I created Flying Fear (this website) for YOU – the fearful flyer – a year ago with one main goal, to help as many of you overcome your debilitating fear as possible. Whether it’s email support, or the articles on the site, I hope I’ve contributed the best I can.
As regular readers will already know, I am a Flight Attendant and NOT a psychologist. In fact, I have zero training in counselling, or any other form of self help. I just wanted to use my expertise in flying to help out where possible.
BUT, the fear of flying can be a complicated phobia which sometimes requires more expertise than I can possibly offer. It’s an irrational fear that can ruin family, social, and work life. Of course, I don’t really need to tell you this…..you know it already.
For more severe aviaphobics, I often recommend various fear of flying courses. In this article I’m going to share with you my top 3 recommended online fear of flying courses. All the courses below are available instantly online, and can be downloaded directly to your computer for your convenience. So, let us begin by counting down from 3 to 1 (1 being my top recommendation);
The TakeOff Today Program is brand new having been released only a matter of weeks ago. The course is also run by a former fearful flyer – this time, Rich Presta.
Rich Presta is an internationally recognized expert on overcoming anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias, and a former fearful flier.
His programs have been used successfully by both individuals and mental health professionals all over the world, and have been showcased in Psychology Today and Natural Health magazines, as well as on Discovery Health channel, MSNBC, CNN, and more.
He is best known for his direct, step by step, and extraordinarily effective approach to conquering fears and anxiety.
The TakeOff Today Program is endorsed by Jeffrey Skiles who was the co-pilot of US Airways Flight 1549 that crashed into the Hudson River this year with Captain Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III. This is what Jeffrey has to say about the course;
“I’m Jeffrey Skiles, and no one has more reason to be afraid to fly than me. I was one of the pilots of US Airways Flight 1549 which lost both engines and ditched in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. Despite that life changing experience, I was back in the cockpit only 2 weeks later without even a twinge of fear because I understand what flying is all about.
The Takeoff Today program will help you better understand your experience of flying, cope with your anxiety or even panic on board the plane, and put your fears behind you. Use it to tackle your fears and discover how to fly in comfort and confidence.”
Once again, this course is good value for money, and with the above endorsement it’s well worth a look. My Rating = 4 out of 5.
My TOP PICK is – as regular readers have already guessed – the SOAR Course, run by Captain Tom Bunn. This is the more expensive option but has been incredibly successful for many years now. The support offered is unrivalled with personal access to Captain Bunn when you need help – including a 15 minute consultation.
After seeing this course myself I would highly recommend it to ANY fearful flyer without hesitation. Head over to the website and you will find many reviews such as this one;
I would like to thank you for this course from the bottom of my heart. Today I had the best flight of my life. I was the biggest skeptic alive, and until even this morning did not believe that the course would help at all. Well put me down as another SOAR graduate. Words just cannot express what this has done for my life.
Tom’s partner is Lisa Hauptner who is a licensed therapist and certified addictions counsellor and the two work together to bring you a unbeatable fear of flying course based on a two-step process. First, you are taught how flying works, why it is safe, and the psychology of aeroanxiety. Then one-to-one counselling establishes automatic control of feelings for when you are flying.
This course is highly recommended. My Rating = 5 out of 5.
