Afraid of flying

[jeangtd]

I am, and it's a hughe problem, I dont get on a plane to enjoy myself, ever. only get on one if i really have to or for work, I am afraid of maintenance issues with the plane, because i know the plane is not going to fall by itself, I understand a whole lot about planes, thanx to microsoft flight simulator. My real scare is the human factor on the ground or air. So anybody know how to deal with this, my brother has the same problem, its just awfull for us to get on a palne.

[BondandBigM]

Originally Posted by jeangtd

I am, and it's a hughe problem, I dont get on a plane to enjoy myself, ever. only get on one if i really have to or for work, I am afraid of maintenance issues with the plane, because i know the plane is not going to fall by itself, I understand a whole lot about planes, thanx to microsoft flight simulator. My real scare is the human factor on the ground or air. So anybody know how to deal with this, my brother has the same problem, its just awfull for us to get on a palne.

I hate flying, scares the sh#t out of me even though I've flown all over the place. I find lots of this usually works.

[herfdude]

About 5 years ago I unexpectly developed a major case of severe claustrophobia. Unfortunately for me it was just 1 month after I purchased an airplane which I was unable to even fly on for months.

The claustrophobia then escalated to a type of agoraphobia and I got so bad I virtually couldn't drive 20 minutes across town. Riding in a car with anyone else driving became impossible. After 6 months with a Psychiatrist who specialized in "Anxiety Disorders" I have been able to semi-deal with my claustrophobia issues.

That being said, my regular doctor prescribed a medication called Lorazapam for me to take when I need to fly. I have tried on a couple of occasions to take a short flight without the medication and it was a disaster. So now I always take a 2 mg Lorazapam when I fly and I'm good for up to about 6 hours of airplanes and airports. I have experienced no side effects from the medication at all other than I don't recommend driving while under the influence of the medication.

What the medication does do is it just provides a calming effect on you, sort of a "don't care" feeling so you're not stressed about the situation you're in.

[jeangtd]

Originally Posted by herfdude

About 5 years ago I unexpectly developed a major case of severe claustrophobia. Unfortunately for me it was just 1 month after I purchased an airplane which I was unable to even fly on for months.

The claustrophobia then escalated to a type of agoraphobia and I got so bad I virtually couldn't drive 20 minutes across town. Riding in a car with anyone else driving became impossible. After 6 months with a Psychiatrist who specialized in "Anxiety Disorders" I have been able to semi-deal with my claustrophobia issues.

That being said, my regular doctor prescribed a medication called Lorazapam for me to take when I need to fly. I have tried on a couple of occasions to take a short flight without the medication and it was a disaster. So now I always take a 2 mg Lorazapam when I fly and I'm good for up to about 6 hours of airplanes and airports. I have experienced no side effects from the medication at all other than I don't recommend driving while under the influence of the medication.

What the medication does do is it just provides a calming effect on you, sort of a "don't care" feeling so you're not stressed about the situation you're in.

Im going to ask my doctor if I can take lorazapam, maybe this is the cure for me

[AIKO]

Me also, life-long fear of flying. My doc prescribes a beta-blocker and a xanax or two-really works great. It also wears of quickly. Just returned an hour ago back to South Carolina from San Diego. I will not fly without my "cocktail"-no drinking on top though.

[Terry Newton]

I have also used Ativan to fly. It sometimes produces amnesiac like effects so, it is best administered, and held by a loved one, so as to not overdose. It is also ill advised to use alcohol in combination with the medication. It causes, what we pharmacologists call, potentiation. This is the doubling of the effects of the medication as, Ativan and, other benzodiazepines (Xanax, Librium, Serax, Valium, etc.), are like a pill form of alcohol. This could produce a lethal combination. It is also ill advised to continue taking these medications for any significant period of time as, they can cause physical and psychological dependence. The withdrawal syndrome can be quite lengthy due to the significant half-life that some of these anxiolytic medications have.

Disclaimer: See your doctor for the prescribing of this medication before you fly. This posting is not to be construed as giving medical advice or information.

