How do I get over my fear of flying?

[So]

Realize that once the airplane door closes, you're committed. There's nothing within your control past that point, so you might as well sit back and enjoy the ride.

 

[Genx87]

I say take a class or jump on a short flight. I dont understand the fear because flying has been in my family since I was born. But I guess it is probably like my fear of heights. Yeah dont ask, how the hell can I be a pilot yet scared of heights? Dont know, get me in the cockpit and it is no problem. Put me on a 6 foot step ladder and I am frozen with fear.

 

[glenn beck]

Originally posted by: CaptTom
Hi fellow Tar Heels (I grew up in Raleigh; used to work for WPTF). But about fear of flying. This is my specialty, as an airline captain and licensed therapist. Fear of flying develops because, when flying, we cannot use the strategies we normally use on the ground to control feelings: control of the situation (so it works out OK) and a way to escape if it doesn't.

Drugs and alcohol are not going to help a severe case because the number one problem is terror that comes when imagination that the plane is in trouble becomes something you really believe. Drugs and alcohol shut down "reflective function", the ability to examine your own thinking and critique it, and recognize what is imagination and what is real. Research shows that Xanax (which one person suggested) makes the problem worse.

Ordinary therapy won't help. Dr. Reed Wilson Ph.D. in Chapel Hill is well-trained to deal with this specialty, if you want to see someone locally. My suggestion is that you first learn everything you can about it. I have a free library on fear of flying at http://www.fearofflying.com/relief that will help. We also have free group counseling every Wednesday night.

It can be fixed, but only if you get help from someone who has specialized in it and has years of experience.

lol useful spam

 

[Baked]

Get drunk before you get on a flight.

 

[The-Noid]

Diazapam plane (get it) and simple.

If you are going international you might want to go with Clonezapam it has a longer half-life.

Talk to your doc, or pdoc they give them out like candy.

After a few flights you shouldn't have a problem anymore
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine

 

[*kjm]

Go sky diving you may want to stay on Just remember you have to trust the equipment if you cant you are out of luck. The sky is way better than the roads in many places!

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: CaptTom
Hi fellow Tar Heels (I grew up in Raleigh; used to work for WPTF). But about fear of flying. This is my specialty, as an airline captain and licensed therapist. Fear of flying develops because, when flying, we cannot use the strategies we normally use on the ground to control feelings: control of the situation (so it works out OK) and a way to escape if it doesn't.

Drugs and alcohol are not going to help a severe case because the number one problem is terror that comes when imagination that the plane is in trouble becomes something you really believe. Drugs and alcohol shut down "reflective function", the ability to examine your own thinking and critique it, and recognize what is imagination and what is real. Research shows that Xanax (which one person suggested) makes the problem worse.

Ordinary therapy won't help. Dr. Reed Wilson Ph.D. in Chapel Hill is well-trained to deal with this specialty, if you want to see someone locally. My suggestion is that you first learn everything you can about it. I have a free library on fear of flying at http://www.fearofflying.com/relief that will help. We also have free group counseling every Wednesday night.

It can be fixed, but only if you get help from someone who has specialized in it and has years of experience.

WHERE THE FUCK IS MY FREE IPOD?!?!?!!!??? :|

 

[ArJuN]

Learn to accept death.
Really though, I just think about the design of wings...they are made to generate lift..as long as it's moving forward. So as long as you are heading towards your destination, the plane should theoretically remain in the air. Running out of fuel, poor inspections prior to take-off, and pilot errors are just chances that you have to take. Many times more than not, you'll be fine.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: Red Irish
Compare traffic accident statistics with airplane accident statistics, you can then shift the focus of your fear to crossing the street or driving your car.

If I spent 50 hours a week in a plane I'm sure it would average out.

Um, no.

 

[hiromizu]

Everyone does it so don't be afraid. Man was designed to fly...oh wait...

 

[imported_Devine]

Booze, and lots of it

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Whitecloak
i get tense during take-offs and landings. I usually close my eyes and try to doze off.

