Hello fearful flyer, It’s a pleasure to welcome you to the fear of flying help site. I am a flight attendant with experience of over 3000 flights, and after spending a lot of time talking to nervous passengers onboard my flights, I decided to start Flying Fear to help a much wider audience.
The fear of flying (also called Pteromerhanophobia) can be debilitating, resulting in sufferers missing out on family events or holidays and – in some cases – work promotions. Many of you suffer in silence, others have to cope with loved ones, or work colleagues simply not understanding your fear. I do understand and want to help you.
Thank you so much for your reassuring tips and turbulence explained. This website is fantastic and has really helped me to feel more confident. I am so grateful to you for taking the time to do this to help others ~ Lorna (London)
Many people’s fears stem from a lack of understanding, and a lack of control. Understanding how and why flying is so safe will better enable you to hand over control to the professionals, and allow you to relax and enjoy your next flight.
You can overcome your fear of flying and I will be with you every step of the way.
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Turbulence is a cause of the majority of passenger’s anxiety during flight, but it is not dangerous. Get the Fear of Turbulence Booklet, read the Turbulence Mini-Course or Turbulence Articles.
It’s very easy for me to tell you that flying is safe, but where is the proof? Read through the articles on aviation safety to find out more. Or have a look at aviation safety statistics.
Bad weather – whether it’s rain, thunderstorms, wind, or snow – causes a great deal of anxiety among those with a fear of flying. But, did you know that airlines, airports and aviation authorities have strict guidelines that are adhered to when it comes to weather conditions.
Fear of Flying
The fear of flying can be beaten, and with your commitment it will be. But, you have to want to beat your fear and also believe in yourself…. and me. You have to believe that everything I tell you on this site is true, and stop doubting my integrity.
I fly a lot. In my career I’m approaching 3,500 flights now. I know what I’m talking about, I know how flying is so safe. I can honestly say with all my heart that I feel safer in the air than I do on the roads. I wouldn’t do this job if I felt that I was unsafe.
Your fear of flying is irrational, but that doesn’t make it any less real. I know it’s difficult to overcome, but it can and will be done.
My Mum was terrified of flying most of her life and rarely went anywhere if it meant she had to get on a plane. Bit by bit over the years she has got better and even flew over to Canada all by herself a few years back. She still doesn’t like it but can control her fears enough to not let it stop her. I did this article for people like her who want to understand about flying and how they can fly comfortably without having to resort to alcohol or sedatives. http://www.campaya.co.uk/news/content/how-overcome-your-fear-flying-and-take-skies
Many people tell me my risk of dying in a car crash is much, much greater–the difference is, I figure I can potentially survive a car crash. I figure that if my plane crashes, however unlikely that is, it is doubtful I will survive it. I picture mechanical failures, airlines cutting corners or using old planes at the expense of safety, mid-air collision–I once saw a plane come what I thought was very close in the opposite direction, birds getting into an engine as it takes off.
I had no fear of flying until on a flight from Vegas in ’99, the plane banked (turned) while we were almost on the ground–we could see buildings almost at eye-level. Then the plane wobbled side to side when we landed, seemed to go back up in the air and finally land correctly. Everyone, including the flight attendants knew something almost went wrong and everyone exited the plane in silence. As we walked into the terminal, black cars with emergency lights pulled up alongside the plane. I never got to find out what the story was, but it made me afraid to fly ever since. It made me realize things can and do go wrong. I have flown since, but I avoid it unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Hi Jamie,
It’s amazing to read how the mind of one person will problem solve in the same way as many others. I am irrationally, stomach churningly afraid to fly. I have flown many times and never had a problem….in fact, i loved it. Since my kids came along I’ve developed a real urge to make Controlled decisions in life where i can in order to ensure their safety…..i think my passing of that control to another (pilot/engineer) screams against my innate belief that no-one will ever be as particular as me when it comes to safety.
The thing is………i still believe that…..lol. Good luck in over coming this debilitating nuisance of a phobia.
Regards, Someone who completely understands. (Jason).
I am a petrified flier, one tip i have got is DO NOT google “recent plane crahes”. I spent 3 hours doing this trying to face my fear, it doesnt work.
Good luck to everyone trying to be cool with taking the plane, Its a horrible fear to live with which affects family and friends etc, sometimes we just have to man(or woman)up and get on with it, if our numbers up its up but chances are it wont be in a plane.. I used to think if there is a big plane crash then i ll get on one cos you ll not get two big crashes together, its just daft, good luck everyone and be lucky Jamie.