Terry Newton

[herfdude]

Originally Posted by AIKO

Me also, life-long fear of flying. My doc prescribes a beta-blocker and a xanax for two-really works great. It also wears of quickly. Just returned an hour ago back to South Carolina from San Diego. I will not fly without my "cocktail"-no drinking on top though.

Originally Posted by jeangtd

Im going to ask my doctor if I can take lorazapam, maybe this is the cure for me

Xanax would have an effect very similar to the Lorazapam. Aiko is correct in that you do not want to combine these medications with alcohol ever. I originally tried the 1 mg but I found it was not quite effective enough and the 2 mg works perfect for me. You need to take it about 1 hour before boarding the airplane.

Also remember both medications can be addictive if abused or over-used. But both are typically very affordable..............

[jeangtd]

I try drinking before flying, but alcohol kick's in after I get down from the plane, before, nada. I've flown a lot too, but because I have to, 12 hour flight's since I was 5, but it's plain torture for me, and my gf complains a lot because we always got to where my truck can take us just so I dont get on a plane.

[gmh1013]

Dont look down?
I had a pilots license back in 1982 and use to fly my brothers Cessna 182 Skylane
One time we were flying from Oklahoma Back to Mesa AZ (about 1000 miles) and got caught in a bad storm in
western OK....I thought the wings were going to get ripped off the plane and a down draft almost slammed us in the ground.
We could not hold it up and almost crashed in a wheat field.
We landed in Amarillo for fuel and to clean our pants and check the plane for damage.....it was a hairy flight
A big jet would never had these problems they fly to high and have power to fly on one engine if need be.
Small planes I avoid now but a big 757 I dont give it second thought.
We both have since gave up flying private planes

[touchdowntodd]

i need to read up on the drugs..

do they make you fall asleep? or just stay calm

i hate planes, but some trips are worse than others for me.. last time i flew i felt like i was about to throw up for the whole ride, NO FUN.. sweaty clammy, and just about feeling like i was gonna die

[Numismatist]

I love flying, it means I'm heading somewhere warmer...or funner...

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by touchdowntodd

i need to read up on the drugs..

do they make you fall asleep? or just stay calm

i hate planes, but some trips are worse than others for me.. last time i flew i felt like i was about to throw up for the whole ride, NO FUN.. sweaty clammy, and just about feeling like i was gonna die

Both are common. If you have the heart beating out of your chest feeling-tachocardia, beta-blockers work well with the sedative.

[AIKO]

There are 4 inches associated with flying and many others things that are very dangerous and casue fear. Those are the 4 inches between our left and right ears. Rational or not.

[redshirt1957]

Ah come on guys. Come flying with me and I can change that fear of flying into a fear of rednecks.

[Mrdi]

Kenny 147 says:
"Ladies and Gents,

I hope it makes you feel a little better but in the US we've just had the safest 2 year stretch in aviation history. Due in part to the fact that it is a very regulated industry."

And also due to the fact the Hudson is a conducive alternative.

[Yume-sama]

I think to say you understand a lot about planes because of Flight Simulator X, is a lot like saying I understand exactly what the military must be like because I play Call of Duty. I admit I'm always a little bit apprehensive, but that's just because when a plane crash DOES happen, it is all over the news forever. Because it is so rare! Flying is actually the safest mode of transportation. Being in a plane crash is more rare than being eaten alive by a shark, but yet you probably don't stay out of the water. Anyways, I think my problem with planes is the idea of me not being in control. Literally having other people controlling my destiny is not exactly what I like, but they are well paid, well trained, very qualified people flying aircraft that cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and have gone through extensive testing and exhaustive maintenance.

So sit back, relax, enjoy yourself... and order a few drinks

[jeangtd]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

I think to say you understand a lot about planes because of Flight Simulator X, is a lot like saying I understand exactly what the military must be like because I play Call of Duty. I admit I'm always a little bit apprehensive, but that's just because when a plane crash DOES happen, it is all over the news forever. Because it is so rare! Flying is actually the safest mode of transportation. Being in a plane crash is more rare than being eaten alive by a shark, but yet you probably don't stay out of the water. Anyways, I think my problem with planes is the idea of me not being in control. Literally having other people controlling my destiny is not exactly what I like, but they are well paid, well trained, very qualified people flying aircraft that cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and have gone through extensive testing and exhaustive maintenance.

