Overcoming Fear of Flying
How to Tackle Aerophobia Through an Understanding of Aviation
Gaining an education in aviation may be an important stepping stone in tackling aerophobia, the irrational fear of air travel.
Aerophobia is an extreme, irrational fear of flying (sometimes referred to as avio/aviatophobia). Someone with a phobia of flying will feel compelled to avoid air travel wherever possible. Gaining an understanding of aviation may be helpful to some sufferers, depending on the reasons behind their fears
Understanding Aerophobia
Being afraid to fly is quite a common phobia and real hindrance for people who wish to travel for leisure, or for those who must travel for work. Some fears include panic attacks, heights, closed spaces, turbulence, crashing, hijacking, terrorism and not being in control.
How to Learn About Aviation
- Websites – there are many websites dedicated to helping sufferers of aerophobia, including some courses. Some of these courses are free of charge and can be completed online.
- Books and journals – there are a number of books on overcoming aerophobia, and also a great many journals/magazines on aviation (it may be wise to check before buying – some may be quite technical).
- Airlines – many airlines run workshops to help relieve fears through education. These workshops sometimes include an optional flight.
Some Facts on Flying
Becoming educated about aviation doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. In fact, some online courses only take a few hours to complete, and phobia sufferers may begin to feel more comfortable quite quickly.
Here are some quick facts about flying:
- The FAA (Federal Flight Administration) is responsible for ensuring safe and secure flight in the US, though some other countries follow their guidelines.
- All professionals involved in flight, including mechanics, pilots, air traffic controllers and cabin crew go through rigorous training. They are skilled, motivated professionals who are committed to taking their work very seriously.
- There are a number of security measures to prevent terrorism. All aviation staff, including cabin crew, are trained in this area.
- Planes go through a series of rigorous inspections before take-off.
- Planes are sturdy, powerful machines that are built to fly. Planes can endure much greater speeds and forces than are imposed during flight.
- It is physically impossible to open a cabin door during flight due to cabin pressure.
- Planes have built-in stability – they will not tip over.
- Turbulence is a normal part of flight and will not damage the aircraft, even at its strongest.
- Pilots are trained to deal with difficult weather conditions, but bad weather is easier to detect thanks to new technologies.
- Engines keep the plane pushing forward. In the incredibly unlikely event that all engines were to fail, the plane can still fly and even land. Planes do not fall out of the sky.
Other Treatments for Aerophobia
Learning about aviation may be helpful, particularly when combined with other interventions. Some treatments include:
- Talking treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavioral treatments, such as systematic desensitization
- Hypnotherapy
- Relaxation exercises, including deep breathing techniques
- Antianxiety medication, such as benzodiazepines
Read Coping with Stress and Anxiety for tips on managing stressful life circumstances. A doctor and/or mental health professional may be able to provide more information and support on the treatment of phobias .
Sources
Understanding Phobias: Mind, accessed 30th March 2008, no author specified
Fear of Flying Help Course: Fearofflyinghelp.com, accessed 30th March 2008, author - Chance, S.L
