A suggestion of less importance...The little things help too. My wife has a fear of flying so we pick and choose our airlines. In fact, we exclusively take JetBlue now because they have 20+ TV stations which are available from gate to gate. So when you take off, you can have distractions. It seems unimportant but often the hardest part of the takeoff is sitting on the runway with a feeling of anticipation. My wife has found that little things like watching TV during takeoff helps.

I'm not crazy about flying either--but a couple of things have helped. First, as a friend once told me, the pilot and crew want to get to arrive safely just as much as you do (maybe more). Second, I usually stay up almost all night before a flight and it really helps me sleep through much of it. But if your fear is keeping you from traveling, then you should probably seek help, either through a FofF class, counseling or medication. Good luck and happy landings!

As a pilot and airplane crash investigator, I have a different bit of advice for you. Statistically, most people know that flying is much safer than other modes of transportation. If you want to find out airline' mishap rate track records, the data is available on www.airdisaster.com. That being said, I'm a believer that knowledge is power. If you know how airplanes operate, it may help relieve your anxiety. One example if you have the time and resources might be to take a pilot ground school class. Then at least you know some very basic aerodynamics etc. Happy flying!
Paul

Thank You Paul- actually my mom has suggested the same thing. Its a very good idea.

While on the one hand it's true that (statistically) flying is the safest way to travel, on the other IF there's an accident you'll die for sure, so how safe is that??

And what about the equipment. Alot of these planes were bought during the Nixon administration. Some of them are old Eastern Airlines jets painted over again and again. Isn't that the equivalent of being 6 miles in the sky doing 550 miles an hour in your buddy's 1972 Chevy Vega?

And what about the passengers? People can get cranky when they can't smoke. What about the clown who lights up in the restroom or gets ticked off at something and punches the co-pilots lights out?

And what about those short runways, and noise abatement, etc. etc. etc.

A class will do nothing. The only thing that will help is PRAYER.

I too was afraid of flying. The one thing that helped me was when a psychologist friend told me that I should not try to get over my fear. First, become educated, perhaps by reading a book like that suggested by scigirl, one that teaches you what all those bumps and grinds are. If you know what's happening when you hear those strange sounds, you'll be less likely to be frightened by them and some of your anxiety will ease. Next, realize that you may not be able to get over your fear, but that you can work through it. Almost all of us go through something frightening but we work through it and come out the other side. For instance, you've done something wrong at work and don't want to tell your boss. But you know he has to be told. So, you gird your loins and make yourself march sharply into his office and tell him. It isn't pleasant, and it takes a little while for the "wobblies" to go away, but you do what you have to do and live through it. The next time you'll still be frightened, but you'll do what you have to do, and it becomes a little easier. I followed this advice and, over the next few years, my terror dissipated. Now I'm only a little apprehensive, and every time gets a little bit easier.

Good luck with combating your fear.

xxxx,
In response to your plethora of questions:Author: xxxx ([email protected])
Date: 9/06/2001, 2:08 pm ET

Message:
While on the one hand it's true that (statistically) flying is the safest way to travel, on the other IF there's an accident you'll die for sure, so how safe is that??

Not true. An airliner just landed in the Azores last week after gliding for over 20 minutes without any engine power. The pilots landed the jumbo-glider safely and everyone walked away. Just one example of a mishap that could have been but wasn't.

And what about the equipment. Alot of these planes were bought during the Nixon administration. Some of them are old Eastern Airlines jets painted over again and again. Isn't that the equivalent of being 6 miles in the sky doing 550 miles an hour in your buddy's 1972 Chevy Vega?

Many airlines are upgrading their fleets with newer aircraft. While it is true that some of the aircraft are 30 years old, you can't compare them with cars. They go through what is called a depot overhaul every couple of years. They are basically totally taken apart and inspected. Any worn parts or parts that can be replaced with new safer parts are replaced. This includes the engines. The metal that is more suseptable to stress is even X-rayed or tested with other high-tech methods for corrosion, wear or stress. I have flown multiple thousands of hours in airplanes made in the early '60s. Those airplanes are still flying (Air Force).

And what about the passengers? People can get cranky when they can't smoke. What about the clown who lights up in the restroom or gets ticked off at something and punches the co-pilots lights out?

That's why you need to take karate or Tae Kwon Do to help defend the pilots. Seriously, these incidents are very rare and flight crews have training on dealing with these situations.

And what about those short runways, and noise abatement, etc. etc. etc.

Aircraft can only land on runways they are approved for due to such things as: weight, landing speed, brakes and thrust reverser capablities. Again, rarely a problem. What about all of the drunks on the road in your area when you are going to get groceries?

A class will do nothing. The only thing that will help is PRAYER.

IMHO, I disagree. Knowledge and a positive attitude are powerful things. I do however agree that prayer can help.
Hope this answers your concerns...

Paul