Really need a pep talk about airplanes.

[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.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Well done!! wasn't so bad was it?

[king2005]

WOOT congrats at being ok during your flight

But if you want to get over your fear do what I did.

My ex was learning to become a Pilot... His instructor wanted to come on one of the flights as I was scared of planes (I would shake & be quite stiff). It was just a small plane (Cezna 4 seater.. 2 front & 2 back, single propeller on the nose)... I learned SOOOOOOO much on that 1hr flight, & have NEVER been scared after that... I WAS scared on the Cezna, but I learned what the noises where, & the whys & hows, etc.

They have 30min go up with a Pilot classes. You have the chance to hold the stick/wheel if you want... Of you can just talk to the pilot the whole time, while they explain every single little thing to you.. Its about 50.00CDN for the 30 mins, but I HIGHLY recommend it.. BUT make sure you tell them why your going up, so they can set you up with a super understanding Pilot (that makes a big difference too).

[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!