better you will feel about flying. I'll bet anything.

#2 - in my opinion - hinges on the relationship you have with your Creator and how much trust you have. A person can believe in a Higher Power, and not have trust.

Work on your inner relationship in that regard, and I think it will help.

In the short term - a med might be the thing. Easier on you AND those around you.


HUGS!

[Sevaede]

I did it!!!

Woo! There was a bit of turbulence from Dallas to Denver but it was okay. I know, now, that if I can withstand all that then I'm fine. Plus, I was told that it feels worse than it actually is. I'm still nervous about the return flight but I'm pretty okay!

thank you guys sooo much! Your suggestions and words are fantastic!

I don't think I'm afraid of dying, just heights and falling from them!

[Freedom]

Well, as long as landings equal take offs, you should be fine.

[kuhio98]

I did it!!!

Woo! There was a bit of turbulence from Dallas to Denver but it was okay. I know, now, that if I can withstand all that then I'm fine. Plus, I was told that it feels worse than it actually is. I'm still nervous about the return flight but I'm pretty okay!

thank you guys sooo much! Your suggestions and words are fantastic!

I don't think I'm afraid of dying, just heights and falling from them!

Great job!