So sit back, relax, enjoy yourself... and order a few drinks

mmm, maybe you haven't used the tutorials on the flight simulator since the 1998 version, if you did maybe you'd know what Im talking about, and I do understand a lot about planes regardless, I also read a lot about ariplanes and make model airplanes. I never said I could fly one, I only said I understand a lot. call of duty is not a war simulator, I just finished part 5 world at war, and its no simulation game. apart from the unnecessary comment from you, I went to a shrink about 13 years ago, and she told me the exact same thing, that i was afraid of things I dont control, like say an elevator i can control because i can choose the floor and have it stop and open up and close the doors, while in the plane i cant do absolutelly nothing about anything, so i guess thats part of my fear too

[pz93c]

I don't know the answer.

I tried to sleep on flights.

That was before all of the heightened security... now I don't want to go through the hassle.

[jeangtd]

Could have been worse, thank god it didn't

[Hatchet]

I used to be somewhat afraid until I read this book--now I enjoy flying. But, I hate dealing with airport security.

Good luck.

http://www.amazon.com/Flying-Without...4221227&sr=8-2

[Yume-sama]

Originally Posted by Hatchet

I used to be somewhat afraid until I read this book--now I enjoy flying. But, I hate dealing with airport security.

Good luck.

http://www.amazon.com/Flying-Without...4221227&sr=8-2

Well that is something we can all agree on.

[roamer]

i am scared of flying and have to fly about 100k miles a year for work. My solution has always been to get on the first flight out in the morning and stay up all night the night before. I am usually asleep before it takes off and touchdown on the other end wakes me up. Only time that didn't work was flying to Japan. Even I can't sleep for 15 hours.

[Troy]

flying is great until you fall out of the sky like a rock... but that is not to bad it's the sudden stop

[mretzloff]

Look at it this way: it's more likely that you get in a deadly car crash than it is for a plane to fail. I read a while ago that 1 in every 125 dies in a car crash and 1 in every 40,000 dies in a plane accident. Planes are MUCH safer than cars.

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by mretzloff

Look at it this way: it's more likely that you get in a deadly car crash than it is for a plane to fail. I read a while ago that 1 in every 125 dies in a car crash and 1 in every 40,000 dies in a plane accident. Planes are MUCH safer than cars.

I feel soooo much better. When I was a chater pilot flying in all kind of bad weather, the wife used to worry more about me driving my bike to the airport, than the flying.

[East Bay Rider]

What I like about flying:
Take off. I lOVE thousands of HP propelling us faster and faster down the runway. So fast and so powerful that the thing will actually fly. Amazing.
What I hate about flying:
As we start to descend the cabin pressure messes with my sinuses and it feels like my forehead is loaded with hot coals, burning from the inside out. It sucks. I'm nervous about flying again because I'm scared to get a nosebleed (hard to stop). I'm considering doing a short round trip day trip test flight just to see if I can do it.
Curious if any of the drugs mentioned can help with that or if I should just pop some Tylenol.

[305GMTIIc]

Originally Posted by jeangtd

I am, and it's a hughe problem, I dont get on a plane to enjoy myself, ever. only get on one if i really have to or for work, I am afraid of maintenance issues with the plane, because i know the plane is not going to fall by itself, I understand a whole lot about planes, thanx to microsoft flight simulator. My real scare is the human factor on the ground or air. So anybody know how to deal with this, my brother has the same problem, its just awfull for us to get on a palne.

Good Post. Let me try to respond to this as best i can but let me preface it by stating the following:
1. I am terrified to fly aboard commercial aircraft
2. I fly anywhere between 300,000 to over a million miles per year for work
3. My father was a commercial pilot and I grew up on planes, learned to fly by 17 and was licensed at 18 (do not hold a certificate any longer)

First, my father was a pilot in the golden age, in fact he was Chief Pilot for US Air before "Sully" moved up the line as my old man retired in the early 90's. As such everyone asked my father how "safe" is flying. He would often reply with the common "statistical analysis" compared to driving etc. He would point out that he flew 3 tours in Vietnam (thousands of sorties) and never had an "mechanical" failures that led to crashing etc.

