Anyone Scared of Flying?!

[trooper]

Don't know how true it is but I read that we are only born with three "innate" fears...

Loud noises.... the "dark" (or unknown) and........ FALLING!

All other fears and apprehensions are supposedly learned responses....

And put me on the "edgy about edges" list too.... I can lean out of an aircraft at 12000 ft... but I can't walk to an "edge" and look over.....

My brother had an office high up in a Sydney building... with all glass walls... I stayed near the desk!!!!

 

[straitman]

Don't know how true it is but I read that we are only born with three "innate" fears...

Loud noises.... the "dark" (or unknown) and........ FALLING!

All other fears and apprehensions are supposedly learned responses....

And put me on the "edgy about edges" list too.... I can lean out of an aircraft at 12000 ft... but I can't walk to an "edge" and look over.....

My brother had an office high up in a Sydney building... with all glass walls... I stayed near the desk!!!!

Me three :!:

 

[SeaWolf]

I've been doing a bit of reading on this topic, I was surprised to find that quite a lot of people actually develop the fear of flying, rather than having it the first time they fly. Sometimes it's caused by a trauma (like ditto described) and sometimes it's totally spontaneous, and can happen even to people who have been flying for years with no problems.

No more fear: there is help for fearful fliers; and there are millions who need it - includes information on programs to help fliers Black Enterprise - Find Articles
Fearful flyers - services for business executives afraid of air travel - Amenities Chief Executive, The - Find Articles

 

[vt01]

vt01, like watching (if you can see the wings) how the different planes software using the control surfaces to reduce stress on the plane and provide a smoother ride, its amazing how good it is. Boeing and Airbus do it in different ways.

Absolutely.. I love watching the control surfaces especially during take off and landing. 747's are great they way the ailerons move from using the outboard ones to the inboard ones as speed increases. Air brakes, flaps and slats.. Great to watch them all.
Actually, the only thing I worry about when flying is human error in maintenance.. But then I enjoy flying so much the fear is only ever a fleeting thought..

 

[yo yo ma]

The good thing about air crash investigators, is that the chances of the incident happening again are much less likely... The industry has (hopefully) learnt a lesson from these near misses or tragedies. That's my theory anyway.
Steve

 

[vt01]

The good thing about air crash investigators, is that the chances of the incident happening again are much less likely... The industry has (hopefully) learnt a lesson from these near misses or tragedies. That's my theory anyway.
Steve

The one the other night where a China Airlines 747 which went into a dive twice as a result of the crew not following the basic engine out procedure and then not believing their instruments. It turns out fatigue was the major player in these cases.
The thing about some of these incidents is pilots not following the most basic of procedures - eg. proceeding with a landing even though the approach is completely stuffed and get home on timeitis.

 

[Evan]

I had not seen the one about the commet (sp?) before, interesting.
Oh and you forgot the bit about language ! never saying the word 'emergency'. Arn't you glad the likes of CX go out of there way to employ American, British, Australian, Canadian pilots etc.

E

 

[oz_mark]

Used to be terrified of flying, but somewhere along the way I got over it.

I have never got over the edges thing though. Although if there is a fence or a window in a building or something I am quite fine!

 

[littl_flier]

Used to be terrified of flying, but somewhere along the way I got over it.

I have always loved flying but I saw United 93 today and it was a little scary. My next sector or UA or AA may be a little edgy. All I can say is thank good the loads were so light and unlike QF, the flight had 40 passengers on a 757 and 65 on UA175.

 

[ashleyn]

Go for a flight in a small plane (8 seater). Those baby's bounce around like you wouldn't believe. After that turbulence in a big plane will be a doddle.

 

[Commuter]

Go for a flight in a small plane (8 seater).

Or a Metroliner.

 

[Mal]

Quite a few years ago, a mate of mine was a 'L' pilot.

He took me out for a trip.

I had never been on a plane before that trip, and actually was a bit scared to be flying with him - esp since he was a maniac at times on the road.

So up we go. Into weird acrobatic flying manoeuvres we go. Suprisingly enough, I think he cured any fear of flying I had

 

[rhjames]

My first flight was in a DC4 to Norfolk Island. After 5 hours in a cyclone I realised how robust planes are. I couldn't believe wings could bend so far without breaking. It felt like dropping out of the sky onto a concrete floor. Everyone was sick - there was a constant stream of vomit bags being passed down the isle. My next few flights were very uneasy - I must have looked white because one stewardess asked me if I was ok. From then on I had no problems - every other flight since then - hundreds - has seemed tame. A couple of years later I slept through a landing and take off.

