scared to fly!!
Oct 15th, 2003, 02:32 PM
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scared to fly!!
I'm terrified to fly. I've been flying all my life, but one (very minor) incident a few years ago shattered that childish sense of invincibility. I have one pilot friend (private corporate jet pilot) who promises me it is incredibly safe, but have heard from another pilot that commercial jets are actually very dangerous. If there are any pilots on this board I'd love to get their 'expert' opinion on this. I'll take informed lay opinions as well. (None of those well-known "it's safer than getting in a car statistically" assurances please!)
In case you want to know my experience: waiting to land in Minneapolis, pilot announced we'd be landing 30 minutes ago, we're still circling the city. FINALLY he says the landing gear "isn't functioning properly" on one side of the plane, but that it shouldn't be a big deal, it just means we can't brake as much as usual. And he was right, everything was fine, but a) how does landing gear just not work (and what if it had been both sides of the plane), and b) I swear when I saw the pilot as I was leaving he looked like hell.
In case you want to know my experience: waiting to land in Minneapolis, pilot announced we'd be landing 30 minutes ago, we're still circling the city. FINALLY he says the landing gear "isn't functioning properly" on one side of the plane, but that it shouldn't be a big deal, it just means we can't brake as much as usual. And he was right, everything was fine, but a) how does landing gear just not work (and what if it had been both sides of the plane), and b) I swear when I saw the pilot as I was leaving he looked like hell.
Oct 15th, 2003, 02:48 PM
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I don't know if this is a 'real' message - but if it is; you really shouldn't worry.
I had a very simialr experience, where one of the engines blew (on a 4-engine plane I was told that this was okay) but I was a teenager at the time and didn't know what was going to happen. The pilot took us down safely and we stayed at a nearby city hotel while we waited for a new plane to arrive (or they fixed that one....can't remember)
In any case, ordeals like these will tramatize you for a while, but I assure you once you get on that plane and take off and land safely, you will have no problem.
However, like anything in life - nothing is 100%; so weather you hear it from an 'experienced' pilot or not; your chances are still the same!...and hey; if it's meant to be; well it's meant to be. Everything happens for a reason! No need to put your life on hold...
Hope you get over your fear, and travel this wonderful world!!!!
I had a very simialr experience, where one of the engines blew (on a 4-engine plane I was told that this was okay) but I was a teenager at the time and didn't know what was going to happen. The pilot took us down safely and we stayed at a nearby city hotel while we waited for a new plane to arrive (or they fixed that one....can't remember)
In any case, ordeals like these will tramatize you for a while, but I assure you once you get on that plane and take off and land safely, you will have no problem.
However, like anything in life - nothing is 100%; so weather you hear it from an 'experienced' pilot or not; your chances are still the same!...and hey; if it's meant to be; well it's meant to be. Everything happens for a reason! No need to put your life on hold...
Hope you get over your fear, and travel this wonderful world!!!!
Oct 15th, 2003, 02:50 PM
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OK, you want to hear from a pilot...fine.
Yes, all aircraft can be "very dangerous" (too bad you didn't ask your pilot "friend" if that is the case then why is s/he still flying???) depending on circumstances. And except for an accident those "circumstances" are unlikely to directly affect you.
Since it is doubtful you'll be out on the tarmac and sucked into a nacelle or blasted with "prop wash" then it stands to reason that your concern should be just where it is..with flying itself.
That said, whether you like it or not, one measure of that supposed "danger" is crash statistics. And, yes, statistically flying is "safer" than driving.
If those figures don't reassure you then realistically you either need to seek professional assistance (no, that does not include reading opinions, mine or otherwise, on this board), or find a way to get about that doesn't frighten you.
I wish I could do more but I only fly them and I'm still here so it isn't "totally" dangerous I guess.
Yes, all aircraft can be "very dangerous" (too bad you didn't ask your pilot "friend" if that is the case then why is s/he still flying???) depending on circumstances. And except for an accident those "circumstances" are unlikely to directly affect you.
Since it is doubtful you'll be out on the tarmac and sucked into a nacelle or blasted with "prop wash" then it stands to reason that your concern should be just where it is..with flying itself.
That said, whether you like it or not, one measure of that supposed "danger" is crash statistics. And, yes, statistically flying is "safer" than driving.