You kidding? Dude, that's the best part! It's the hours of sitting in a cramped uncomfortable chair that drives me crazy.

 

[RaistlinZ]

Yeah, I think my whole thing is the lack of control and a means of escape. I don't fear car accidents because I can to an extent avoid an accident, or lessen the damage. When I can't physically get out I get claustrophobic. Kinda like the fear of being stuck in an elevator when the power goes out.

 

[BoomerD]

Learn to skydive. Yes, you have to conquer a couple of fears to do this.

First, the fear of flying...especially in a small airplane.

Then, the (natural) fear of jumping out of a perfectly good aircraft.

The first time may scare the beejeezus out of you...but do it again and again...pretty soon, climbing into a commercial airliner won't be any more scary than getting on a city bus.

 

[CKent]

Tried meditation?

 

[El Guaraguao]

Grow a pair of balls.

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: glenn beck

Originally posted by: CaptTom
Hi fellow Tar Heels (I grew up in Raleigh; used to work for WPTF). But about fear of flying. This is my specialty, as an airline captain and licensed therapist. Fear of flying develops because, when flying, we cannot use the strategies we normally use on the ground to control feelings: control of the situation (so it works out OK) and a way to escape if it doesn't.

Drugs and alcohol are not going to help a severe case because the number one problem is terror that comes when imagination that the plane is in trouble becomes something you really believe. Drugs and alcohol shut down "reflective function", the ability to examine your own thinking and critique it, and recognize what is imagination and what is real. Research shows that Xanax (which one person suggested) makes the problem worse.

Ordinary therapy won't help. Dr. Reed Wilson Ph.D. in Chapel Hill is well-trained to deal with this specialty, if you want to see someone locally. My suggestion is that you first learn everything you can about it. I have a free library on fear of flying at http://www.fearofflying.com/relief that will help. We also have free group counseling every Wednesday night.

It can be fixed, but only if you get help from someone who has specialized in it and has years of experience.

lol useful spam

This may be a first for me.

 

[newnameman]

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: CaptTom
Hi fellow Tar Heels (I grew up in Raleigh; used to work for WPTF). But about fear of flying. This is my specialty, as an airline captain and licensed therapist. Fear of flying develops because, when flying, we cannot use the strategies we normally use on the ground to control feelings: control of the situation (so it works out OK) and a way to escape if it doesn't.

Drugs and alcohol are not going to help a severe case because the number one problem is terror that comes when imagination that the plane is in trouble becomes something you really believe. Drugs and alcohol shut down "reflective function", the ability to examine your own thinking and critique it, and recognize what is imagination and what is real. Research shows that Xanax (which one person suggested) makes the problem worse.

Ordinary therapy won't help. Dr. Reed Wilson Ph.D. in Chapel Hill is well-trained to deal with this specialty, if you want to see someone locally. My suggestion is that you first learn everything you can about it. I have a free library on fear of flying at http://www.fearofflying.com/relief that will help. We also have free group counseling every Wednesday night.

It can be fixed, but only if you get help from someone who has specialized in it and has years of experience.

WHERE THE FUCK IS MY FREE IPOD?!?!?!!!??? :|

He left it on the plane.

 

[IronWing]

Just look out the window at all those little houses down there and imagine them getting bigger and bigger and bigger faster and faster getting bigger and bigger until you fly right through the roof and you're in the living room right into your favorite chair, all safe and comfy with no fears at all.

 

[Wag]

Drink. A lot.

 

[LS21]

seriously
sleepin pills

 

[IronWing]

Before you flight go to the convenience store and buy one of them big pickles in a bag. As the plane takes off and you feel the fear build, take your pickle out of your pocket and squeeze it. Watch the juice move from one of the bag to the other. Then squeeze the other end of your pickle and watch the juice flow back. Repeat until the fear passes.

 

[Kadarin]

Erica Jong wrote a book about it back in the day. Check it out...

 

[Lean L]

skydive

 

[guyver01]

go to a very tall building that has an observation deck.

look out over the edge until you dont want to puke.