Fear of Flying

I don’t have a fear of flying as such,although I still can’t decide whether I enjoy it or not.I’ve flown a few times in AEF Chipmunks when I was in the ATC and some civvie spam cans since and unfortunately I’ve still not shaken the airsickness bug.I don’t fly all that often,which is perhaps part of the reason why I haven’t defeated it yet.
Despite this,if i’m offerred the opportunity of a flight,I’ll go for it and in hindsight I’m always glad I did-to be offerred the chance to fly is still a privelage.I’m hoping to do some gliding early next week,and I’ll let you know how I get on.I’ve heard it’s even more nausiating than powered flight,but I’m still game-am I nuts or am I nuts?? 😀
With regards to vertigo,I used not to be able to go more than three steps up a ladder,but things have improved alot since.One thing I still don’t like doing is walking across footbridges over busy roads,it’s an extremely odd feeling having cars rushing past under you!

Nah, no fear of flying, but oddly enough I AM terrified of lesser heights, ie standing on a ladder. Doesn’t make any sense at all, does it?

I was told it was something to do with having to be in contact with the ground to suffer vertigo. When I was a child the next door neighbour was a wartime Spit pilot, yet he had always suffered from chronic vertigo since childhood.
I too have mild vertigo problems but have never had a problem flying.

The chicken immediately stalled and spun all the way in.

Don’t try this at home children, it’s just downright cruel.

Chickens are not a good advert for flying. They rely entirely on willpower. Willpower is not effective in a strong crosswind.

Never forget that your aircraft is flying because of Bernoulli’s THEORY

Currently there is a lot of doubt about the validity of Benoulli and the fact that powered flight is a lot more to do with AOA than aerofoil generated lift.

Heights terrify me. I once fell off the wing of a Yak. That hurt, both physically and psychologically (Yak pilot looses all pretence of cool).

The scariest part of flying the PA22 (Apart from most of my landings) is balancing on a step ladder checking the fuel. Basically I think I’m a low-wing sort of chap.

Seriously. A little pre-flight apprehension is no bad thing. Baseless terror at the thought of flying like the millions of other people who will do the same thing the same day is irrational.

Hell, who wants to live for ever anyway?

Moggy

I’m the same way, can’t stand ladders, ledges, etc, but I’m fine in an airplane.

Very much the same. Hate heights. Love flying. Jumped out of a plane in college. Didn’t mind that either. Still don’t like being up on a roof etc though.

Dan

Oh, I hate heights. My parents took me to Colorado when I was young, and we walked across the Royal Gorge Brigde, the world’s highest suspension bridge. Guess what, it’s got wooden timbers for flooring and you can look between the cracks. I could hardly walk across.

Had the kids at Grand Canyon last summer. Wouldn’t let them near the edge.

For some reason being in an airplance is like sitting in my living room chair watching tele. Absolutely no sensation of height. I’ve also bungy jumped and not had a problem. Just need an airplane, a chute, or a bloody great rubber band to make everything better (my wife think’s I’m nuts…she’s probably right).

Nah, no fear of flying, but oddly enough I AM terrified of lesser heights, ie standing on a ladder. Doesn’t make any sense at all, does it?

I’m the same way, can’t stand ladders, ledges, etc, but I’m fine in an airplane.

Good heavens Steve! Was that last photo taken from the L39 or the Space Shuttle?

Just a little acro over Yosemite. This was last year on the way home from Reno.

Had to make sure the backseater hadn’t fallen asleep 😀

Ah Steve I thought the mention of that serial might stir you. Congratulations on your PPL. Its been a while since I’ve been up in her but as soon as money allows I’m gonna try and get some more experiance in.

Ok I know this isn’t exactly historic but am I alone in having an intrest in aviation but a fear of flying! I am slowly trying to cure this buy getting more and more experiance in various aircraft everything from 747’s to DC3’s to a Piper PA28 ( G-BFWB ). Anybody out there have the same?

Nah, no fear of flying, but oddly enough I AM terrified of lesser heights, ie standing on a ladder. Doesn’t make any sense at all, does it?

I think you’re doing exactly the right thing by confronting your fear and getting some experience not on;ly of flight itself, but how aeroplanes work and how you can fly them. And you’ve picked a great little aeroplane to learn in (but then I would say that!); G-BFWB’s a lovely docile old girl. She’ll ALWAYS take care of you. 😉

If the blades jam on a helicopter when the pilot tries to take off, does it screw itself into the ground?

remember if your wings are travelling faster than your fuselage you’re probably in a helicopter and therefore, unsafe…

C.The Flying Gearbox Appreciation (From a distance) Society

Never having flown in anything, even one of those metal tubes going to Spain etc. I don’t know if I’m scared of flying. I may try the Rapide at Duxford this year & find out. At least they wont do any loops.

Geoff.

Janie, this is true but who said fears were rational!

But the more height you have the safer you are! Nobody ever died from colliding with the sky.

Steve, I know what you mean if I’m pottering around at 2000 feet under instruction in a Piper I’m fine, then I realise I’m 2000ft up and I begin to panic. I then quickly tell myself its stupid and concentrate on the flying again and I’m fine. Flying for me is probably the same sensation that alot of people get on a rollercoaster, i.e. I’m terrified while I do it but when I get down I’ve got the biggest grin on my face ever and I wont shut up about it for weeks. Alot of the problem relates to hight at 30,000 feet I cant look out the window, 3,000 feet try and stop me!

No fear of flying, though I don’t like long hall package affairs. I have an in built fear of crashing though, whether it’s the aircraft, car or computer.

Good heavens Steve! Was that last photo taken from the L39 or the Space Shuttle?

The fear of flying is usually just the fear of the unknown. Take some rides with someone you trust, who will talk to you during the flight. Understanding what is happining is key to overcoming fear. I took my father-in-law up recently, and he wore me out with questions, (“Oh my god, a red light just came on!…Relax, it’s the radio”), but that’s better than when things get quiet in the back seat (insert sound of passenger filling little blue bag).

If you can, take a few lessons. There’s a reason the pilot never get’s sick (same reason the driver never get’s car sick).

Good Luck, and don’t give up.

Steve

DGH

Try this site:-

http://www.airdisaster.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=18&sid=72cba9af82244defcbae9fc035b7a2de