seb146 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 8608 posts, RR: 19 Posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 2244 times:
Two weeks ago, I flew OAK-PDX-OAK to visit my mom. I love PDX. The town, the smell, the rain, the people, Coffee People, the food trucks... I miss it. I love the smell of aviation exhaust and waiting for the next tail colors and see what is coming in next. I am not a big fan of OAK, but the whole thrill is still there. I just saw my first Spirit 319 at OAK two weeks ago. But, I hate flying. Taking off, landing, being 30,000 feet above the Earth gives me a stomach ache! I hate it. I will probably be flying to LAS in March and SAN in June I am already getting sick over it. I have done it before but I am just not looking forward to it. I want so badly to go to Estonia, St. Petersburg, and Helsinki, but I just get sick at the thought of flying there from here. Anyone else feel the same?
Wheel of morality turn, turn, turn. Tell us the lesson that we should learn
lightsaber From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 8518 posts, RR: 100 Reply 2, posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 2167 times:
Quoting seb146 (Thread starter): I want so badly to go to Estonia, St. Petersburg, and Helsinki, but I just get sick at the thought of flying there from here.
It is actually a design criteria to assume that at any given time in a flight 2% of the passengers are in panic. (Oxygen consumption, heat generation, need to drink and then use the WC) So you are not alone. It takes guts to admit to that on an aviation forum.
I have no specific advice to help. Does the feeling last the whole flight? I wish you the best.
zckls04 From United States of America, joined Dec 2011, 242 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 2052 times:
If it weren't for the thrill of going to the destination (or the thrill of coming home once I get homesick), I'd hate flying as well. If all I did was go around in a circle for 13 hours then land, I wouldn't bother doing it.
The destination makes the trip for me, not the flight there (and especially not the flight back where I just want to be back in my own bed).
EricAY05 From Finland, joined Sep 2010, 44 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (3 months 3 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 2015 times:
I understand you, at least partly. I'm also much more fond of going to the airport, being there, booking flights, adding flights to my flight log and stuff like that than actually sitting in the plane.
When the weather is nice and it's possible to look out of the window and actually see something I enjoy flyinga a lot. During dark hours or when flying inside a cloud I get annoyed and uncomfortable. I especially hate flying over large water areas in the night. Somehow it feels so alone, especially since most other passengers are asleap and you just stare at the moving map, which is showing nothing but blue around the plane. I also hate flights that are flown inside a cloud or fog. I remember flying KUL-KCH once when during the entire flight, with the exception of take-off and landing. it was impossible to see anything out of the window.
If you feel uncomfortable when flying because of fear, I guess there is nothing that helps besides flying a lot and getting to know everything that happens during a flight; all the noices, movements and especially sudden changes in noices. Those used to really freak me out before I remember a take-off out of MEX once. A few seconds after rotation, nothing but buildings as far as you can see out of the windows and suddenly the air-condition noise stops totally. I almost had a heartattack
I really hope you find a way to overcome your reluctance to fly, because when you start feeling comfortable in the airplane, it can be an amazing experience. Even in today's world of LCC's and mass tourism it's still a rare thing to be lifted 30.000 feet above the ground and transported thousands of miles from home in just hours.
flymia From United States of America, joined Jun 2001, 5672 posts, RR: 6 Reply 6, posted (3 months 3 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 1944 times:
Is it motion sickness or anxietyfear of flying? There are things you can do for both. Just need to know which one it is to know what type of advice to give.
"It was just four of us on the flight deck, trying to do our job" (Captain Al Haynes)
seb146 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 8608 posts, RR: 19 Reply 7, posted (3 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 1921 times:
Quoting lightsaber (Reply 2): Does the feeling last the whole flight?
Not the whole flight. Just until the second time going up. That is: The initial take-off, there is a segment of level flight, then another going up to the cruising altitude. That second one gets me. After we level off the final time, I calm down a bit.
Quoting VonRichtofen (Reply 3): do you get an upset stomach from fear and anxiety of flying?
Just the actual fear of flying. I know from therapy from another fear that anxiety can only last so long before the body kinda "gives up" on the feeling.
