Congrats on new site

[OnwardandUpward]

Well I have been reading the 'Blue site' since 2001 and must say you really have done a tremendous job here so quickly. I rarely posted previously because I had not purchased the product and hope to rectify that here.

My work requires me to fly somewhat frequently. I have taken 32 flights since February and probably will do about 4 more before year end.

I have gone from a shivering wreck in 2001 to now having mixed flights, some fine, some terrible.

ANyway will check in again
Bye
Chaz

[xiknal]

Hi, Chaz,

It sounds like you have managed to bootstrap yourself into being a happier flier by reading a lot of posts. You might want to talk a bit about what has helped you the most, and what, if anything, you'd like to hear more about.

We have some great resources here, including...

www.lyricsxp.com/lyrics/l...chers.html (http://www.lyricsxp.com/lyrics/l/love_potion_9_the_searchers.html)

Madame Chauve-Souris

[Passenger Mark]

Chaz,

Congrats on your accomplishments. I agree with Barb... share your story if you will...

Thanks,

Mark

[OnwardandUpward]

Hi everybody



From 1999 to 2000 I commuted between work and home every weekend and built up an intense fear of flying. It became so unbearable that I would think about my flight home all week at work and spend my weekends thinking of the return trip. All told I did this for 16 months.

I detested every part of it, the purchase of the ticket, the airport check-in, the waiting the boarding area, going down the gangway, the closing of the doors, the bad weather.

I could go on and on but everybody knows the feeling. How did it all start? I don't know.

In 2001 I found the forum and read many of the posts from like-minded individuals, I really learnt a huge amount of technical information which more than anything has helped assuage my fears

Moving on to 2004, I now travel in spurts, maybe 6 flights in a week and then nothing for 3-4 weeks.
I have travelled all over Europe with my work and have seen some amazing views from the air.

These are typically 2-3 hour flights and my self imposed challenge for next year is to go transatlantic, possibly Florida.

I have a love/hate relationship with flying. I feel priviledged that I can go places in hours that our ancestors could only read about.

How do I feel now?

I like travelling
I dont get anticipatory anxiety until just prior to the flight
Sometimes getting on the flight is a relief for me.
Some of my flights, are non-events, some are stressful, most are uncomfortable and I just want them to end

How did I get to this stage?

The number 1 most important change I have made has been to choose a window seat. Why?
At takeoff, I used to just stare ahead at the cockpit door. Imagine the setting the cabin is dark, the door is rising before you, the engines are roaring/subsiding and roaring again, you have no sense of direction, height etc

Looking out the window, has really, really helped me,
I now know when we are next to takeoff,
How high we are up
Is the plane turning
How easy it would be for the plane to turn back if there were problems.
I also dont feel as self-aware or claustrophobic as I used to in the aisle seat.

I also now make sure that I bring something to read like a newspaper and a pen to do the crossword. Keep the mind occupied

Lastly I now fly for work and and after a hostile meeting and being stuck at an airport for six hours, it is sometimes almost a relief to let the pilots takeover.

Ps. I repeat this mantra from Shakespeare now

Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.

PPs I am now committed to bringing my digital camera after viewing the excellent gallery

PPSS How many of you need to conceal your fear, from co-workers?

[Passenger Mark]

Hey Chaz,

Great info! You have come a long way.

I agree 100% with you about the window seat. Always helps to not only "feel" where you are going, but to see it as well.

I take it that you are in Europe. Any particular airline you like?

And for sure take a digital camera with you the next trip and get some photos.

Thanks,

Mark

[noflyingfan]

I not only don't have to conceal my fear from my coworkers, I FLAUNT it! Well, maybe not flaunt. But I am a newspaper reporter and wrote a story a couple of years ago about how scared I am of flying. I took a flying lesson to help me get over my fear.

Now, every time I go somewhere, I get that LOOK from my coworkers and the "don't worry, you probably won't die" speech. Very comforting. :shocked

Actually, though, they're pretty supportive, and since I don't have to fly for work, it's fine.