The TakeOff Today Program: Recommended Fear of Flying Course

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Download TakeOff Today Program

I have mentioned the TakeOff Today Program on numerous occasions, and have always recommended it as a cheaper option if you simply cannot afford to invest in the SOAR Course (my top recommendation for guaranteed fear of flying help). But, I think it would benefit you if I went into a little more detail about WHY I think the TakeOff Today Program is still effective. Firstly, let us discuss what you actually get when you order the program. The main manual is 121 pages long and comes in PDF format (all this means is that it is readable on ANY computer, whether PC, Mac or other). 121 pages seems like a lot of reading, but it's an enjoyable experience. There is no 'fluff' or 'filler', just great advice on overcoming your fear of … [Read more...]

Fear of Flying: Turbulence

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Many nervous flyers will be scared of turbulence. But, truth be told, turbulence is nothing to worry about. In fact, turbulence is a mere annoyance to us flight attendants as it always seems to start when we are trying to drink coffee or fill out paperwork! What is Turbulence? Flight attendants call turbulence 'bumpy air' as this seems the most simple explanation. If you compare flying to being on a boat, you'll find many similarities. The water can be calm, and you get a smooth ride. But, if the wind becomes stronger the water will be moved around and the boat will move around with it. When it comes to flying, it's very much the same. Clear Air Turbulence normally occurs when we cross over a weather front (known as a jetstream). If you … [Read more...]

Fear of Flying: Caught on Camera

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Well, what a complete cock-up of a program Fear of Flying: Caught on Camera on Channel 4 have just shown us. That is if it was ever intended to be any help to those with a fear of flying of course.... This COULD have been a great, insightful, helpful program. Instead, it was another poorly researched, and poorly edited example of how the media worsens and/or causes people's fears. For example, at regular intervals the program showed aircraft incidents. This wouldn't be such a terrible problem if they offered any explanation as to why these things happened, and how rare it is to experience anything like this. I have done 5000 flights+ now, and never had any emergency. That doesn't mean I am lucky.... It is the norm! The biggest editorial … [Read more...]

Another Poorly Reported Non-Story Appears in Daily Mail

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Lufthansa Logo

A reader has shared a story found in the Daily Mail - a popular (unfortunately) UK newspaper. Any long term readers will already know my opinion of certain sections of the media when it comes to misreported and exaggerated stories contributing to the fear of flying of readers. Firstly, read the ridiculous attempt at journalism by clicking here and then read my rewrite of the story below; A Lufthansa Airbus 321 suffered an engine malfunction on Saturday shortly after takeoff from Helsinki. The engine was shut down by pilots who were following their well practised drill for this situation. Any fire would have been extinguished automatically. The plane flew perfectly safely with one engine as all commercial aircraft can, but as a … [Read more...]

An Open Letter to Matt Cutts

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Dear Mr Cutts, My site was severely 'punished' during last years Penguin updates. Now, before we go any further I want to make it clear I am not here to attack Google, or you. In fact, I love Google most of the time. I couldn't cope without Google Maps for example, or YouTube. But, I don't trust your search results anymore due to what has happened to my website. I am a Flight Attendant, not a web designer or anything similar. I am certainly no SEO expert that's for sure but a few years ago I decided to start a website to help those with a fear of flying. I didn't expect anyone to read it, but it grew and grew until I was getting over a thousand visitors every day. As a result I was getting loads of emails asking for help and I … [Read more...]

Possibly The Most Beautiful Photo I Have Taken…

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Photo of sunset from the air

I flew to Funchal (Madeira) a few days back and just after takeoff on the return flight I looked out of the window to see the sun setting.... Well, I knew this was going to make a beautiful photo although it took about 10 attempts to get it right. This is the result, and I hope you agree it's stunning! Sometimes I just love my job because I get to see beautiful things like this everyday. I work hard, and it can be tiring, but somehow this makes it all worthwhile. I happen to LOVE flying too, which I guess helps. … [Read more...]

Turbulence Set to Increase due to Climate Change

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Fear of Turbulence

According to a study led by Reading University in the UK and published in Nature Climate Change turbulence is on the increase as a direct result of climate change. The study concentrated on the North Atlantic corridor which sees 600 flights a day cross between the Americas and Europe. Results show that not only will turbulence be more severe, but the area affected by turbulent air will also increase. The study is thought to be the first ever to research the future of aviation turbulence, despite there being a related - albeit difficult to calculate - cost for airlines. This cost is thought to be in the region of $150m (£100m) a year. Any increase in turbulence would result in an increased fuel burn as pilots avoid bumpy air in … [Read more...]

5am Check-In.. Palma de Mallorca

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It's 7.42 in the morning as I start writing this. We are currently flying overhead mainland Spain and just started our initial descent into Palma (Mallorca). In fact, we have just over 20 minutes before we land and I have just snapped this photo out the window. The alarm went off at 3.45am this morning - which was a shock to the system after having 5 days off work. Thankfully it has been a rather easy flight so far. The only notable incidents have been a passenger feeling faint (regularly happens, especially on the very early flights), and a child being sick. I'm hoping the return flight is just as easy, and all being well I will be home in time for lunch :-) Well it's now 9am UK time (10am here in Mallorca). The aircraft is fully … [Read more...]

Welcome to My Blog

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Flight Attendant helps with fear of flying

This is where I will keep you updated on my plans for the site, and other stuff that is not directly related to overcoming your fear of flying. It's where I can communicate with you on a more personal level, and post photos etc that may inspire you.... In this first post though, I want to talk to you about the future of this site, and my commitment to making it better. Those of you that visit regularly will have noticed I have redesigned the homepage to look more professional and link directly to the content that most fearful flyers want to read about. There is a lot more work to be done on this so keep your eye out for more improvements. In the coming days I will be reading all my previous articles and editing or deleting ones … [Read more...]

How Science Can Help You Overcome Your Anxiety

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I've got to tell you, the research that's been taking place in recent years and the advancements it's all led to has been nothing short of incredible and is completely changing much of what we know about anxiety, fear, panic, and human behaviour in general. New technologies have given us the ability to peer inside the mind like never before, and literally WATCH exactly what happens not only when anxiety strikes, but when a feeling of relaxation and calm washes over us and takes it away. Research from universities and labs around the world is being published that shows that much of what's traditionally been done to help those suffering with anxiety or panic attacks has often been useless at best, and may even make everything … [Read more...]

Virgin Flight VS27 Emergency Evacuation at Gatwick Airport

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Virgin Airlines

Virgin flight VS27 turned back to Gatwick this morning approx 10 minutes after takeoff. The Captain announced that an emergency landing would take place. Reports suggest that there was smoke in the cabin, but this has not been confirmed. What is important to talk about is the reports of injuries caused by the emergency evacuation itself. We only evacuate an aircraft if it is thought life may be in danger. Therefore when the captain ordered the evacuation he would have done so knowing full well that injuries may occur, but felt it was necessary in order to protect life. Bruised limbs, or the odd broken bone is a small price to pay when there are passengers life's to protect. Once again the media have decided to interview affected … [Read more...]