A question for the pilots

[Kell]

Hello

I am going to be flying in 2 weeks :eek: and although I am not as bad as I used to be, I am still a bit scared!! To make matters worse, my boyfriend is even more scared than I am, so I want to try and act as though I am fine with it in an effort to try and help ease his fears!
Turbulence used to be my big worry, and was the one thing that made me start fearing flying in the first place (I used to fly loads as a child with no problems whatsoever), but with the help of this board, I have come to accept that it is just a discomfort for the passengers, rather than a problem for the plane itself. But, I just can't hide my fear when we take off. It terrifies me. I am scared that the plane won't make it up in the air, and instead just plummet to the ground:cry: So.....my question to you pilots is, is there at any point during take off that you are scared, even if it is just for a tiny split second, that the plane will be too heavy or be not going fast enough to take off properly. Is my fear a justified one - do planes (rarely) not manage to get up in the sky? If I could relieve the anxiety and panic I feel when taking off, I do feel I could be a much more relaxed flyer.

Many thanks :)

Kelly

[Falcon]

I have no fear at all during take off. Ray's saying is paramount here and is worth repeating. "With knowledge comes comfort".

The take off speeds are carefully calculated and the weight is carefully watched to make sure it is within the maximum. Not just take off weight but allow max landing weight and max zero fuel weight. (weight of aircraft, crew, passengers and all luggage, but no fuel). We have no fear of this because we have done the calculations and have satisfied ourselves that all is well. This happens out of sight of the passengers. Flying is not a hit and miss affair and each flight is meticulously planned.

There are things that can go wrong on a take off run which is why we have rehearsed procedures endlessly to ensure a safe out come. We aren't afraid but we are like coiled springs ready to respond to the "what if"? Try to relax and remember the same aircraft has probably taken off twice or more that day before you got on.

[Kell]

Thanks for your response Falcon. I guess what I forget about is all the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on - checks, double checks, etc etc. I often have to remind myself that pilots are not unusually brave, and if they didn't feel comfortable taking off, then they wouldn't. I think I have the perception that pilots are all crazy thrill seekers!

Thanks
Kelly