Fear of Flying: Overcoming Limitations

Fear of Flying : Overcoming Limitations Fear of flying is the fear of being in an airplane or other flying vehicle like a helicopter, while in flight. It is also sometimes referred to as Aerophobia Aviatophobia Aviophobia People who are afraid of flying can experience these symptoms: 1 in every 3 adult Physiological Psychological o Impaired memory o Narrowed perceptions o Poor or clouded judgment o Negative expectancies o Perseverative thinking o Muscle tension, tremors o Heavy, labored breathing o Heart palpitations, chest pain o Abdominal/intestinal discomfort o Sweating, weakness, dizziness 18.1% - Anxious about flying 12.6 %- Afraid to fly o Prickly sensation, dry mouth o Flushed or pale face fearful of mechanical problems during flight 73% afraid of being on a flight on bad weather 62% afraid of mechanical problems on the ground 36% afraid of flying at night 36% afraid of flying over water 33% women are twice as likely to experience fear of flying than men 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Tips to overcome the fears of flying To Help Prevent Motion Sickness · Reduce stress and anxiety • Have a good laugh Seek areas of lesser movement · Accept what you have no control over such as sitting near the wings • Keep the overactive imagination in check • Utilize positive thinking • Slow deep breathing • Facing forward, opening your air vent and looking outside can also help • Take a "virtual" vacation • Several medications like Dramamine or Bonine can prevent and limit the symptoms • Write down your fears • Pack a goody bag with books, audio or music including games or snacks • Check with your doctor Accidents have declined dramatically while the number of departures has risen 80 20 60 15 ACCIDENTS (all airplanes) DEPARTURES ACCIDENTS RATE Departures (Accidents 40 10 in millions per million departures) 20 1959 1965 1971 1977 1983 1989 1995 2001 YEAR Fatalities in Accidents Why do aircraft accidents get so much media? Number Auto accidents happen frequently so they are not newsworthy while airline accidents are very rare. of Fatalities Highway Recreational Rail boating and Transport Bicycle General Aviation Airlines other marine References: http://www.flyfright.com/statistics/ http://www.guidetopsychology.com/fearfly.htm http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/lessonSa.shtml http://www.fearofflyinghelp.com/lesson4.shtml www.overcoming-fear-of-flying.com