If those figures don't reassure you then realistically you either need to seek professional assistance (no, that does not include reading opinions, mine or otherwise, on this board), or find a way to get about that doesn't frighten you.
I wish I could do more but I only fly them and I'm still here so it isn't "totally" dangerous I guess.
Oct 15th, 2003, 04:33 PM
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Just think about all the people who board a flight practically every day for work--the flight attendants, pilots, etc. They wouldn't do it if they weren't assured of the safety, would they? Most commercial pilots have flown in the armed forces under much more dangerous comnditions, and are more concerned about safety than you will ever be, since they are in the air far more than you.
I think sometimes we fear things because honestly, we have iot so easy that there's not much to fear in life anymore. We have insurance, we know we won't starve, we have all the material needs anyone could ask for, so we worry about the things we can't control--terrorism, airline crashes, etc, even though statistically the chances of them happening to any one individual are minuscule.
The way I lok at it, if you want to worry about things completely out of your control, go ahead--we'll all go on traveling and enjoying ourselves while you live with regret. It doesn't bother us, but it will bother you. So just choose to enjoy your life--because, like I've said, you can't control what happens--you never know if you'll get hit by a bus crossing the street the day you get home from your trip.
But you can control your reactions to what you can't control. Get a Xanax prescription, hop on the plane, and enjoy.
I think sometimes we fear things because honestly, we have iot so easy that there's not much to fear in life anymore. We have insurance, we know we won't starve, we have all the material needs anyone could ask for, so we worry about the things we can't control--terrorism, airline crashes, etc, even though statistically the chances of them happening to any one individual are minuscule.
The way I lok at it, if you want to worry about things completely out of your control, go ahead--we'll all go on traveling and enjoying ourselves while you live with regret. It doesn't bother us, but it will bother you. So just choose to enjoy your life--because, like I've said, you can't control what happens--you never know if you'll get hit by a bus crossing the street the day you get home from your trip.
But you can control your reactions to what you can't control. Get a Xanax prescription, hop on the plane, and enjoy.
Oct 15th, 2003, 04:54 PM
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Let me just clarify a couple of things about what I said before: yes, this is a 'real' message; I still fly--I have flown (without problems) many times since the 'incident'; I'm not completely naive and understand it's rare for people to die in flight; the pilot friend who warned me about flying was referring to commercial jets specifically (he flies smaller private planes but is familiar with commercial ones and talks to many pilots).
I seemed to have unnerved a few people, not sure why! I was just seeking some other people's--and yes, pilots especially (for obvious reasons I thought)--thoughts about this. I was hoping for more specific info from people like you, Intrepid, rather than superficial (no offense) assurances, mainly because I've heard them before and they frankly don't help me chill while airborne (why would they). I certaily don't need 'professional assistance' because I'm scared of flying--it's not a debilitating fear, but it's there.
MizzEve, I've heard that Xanax is nice in its own right, and have been meaning to get some next time I fly...
allovereurope, I have far greater fears in my life than this! This is not a pathetic, over-consumptive need for distraction and drama (believe me, until next November I have one goal and one goal only...). I'm planning a trip for the holidays, and just came across an earlier thread about flying today, so I thought it would be interesting to hear from pilots who may have some insider tips or more helpful advice than the run-of-the-mill stuff.
That's all. Apparently too much to ask! thanks for responding though!
I seemed to have unnerved a few people, not sure why! I was just seeking some other people's--and yes, pilots especially (for obvious reasons I thought)--thoughts about this. I was hoping for more specific info from people like you, Intrepid, rather than superficial (no offense) assurances, mainly because I've heard them before and they frankly don't help me chill while airborne (why would they). I certaily don't need 'professional assistance' because I'm scared of flying--it's not a debilitating fear, but it's there.
MizzEve, I've heard that Xanax is nice in its own right, and have been meaning to get some next time I fly...
allovereurope, I have far greater fears in my life than this! This is not a pathetic, over-consumptive need for distraction and drama (believe me, until next November I have one goal and one goal only...). I'm planning a trip for the holidays, and just came across an earlier thread about flying today, so I thought it would be interesting to hear from pilots who may have some insider tips or more helpful advice than the run-of-the-mill stuff.
That's all. Apparently too much to ask! thanks for responding though!
