My Aviation Gateway

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Does this sound familiar – the roar of the engines, which can throw you  back in your  seat at takeoff, and the knuckles of your hands turn white as you grip your arm to save your very own life? Air travel has become such an integral part of all our lives that perhaps we sometimes forget how frightening it can be for many. The fear of flying, or aerophobia, can make any travel by air for holiday or business, a potential nightmare. In fact, a recent article in USA Today suggests that the fear of flying “cripples – or at least over loads – the race of the millions of Americans.”

So what can you do to combat that fear of flying?

First, take a deep breath. Hard as it is, remember that the odds of being involved in an accident are very low.The Drive to the Airport is more dangerous than the flight. How many accidents do you see on the road? But not many aeroplane accidents. Per million passenger miles, air travel is a much safer form of transport.

Try not to consume too much alcohol before the flight, or once you’re there. Apart from the provision that alcohol can potentially make you capable of not being able to go, flying at an altitude and drinking too much alcohol can really exacerbate feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety.

On board, several airlines are trying to make the whole process of flying much easier for those of nervous temperament. A Virgin Atlantic spokesman said: “We have a dedicated Flying Without Fear audio channel to help someone through their flight. On selected flights, we also have a channel meditainment giving our passengers the possibility of  some form of deep relaxation quality while flying with us. ”

Many have turned regularly to hypnotherapy to try to reverse a debilitating fear of flying often. Chris Thomas, a therapist with Vision Coaching Services, says: “Flying phobias can be caused by any of the derivatives by the conditioning of a frightening event, general anxiety masked from experience, learned gradually over time either first-hand or other, or as a result of a ‘distortion’ in their  thoughts on airtravel. These fears are usually irrational and are often deep in our subconscious. ”

Thomas adds: “Even in airports all the words are misused unintentionally people afraid of flying conditions. Examples of these expressions are” terminal, final destination, final approach, service assurance and final departure lounge call and end. Especially after September 11, the fears the people were brought to the fore with armed policewho are and were highly visible adding to the tension. ”

Finally, if things are very bad, go to and attend one of the courses run by several airlines: British Airways and Virgin, both hold courses for nervous flyers. They are not cheap, however: Virgin charges £ 199 for a one-day course, BA charges £ 235 – but the net result could be well worth it.

A BA spokesman said: “The lack of control, claustrophobia, height and fear of falling are the concerns of many of the passengers making them nervous. The psychologist will give some positive aspects to address and minimize those fears and carry out a relaxation session just before the flight. ”

British Airways says they have a 95% rate of success for the 40,000 passengers who have gone through the fear of flight schedules.

See you there!