Introduction
My father was in the U.S. Air Force in World War II so I grew up singing, "off we go into the wild blue yonder..." and I was eager to see that wild blue yonder myself.
Somewhere along the line, I developed a fear of flying that was so severe I regressed to the point of not getting on a plane at all. I wouldn't travel anywhere if we couldn't get there by car. Little did I realize that statistically, I was far safer in an airplane.
I stopped flying for approximately fifteen years, in which time I deprived myself and my family of many wonderful trips. I knew I was in trouble when I refused to accompany my husband on business trips other wives attended. Seeing him go by himself was very hard for me and I felt like a failure.
Several years ago there was one trip I couldn't avoid and he had to drag me onto the plane. Aside from being humiliated, I knew I upset the flight crew and other passengers. The doctor had given me medication, but it wasn't the answer.
Even with medication I clung to the arm rests of my seat as if that was keeping the plane in the air. I was so afraid to move that no matter how long the flight was, I wouldn't even get up to use the bathroom. Each time the wings dipped when the plane turned, I was sure it was going down. I constantly monitored the faces of the flight attendants for any sign of crisis. If they were out of my sight for more than a few minutes, I reached a state of panic.
I decided then that I had to do something to conquer my fear of flying. I couldn't continue to avoid travel and there were places I really wanted to see. Other people could fly without hesitation - why not me?
Though I read several books on the topic, I needed the guidance, encouragement and reassurance of professionals in the airline industry. I found a course given by an Air Canada pilot and he brought in people from all facets of commercial flights. His theory was that the more we know the less we have to fear and he was right.
After taking that course, I now fly several times a year comfortably and I know that if I can do it, you can too.
I'm going to share that knowledge with you and I believe that by the time we're finished, you'll be able to fly without fear too.
Now get comfortable in your computer chair and let's get ready for takeoff.
Lessons
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