Oct 15th, 2003, 04:59 PM
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Oct 15th, 2003, 05:36 PM
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I have flown a lot for business and pleasure in the past two decades. I used to get pretty nervous before a flight, even cancelling on a couple of occasions.
Then a friend of mine asked me, "Do you think you're going to win the lottery?"
Of course not, I said."
"Well you have a better chance of winning the lottery than dying in a plane crash. he replied."
I don't know the exact statistics, but that was enough for me. If I win the lottery, then I might get nervous.
Then a friend of mine asked me, "Do you think you're going to win the lottery?"
Of course not, I said."
"Well you have a better chance of winning the lottery than dying in a plane crash. he replied."
I don't know the exact statistics, but that was enough for me. If I win the lottery, then I might get nervous.
Oct 15th, 2003, 06:26 PM
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Check out this website: http://www.fearofflying.com/
I am a skittish flyer, also, though NOTHING will keep me from going to Europe several times a year. Turbulence used to make me apoplectic. This website was really helpful to me. On my last flights to and from France in September and October, I actually slept for about 3 hours on the plane on both the way over and the way back, I was so relaxed. Granted, they were smooth flights, but even when there was turbulence, I KNEW what caused it, KNEW that it could not cause the plane to crash, and was completely calm.
Give it a try. Good luck!
I am a skittish flyer, also, though NOTHING will keep me from going to Europe several times a year. Turbulence used to make me apoplectic. This website was really helpful to me. On my last flights to and from France in September and October, I actually slept for about 3 hours on the plane on both the way over and the way back, I was so relaxed. Granted, they were smooth flights, but even when there was turbulence, I KNEW what caused it, KNEW that it could not cause the plane to crash, and was completely calm.
Give it a try. Good luck!
Oct 15th, 2003, 10:56 PM
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We are just trying to respond to your post--and the overall tone implied by the title "scared to fly!!" and the phrase "I'm terrified to fly" , and that an admittedly very minor incident (that most of us have dealt with) has caused this. The fear issue sounded a hell of a lot worse than your later clarification. I don't think anyone meant to cause offense, just to help.
I never said, nor did I mean to imply, that it was a pathetic, all consuming need for drama in your life...I did assume, though, that it was keeping you from traveling to Europe, as this is the Europe board, and that traveling is something you would regret if you did not get over your fear.
If you've heard any of the advice before, please just ignore it. After someone gives advice that was solicited, the last thing one wants to hear is how it really wasn't welcome at all.
Also, I've learned the hard way that the title and tone of the initial post are key to getting the answers you want, no matter how many times you clairfy the original post. You may want to look at how you are wording your inital posts to get the answers you want. I think with a title like "scared to fly!!" nobody is going to read your initial post very critically, or get to the later clarification. They'll just put up more of these answers that you say aren't helping.
Good luck, have fun.
I never said, nor did I mean to imply, that it was a pathetic, all consuming need for drama in your life...I did assume, though, that it was keeping you from traveling to Europe, as this is the Europe board, and that traveling is something you would regret if you did not get over your fear.
If you've heard any of the advice before, please just ignore it. After someone gives advice that was solicited, the last thing one wants to hear is how it really wasn't welcome at all.
Also, I've learned the hard way that the title and tone of the initial post are key to getting the answers you want, no matter how many times you clairfy the original post. You may want to look at how you are wording your inital posts to get the answers you want. I think with a title like "scared to fly!!" nobody is going to read your initial post very critically, or get to the later clarification. They'll just put up more of these answers that you say aren't helping.
Good luck, have fun.
Oct 15th, 2003, 11:05 PM
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Like MizzEve I too take Xanax. It calms me quite a bit but still never takes all the fear away. I'm petrified of flying but I decided a few years ago not to let it stop me. I've travelled so much and have had some fantastic experiences and I intend on having many more. I feel when I get home and look at the photographs of the beautiful places, it's worth the sweaty palms and the racing heart!!
Oct 16th, 2003, 02:43 AM
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I apologize if my "reassurance" seemed "superficial" to you and I'm also sorry you didn't offer your further clarification sooner than you did. I hope you truly will be able to find an answer to your problem.
To Brimham Rocks: 777's currently.
To Brimham Rocks: 777's currently.
