Fear of flying course!!

[Claire Chatts]

Hi all, thought I'd let you know about my successful weekend!

Went on the BA Flying with confidence course Saturday and had a fantastic time. I looked out of the window for the whole take-off (normally won't open my eyes till 20 mins into flight!) and am now looking forward to (rather than dreading) my flight to Orlando next Sat.

If anyone else out there has this phobia (mine developed the more I flew) I would recommend the course and if you have any questions, fire away!!

Not long to wait now!!!!

Claire

 

[neilybealy]

hi claire

glad things went well at the weekend

if you remember we're on the same flight - let's hope we don't get delayed

not long to wait now

neil

 

[Wellard Stallard]

Hi Claire

We fly off 4 wks on saturday and I am absolutely petrified. How much did this course cost - how long is it for - just a day? Tell me more please - I have got worse over the years and this will be the longest flight I have ever been on. Unfortunately we are not on a direct flight we have to go via Atlanta. Anymore info would be very gratefully received. The more I think about our trip the more nervous and sick I feel - I just can't help myself. I've considered going to the doctor for some valium (seriously lol) my friend who is coming with us she is exactly the same. I just can't believe that by doing this course I would feel any different. Can you reassure me?????

thanks in advance

 

[Claire Chatts]

Paula,

The course is run by a company called Aviatours (Charter) Ltd but basically it's all BA pilots, cabin crew etc. It's a full day at a Heathrow hotel. The morning was taken by the pilots explaining how planes fly, explaining how pilots are trained and tested and about terbulance etc. The afternoon was taken by the psychologists talking about anxiety and how to control your fear. Then you go to Heathrow for a 45 min flight which has full commentry all the way.

I'd really reccomend it but don't know if there'll be another before you go now. It cost £215. The number to call is 01252 793250.

Any more questions just ask, I'll check the board tomorrow.
I'd say it's way better than drugs and you'll still be able to enjoy an inflight drinkie and not get to your destination felling drugged up to the eyeballs.

Hope this help!

Claire

 

[KayleeUK]

Congratulations Claire

Kaylee

 

[neilybealy]

it sounds like an excellent day claire

 

[Wellard Stallard]

Hi Claire

The afternoon was taken by the psychologists talking about anxiety and how to control your fear.

Do you think that this helps - is there a way to control your fear. I just can't see it somehow. I've tried alcohol in the past but that doesn't work anymore - it just fights the adrenalin and if anything it makes me feel worse. I suffer from high blood pressure as well so that doesn't help matters. I feel worse on take off - I'm not too bad once we are up there - I try to keep myself occupied but as soon as I feel a bump it's like 'oh my god I'm going to die' and I literally burst into tears - ridiculous isn't it but you would not believe how sick it makes me feel. I know there are other people out there just like me - but it's taking the edge off my forthcoming trip and I just feel annoyed with myself for being like it - I simply can't help it. Sorry to go on. Thanks for listening anyway it's much appreciated LOL!!!!!!!

cya

 

[Claire Chatts]

Don't apologise, do you realise how many others there are just like us? The course had about 150 people on it, all with various degrees of fear and you'll surprize yourself that you're not really that bad when you see others.

Yes, the phychologists were really good. The basic technique they taught us was breathing in for 4 whilst clenching our buttocks and then releasing as we breathed out for 4. This works if you do it for long enough. You see when you panic your breath increases, your heart rate increases and so does your blood pressure. All these things are a natural reaction to fear that enable you to run. The only thing is you can't run and use these reactions so you hyperventilate, cry and panic even more. The breathing and muscle control allows you to take control of your body again and get your thoughts into focus.

I used it on take-off and was able to look out the window and think rationally about how all that metal stays up in the air!

They do a tape and book at Aviatours that may help you if you can't fit a course in before you go. Fell free to contact me again, even for reassurance, I know how you feel and I'm not saying I'm not still anxious but I want to fly more now to prove I can overcome the fear as you can to!!

 

[drennan]

Hi Claire

I'm the friend of Paulas (wellardstallard) and we are travelling together in a few weeks time to Florida, unlike Paula I have been to Florida before 3 times so I have experienced the long flights, however that doesn't take the fear away, also unlike Paula I'm fine with take off and landing, its the being up thousands and thousands of feet up in the air that gets me and the turbelance just freaks me out.

But the course you went on sounds fantastic, bit expensive though, but I'm sure you think it was worth every penny if you feel more comfortable with the up coming flight.

I'm sure me and Paula will try and help each other out and hopefully it will make us forget our own fears

ttfn

 

[Wellard Stallard]

Aah bless - thanks doll

We can cry together LOL

cya soon
Luv

 

[Wellard Stallard]

Just to say I found a website that might be helpful if anyone is 'suffering' like me LOL - www.fearofflyinghelp.com

Good Luck

 

[UKDEB]

Claire, I've done this course too. It's excellent, isn't it?

Here is a link to what I've said about it in the past. And another here.