Do You Have Aviophobia?

I have experienced an irrational fear of flying and had previously adamantly insisted that no one would ever get me into an airplane. That is, until my cousin Pam invited me for a road trip, which required me to meet her halfway across the United States. The only way to do so economically and quickly was to fly.

Nevertheless, getting me to board that plane required some ingenious and tricky actions by my brother, which included telling me he was going to go with me and fly back. Halfway up the boarding ramp, he snapped his fingers and said he had forgotten something in the waiting area, turned and left. By then, for me, it was too late because the flight attendant had me by the arm and suddenly, I was on that plane. This was my first flight into the "wild, blue, yonder".

According to one study, the fear of flying, also known as Aviophobia or Aviatophobia, is surprisingly common, with up to 20% of the adult U.S. population having it and with another 15% who experience anxiety. The fear (or phobia) about flying in an aircraft of any kind is common among many people, especially first time flyers. The facts and statistics often given that you are less likely to be in an airplane accident do little to lessen this fear. Even so, many people find themselves in a situation where flying may be the only solution due to a family emergency or a business venture. Finding ways of relieving stress for first time flyers becomes of paramount importance.

One of the first things you can do is talk to a family member or friend who is a "frequent flyer". They can offer advice and walk you through what to expect when first arriving at the airport, finding your flight, what to do with your luggage, and what to expect once you are actually seated on the airplane. If possible, it may help if someone who has no fear of flying accompanies you and can walk you through the steps and locations you will need to know or find. It can be a great help to observe others who treat flying as just another normal and routine tool to get things done in the world today.

There are also classes that can be taken to help lessen the fear you are feeling. These classes work by desensitizing you to these fears. Several people have a (sometimes irrational) fear that may include being in small, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), fear of heights, fear of the unknown, flying in the dark, flying over water, falling out of the sky, uncertainty of a new experience, and the loss of control when you need to depend on other people for your personal safety.

Methods used to combat these fears can be Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Systematic Desensitization, or the use of hypnotism. Medications can also alleviate anxiety or even motion sickness; although they are not recommended as the sole method and can sometimes cause your anxiety level to go even higher. The use of relaxation techniques and listening to favorite music also lower anxiety levels.

It can be helpful to visit an airport, take a walking tour, have lunch, and watch the planes take off and land, even if you are not planning on flying that day. It is also a great way to let your children know there is nothing to fear by going to the airport and they are almost always fascinated by watching the planes.

It is also helpful to keep in mind that a January 2009 CNN report on aviation safety has shown that over a billion people have flown in planes in the past two years without a single fatality. In 2006, it was estimated that for every 1.5 million flights there was only one accident. Although 755 people died in aircraft accidents, there were 39,000 deaths because of auto accidents in Europe and auto accidents killed 42,642 Americans and injured 2.5 million more in the United States. The dedication and professionalism of aviation professionals are to be commended for their skills and work ethics that contribute to the safety of flying.

Of course, going the route of "cold turkey" as I did worked for me because once I was aboard, I was pragmatic enough to realize either I would walk off or fall off that plane. I had the pleasure of sitting next to nice people who helped by talking to me and I even fought with an 8 year old girl for a chance to sit in an aisle seat for a just a moment to watch the clouds below me, which was one of the most surreal events in my lifetime.

Someone once asked me what the difference was between being in an automobile accident and being in an accident while flying in an airplane. I promptly replied, "Thirty thousand feet!" This is still a true statement, but the fear I had is not as strong or as debilitating. Even though I have not flown since that one time, I would do it again if necessary.

Sources:

Grounded by fear

Fear of Flying Warning Signs

Personal Experience