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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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..............

[Denny M]

Originally Posted by 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

I avoided plane travel for a very long time due to my fear. One day i realised that i would have to start coming to grips with this issue, in order to travel to places i've always wanted to go to.

My doc prescribed me some mild sedatives. They did a great job in calming my nerves and removing anxiety. However i took a few too many on my first trip and as Terry said they had an "amnesiac" effect on me. My wife told me i was doing all sorts of strange things like getting a craving for chocolate, getting out of my seat, removing my bag from the overhead and scoffing down the greater part of a giant Toblerone. She had to hold me by the pants because i was swaying too much and she thought i was going to fall over. I also forgot to take a plastic bag containing souvenirs with me, when clearing customs. I didn't think it was mine when it was.

It sounded quite funny at the time, but i was really out of it and i still can't remember doing all those things.

So i say, yes to sedatives but take it easy on the dose and no alcohol at all.

Best of luck, if you fly with a reputable airline you will be fine!

[Kenny147]

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.

In fact, if you only knew what I have to go through every year, I hope you'd feel a bit calmer about stepping on an aircraft: A thorough medical every 12 months, 2 recurrent training events every 12 months in a simulator, where I get every emergency thrown at me and various "line checks", where a check captain turns up without notice, to watch me fly on a revenue flight and make sure I'm doing what I'm supposed to.

If nothing else, just remember that my sense of self-preservation is as strong as yours and I take the fact that I'm responsible for your safety, very seriously.

[redshirt1957]

Remember this....every plane that has taken off, has landed.

[jeangtd]

Originally Posted by Kenny147

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.

In fact, if you only knew what I have to go through every year, I hope you'd feel a bit calmer about stepping on an aircraft: A thorough medical every 12 months, 2 recurrent training events every 12 months in a simulator, where I get every emergency thrown at me and various "line checks", where a check captain turns up without notice, to watch me fly on a revenue flight and make sure I'm doing what I'm supposed to.

If nothing else, just remember that my sense of self-preservation is as strong as yours and I take the fact that I'm responsible for your safety, very seriously.

My best friends dad is a simulator instructor and check captain for AVIANCA, the airline is Colombian, but the simulator is in florida, he was a pilot for many years and he went through a couple of emergency's, especially one time when he flew over a volcano and lost all visibility and instruments, and guided the plane by following rivers and had to tie the co-pilot to the chair and then make him stick out his head when they where going to land so he can align the plane and land. it's a very good story, famous around here, and not even him could help me with my fear, because it's not pilot related for me, I think the problem is maintenance related, so many moving part's, so much can go wrong, we are all humans and any maintenance engineer can overlook something. It happens.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

Remember this....every plane that has taken off, has landed.

Yeah, but not always on the runway (or even the right airport). That's not to scare anyone. Flying in fact is the safest way to travel. I'm very fortunate. Flying does not bother me one bit, although I much prefer the window to the aisle. I like the feeling of looking out and not just into the rest of the tube.

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

Yeah, but not always on the runway (or even the right airport). That's not to scare anyone. Flying in fact is the safest way to travel. I'm very fortunate. Flying does not bother me one bit, although I much prefer the window to the aisle. I like the feeling of looking out and not just into the rest of the tube.

I have only had three or four off runway landings and lived to tell. Have had a few gear up landings...all mechnical problems, couple of complete electrical failure, had both engines feather once while enroute, and an engine fire. Guess I could throw in a few icing incidents. Maybe I should stop as this thread is about the fear of flying. Maybe the point should be the fear of flying with Bubba.

[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...

[jeangtd]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

I have only had three or four off runway landings and lived to tell. Have had a few gear up landings...all mechnical problems, couple of complete electrical failure, had both engines feather once while enroute, and an engine fire. Guess I could throw in a few icing incidents. Maybe I should stop as this thread is about the fear of flying. Maybe the point should be the fear of flying with Bubba.

I guess after all you've been through, nobody should be afraid of flying, would love to hear one of you'r stories, specially the one where both engines feathered

[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

[ratae1950]

Originally Posted by redshirt1957

Remember this....every plane that has taken off, has landed.

Remember! There would be no problem flying had Isaac Newton not invented gravity. Crazy bloody scientist!

[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

[redshirt1957]

Originally Posted by jeangtd

I guess after all you've been through, nobody should be afraid of flying, would love to hear one of you'r stories, specially the one where both engines feathered

Sounds a lot worse than reality. Used to check out airplanes after maintenance and a lot of events were close to the airport. The mistake I made with the airplane that had two engines feather was that I started the right engine first. I was used to flying seneca IIIs, which do not have a critical engine because of counter rotating props, but this time I was flying an airplane with a critical engine. I started the right engine and powered up and had to use all the right rudder I could. Dumb mistake and caught me unaware. Guess I was a little cocky at the time. Made the restart on the left engine a lot harder than necessary. Of couse I never tell this story to pilots.

[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.

[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.

[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.