Virgin Flying without Fear course - Update

[silver apple]

I posted a while back that I had booked this course as I was becoming increasingly apprehensive headache: terrified in other words!) of flying.

I did it yesterday at Gatwick and it was fantastic!! The virgin staff were very supportive and the pilots (there were 3) gave us so much information about the mechanics and physics of aviation and flying. .

The day lasted from 11am to 10pm, so it was a long day, but I can honestly say it is the best money I have spent in a long time!

The flight at the end was reassuring as every noise, lump and bump was explained. Everyone got on the flight (190) even though a few had obviously started the day with a severe phobia.

I feel confident now that I will be able to fly without worrying about it, though I don't suppose I will ever love it

If any of you have been thinking about doing one of these courses but putting it off, then don't!! get on the phone today and get it booked. It will help.

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Oh sounds fantastic.
Glad you have over come a fear

 

[rosiejo]

So glad to hear the course worked for you - we were tying to get FIL to go on it so he would come to our Disney wedding but he wouldn't give it a go. I'd love for the in laws to be able to come to Disney with us one day - maybe we should buy him the course as a present!

I'd be interested to hear your experience after you've flown.

 

[silver apple]

Hi Rosie

You should absolutely get him the course! There was a short flight at the end, but you are not forced to get on so there is no pressure.

I am taking my first long haul flight for 8yrs next month, and I will let you know when I get back if it was a true success

here we come!!

 

[UKDEB]

Well done, silver apple. I did an Aviatours (BA Pilots and Crew) course years ago and it was definitely the turning point for me. I chose it over Virgin because, at the time, Virgin's didn't include a flight, so it's good to know that's now an option. The Aviatours one includes a session on the psychology and physiology of fear as well as relaxation techniques. Is that the same with the Virgin course? One of the best pieces of advice the psychologist gave us was to press the "stop" button whenever you start to run the disaster movie in your head.

Good luck with your flight.

 

[jen_uk]

Glad it worked out, happy flying!!

 

[Babyboo]

Hi,

Where do I find info for the course and can I ask how much it was?

I had never thought of doing this and at the moment take Valium before the flight.

 

[BRobson]

I am trying to get mt friend to do this as it is taking over her life - she is not interested because of the flight at the end

I am glad it has helped you

 

[~Piglet~]

Hi Silver Apple, do you you have any links to post about the course? I am an extremely nervous flyer, getting worse as I get older and I would definitely like to look into trying to overcome my fear.

 

[silver apple]

Hi Deb, yes they had a psychotherapist there who taught relaxation techniques and we have got a cd to listen to at home. The stop button tip sounds really helpful, I will definately try this if my imagination starts to run away with me.

Babyboo and Piglet, I found it at www.flyingwithoutfear.info (i think!) and they list the upcoming dates and venues. It was £200 + VAT, about £230 in total but absolutely worth the money. I think BA do courses as well.

BRobson, please keep trying to convince your friend. There really is NO pressure to get on the flight at the end, in fact the door had to be opened to let someone off of our plane at the gate ( she did get back on and complete the flight though). She can talk to the staff in the special assistance dept at virgin and they will talk her through what would happen on the course...It might even be the first step towards her booking the course?

 

[The Fetherstons]

Glad it worked for you

 

[jjk]

so glad it helped