So my advice is grab a DC4 and fly through a cyclone - you won't even notice turbulance again. The point is that planes can take huge punishment in the sky.

 

[bossreggie]

Well..... I am most certainly afraid of flying. I "developed" my fear about 13 years ago. I was coming back to Melbourne from the Gold Coast and I had to swap planes in Sydney. After landing in Sydney after a completely uneventful flight I had a feeling that something was going to happen!! (Go Figure) The feeling was so strong I actualy called my sister and Mother and told them. Ever since then I have NEVER stepped on board an aircraft without the aid of scotch!! You can see me at the Qantas Club ordering "scotch & coke AND scotch on the rocks" After 6 -10 visits to the bar I am ok to board the aircraft. I MUST sit in 1B in a 767 & 737. Will NEVER fly in a 737-400 it MUST be 737-800. Internationally I must fly in a 747-400 or an Airbus A340-500 or A340-600. Then I sit in 1A. I hate take-off and cruise but begin to feel better on descent. I am so scared that it is on my profile with QF & EK. I get a little extra attention from the cabin crew and my drink is ALWAYS full.
On a flight into Sydney several years ago an announcment was made saying we were goint to be in a holding pattern. This caused me so much stress I had a panic attack and we were actually cleared for a priority landing. Unfortunately for me... I wass asked to remain on the aircraft until a QF medico gave me the all clear.

 

[yo yo ma]

I am so scared that it is on my profile with QF & EK. I get a little extra attention from the cabin crew and my drink is ALWAYS full.

This sounds like a good idea... I think I might put it on my profile:mrgreen:

 

[JohnK]

....Ever since then I have NEVER stepped on board an aircraft without the aid of scotch!! You can see me at the Qantas Club ordering "scotch & coke AND scotch on the rocks" After 6 -10 visits to the bar I am ok to board the aircraft.

<snip>

I hate take-off and cruise but begin to feel better on descent. I am so scared that it is on my profile with QF & EK. I get a little extra attention from the cabin crew and my drink is ALWAYS full.
On a flight into Sydney several years ago an announcment was made saying we were goint to be in a holding pattern. This caused me so much stress I had a panic attack and we were actually cleared for a priority landing. Unfortunately for me... I wass asked to remain on the aircraft until a QF medico gave me the all clear.

If you really have a fear of flying or aircraft the simple solution is to take 2 valiums before a flight.

 

[yo yo ma]

If you really have a fear of flying or aircraft the simple solution is to take 2 valiums before a flight.

The alcohol will do the same thing anyway... I would recommend sticking to it, if that is what works for you. If not, check with your doctor & see what they can recommend. BTW Valium does come in different strengths (2mg or 5mg tablets), so check with your doctor before taking any medications.
Cheers
Steve

 

[kate07]

Hello
I have read this topic with interest.
Recently I was on a flight to London and on the way to Hong Kong I had a panic attack. It was really terrible for me and my husband

Let me say the Qantas staff were not very helpful. They really could not have cared less. They could see I was distressed but said I'll feel better later which was not true.

I was supposed to continue on to London but got off at Hong Kong.

I saw a Dr who prescribed Xanax for me. He told me that I would have to stay in HK for a few days and that he would have to clear me to travel.
To cut a long story short I flew back to Australia the next day as I wasnt happy about staying in HK.

After a few days back home and taking Xanax we flew all the way to London without any problems. I actually enjoyed the flight. We returned this week from London and the Xanax worked again so I wont fly with out it now

 

[JohnK]

The alcohol will do the same thing anyway... I would recommend sticking to it, if that is what works for you.

Not quite. There is a big difference between two valium tablets and 10 scotches before a flight.

If not, check with your doctor & see what they can recommend. BTW Valium does come in different strengths (2mg or 5mg tablets), so check with your doctor before taking any medications.

Yes, two 5mg valium tablets should be enough to put any fears to rest. Valium can only be prescribed by a doctor anyway, unless you get it on the black market. I have had panic attacks for over 13 years now. Anyone that understands panic attacks would know that they occur in some people because of fear and the mind racing ahead and for other people for no reason whatsoever. It just a matter of learning to cope.

 

[yo yo ma]

Yes, two 5mg valium tablets should be enough to put any fears to rest. Valium can only be prescribed by a doctor anyway, unless you get it on the black market.

Yeah mate, I was just trying to get across that different strength effect people differently. If you have a petite 45kg lady, two tablets (10mg) would probably make her unconscious. OTOH, I have given 20mg (4 tablets) per hour to a large 100kg man who was in alcohol withdrawal (up to 120mg).
Hope it all goes well for you
Steve