BUT (BIG ONE HERE) The era in which my father flew commercially (first with Eastern later with Us Air) the airlines had LARGE budgets, there was MUCH LESS pressure for a bottom line, and the FAA was not being "bought" by industry. No expense was spared for maintenance, they served lavish dinners etc. This has a great impact upon the overall operation's safety because there was high morale, lots of money, and policies were stricter for inspections, repair, replacement etc.

Pilots in the cockpit during Eastern Airlines reign would fill out an "up" or "down" gripe for problems regarding the plane. In the 60's to the 80's they would fix anything and everything "for good measure". WHen my dad retired the clip boards were filled with entries and in layman's terms, "the engine needed to be falling off" to get mechs to fix problems. (very simplified explination)

Addressing the "human error" part of your fear. IT IS FOUNDED. IT IS THE MOST COMMON REASON FOR MISHAP. The FAA describes it as "controlled flight into terrain" AKA: Crash. My advice is that MOST ADVICE on flying is bullshit. I say that because people do not want to admit that "human error" is the most common factor in air disaster. Even if that human error translates into "reading weather incorrectly". You pick a crash and Ill show you it was human error right down the line. Rare for Aircraft systems to fail and cause a problem.

I have read ALL THE NTSB reports I can.

So, for everyone that says "oh its so safe" that is no consolation to people who are killed because of deicing procedure not followed, or "too much rudder input" as in the case of the Airbus crashing in Long Island queen.

BUT, this error is minimized as BEST AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. IT IS RARE.

How to cope with it?

First, you must mentally prepare yourself to fly. Assume the plane WILL crash. Know where the exits are (count the rows in case there is smoke). Carry an FAA Approved SMOKE HOOD (small pits in a carry on bag) Smoke kills, not impact. Wear good shoes etc.

Second: Valium!!! Get a RX from a Doc. You take a few, and you will relax, when it wears off you wont feel groggy etc.

Finally, ACCEPT THE RISK. Accept the fact that flying is better than driving and often there is no alternative. That IF the plane crashes you CAN and WILL survive. THAT the possibility is VERY REMOTE but REAL. Those who's mind believes NOTHING can happen will likely DIE. Why? because they are the ones with the Bose headset on, shoes off, asleep before take off. The ones who never hear "brace, brace," from the cockpit. They have no shoes and the fire will melt their feet. The shock of impact will confuse them so much they will likely be trapped.

[Kenny147]

305GMTIIc,

In no way am I dismissing your post and maybe I got the wrong impression but if you're saying that there are commercial aircraft that are flying around the US with passengers on them that shouldn't, I don't agree.

After 12 years of flying and some 8000 hours, I've never flown an aircraft that shouldn't be or even heard of a flight crew knowingly do so. When I find something wrong, it gets written up in the maintenance log for the aircraft.

At this point one of three things happen:

1. It gets grounded until it's fixed.

2. It can't be fixed but can be flown, albeit without passengers and is ferried by the pilots to somewhere, where it will be fixed.

3. The unseviceable item doesn't impact the continued safe operation of the aircraft with passengers. In this event, there are maximum amounts of time that the aircraft can continue to operate revenue flights before it has to be fixed. A matter of days in most situations.

Unfortunately, we have a catch 22 situation here. To remove the human element means we have to fully automate commercial aircraft. However, in doing so we remove the very element that brought the recent USair ditching, to a safe outcome.

[Rockrolex]

Thank you for your excellent post, 305GMTc. You neglected to mention, however, that the sky is falling, too.

[jeangtd]

Originally Posted by Kenny147

3. The unseviceable item doesn't impact the continued safe operation of the aircraft with passengers. In this event, there are maximum amounts of time that the aircraft can continue to operate revenue flights before it has to be fixed. A matter of days in most situations.

.

this is exactly what he is talking about, who get's to decide this??? human judgment, and we are not perfect, and no I'm not saying everything should be automated because in the end, a human being wrote the procedures for the machine to follow, thing's like number 3 up there are what keep's me on the ground. safety is second to good quarter profits for the board.