Fear of Flying

For many people, the fear of flying is triggered by an Imaginary thought. That is, you may start to imagine all the things that can go wrong.

I would like to briefly indicate some of the processes that are taken into account when air craft are designed, built, serviced, and fly, as well as later, go through some exercises that have proven their weight in gold over the last few years.

I will then discuss other areas of interest later on, to assist you in overcoming your fear.

My initial point is that all aircraft pass substantial testing to ensure that they meet the very highest standards of quality and engineering.

Naturally, I highly recommend that you fly with reputable air lines, from countries that have a record of maintenance and adhesion to the rules.

All western airlines will meet these standards.

Further, all systems on aircraft are designed to have backuo systems in place.

The pilots are there to maintain a constant watch on all systems, and intervene if necessary, but essentially, highly precise computer systems are managing the onboard systems of the aircraft, and you will find that all aircraft have not only backup systems for each area on board, but in some cases, they are even backed up again with a tertiary backup system, to the backup system.

So, in essence, the electronics, mechanics, and hydraulics are all abcked up.

I would like to assure you again, that highly skilled maintenance, engineering crews maintain the aircraft to incedibly high standards, as well as the sheer experience, and quality of the flight crews on these commercial aircarft.

Every maintenance issue has to be logged, from the first flying day of the aircraft, for its complete flying life.

It is amasing just how many records are kept to ensure acuuracy, and detail of all systems.

My summary point here, is that the aircraft are well maintained, and are a safe decision to fly.

Below, I will be detailing some relaxation exercises to consider while in flight, and before...

There are several exercises recommended by Captain Tim of the SOAR program , which I am relaying over here, as per my experience, and recommend you follow through with as well.

The idea is to keep your mind occupied, and concentrating, so that you then, are not worrying, but distracted on concentrating on something else.

An initial exercise is the counting down exercise.

Concentrate on counting down from 5 , down to 1, in slow, determined steps, as well as noting any intersting objects in the aircraft.

This way, you will be better able to see you are kept occupied.

Do this first, every five minutes, and then after a5 minutes breaks, ollowed by half hourly, and also hourly.

In addition, it is a good idea to say to yourself, all the items you see.

Mentally repeat the process, and even, tell your travelling partner, if you have one about it.
An example would be that you say, "I see the cup holder on the tray table in front of me, and on the seat beside me".

Do this for several items as you look through the cabin.

Again, the idea is to keepo yourself as mentally busy as possible.

You can also look at using those puzzle or cross word books, that are very effective, and finally, in my case, I regularly bring my laptop, and work onboard, almost like an extension of my office.

I am concentrating, and keeping busy, or distracted as well.

One other, highly proven technique ios to ensure that you are always listening to an intio program.

Most airlines have very good entertainment systems, but to be sure, taking your own walkman, or sound player, you will be able to listen to your own music, or audio program, and enjoy your own taste in music. This way, you will also substantially drown out any airplane noises, and be kept occupied that way as well.