I think part of it stems from the fact that we never flew anywhere when I was growing up. We drove from Oregon to Kansas every year or drove four hours to PDX every month or drove anywhere instead of flying. The first time I flew was when I was 15 on PSA PDX-RNO-LAX-SFO-PDX on MD-83. I was freaked out then, too. Rough landing in RNO, landing side-by-side with NW 747 cargo, landing on the water at SFO.... It was all freaky.
It is probably a control issue. I can control where and what my car does but I can not control a 737. I am sure that is part of it.
Wheel of morality turn, turn, turn. Tell us the lesson that we should learn
AR385 From Mexico, joined Nov 2003, 3953 posts, RR: 29 Reply 8, posted (3 months 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 1901 times:
I think you have two choices:
1) Deal with your fear. Go to therapy, an airline sponsored course, read books on it or whatever. In my case, for my own irrational fear, which has nothing to do with airliners, none of the above has worked.
2) Since I´m sure you´ve tried the above, and it has not worked, I would suggest you get a couple of stiff drinks before your flight or get a doctor to prescribe a nice anti-anxiety pill (Don´t do the alcohol AND the pill) A nice, short half-life benzodiazepine should do the trick.
I go with number 2 when I have to be in environments where I am faced constanly with my fear (which is not often, thank God) but inevitable once or twice a year. My prescription benzo makes a HUGE difference. In its absence, alcohol does the trick.
With number 2 you do have a few responsibilities. Do not sit in an emergency exit row, do not drive after landing, etc.
It might be that my advice is not PC. However, it´s what works for me and thus my two cents. I believe medication exists for a reason. As long as you don´t abuse it and are responsible when using it, if it makes your life easier, I´m 100% for it.
lightsaber From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 8518 posts, RR: 100 Reply 9, posted (3 months 3 weeks 6 hours ago) and read 1809 times:
Quoting AR385 (Reply 8): I would suggest you get a couple of stiff drinks before your flight or get a doctor to prescribe a nice anti-anxiety pill (Don´t do the alcohol AND the pill)
Combined=bad.
I do not recommend the drinking before a flight with today's security rules... There is also the risk that you think you went to bed with a supermodel and instead wake up next to a buffalo (water or North-American variant... it doesn't matter. Your friends will not let you forget either way.).
Part of the reason I advise against drinking is this statement:
Quoting seb146 (Reply 7): It is probably a control issue. I can control where and what my car does but I can not control a 737. I am sure that is part of it.
If it is a control issue, you'll want to be flying that 737 and the pilots (nor skymarshall) won't appreciate the effort.
RamblinMan From United States of America, joined Oct 2010, 1026 posts, RR: 1 Reply 10, posted (3 months 3 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 1770 times:
I will also recommend self-medicating. I am never afraid of flying, but I do get extremely irritated by the whole process and some beers take care of that. So just pick something that helps ease your nerves and use it. A good buddy of mine is terrified of flying and he says a, shall we say, "pack of Marlboro Greens" helps a lot.
Quoting lightsaber (Reply 9): I do not recommend the drinking before a flight with today's security rules...
Precisely why I get drunk before a flight. Makes the whole dehumanizing security show easier to take. I don't get rowdy when I drink... if you do, I agree probably a bad idea to mix it with air travel.
WildcatYXU From Canada, joined May 2006, 2303 posts, RR: 7 Reply 11, posted (3 months 3 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 1760 times:
Quoting seb146 (Reply 7): I think part of it stems from the fact that we never flew anywhere when I was growing up. We drove from Oregon to Kansas every year or drove four hours to PDX every month or drove anywhere instead of flying. The first time I flew was when I was 15 on PSA PDX-RNO-LAX-SFO-PDX on MD-83. I was freaked out then, too. Rough landing in RNO, landing side-by-side with NW 747 cargo, landing on the water at SFO.... It was all freaky.
I think that you just don't fly enough, that's all. You didn't give yourself enough time aboard to get used to flying. Look, I started to fly much older than you. I was 30 when I flew for the first time (BTS-PRG-AMS-PRG-KSC; ATR72, ATR42, 735, ATR42).
Landing in KSC in ATR42 on a windy day is as much fun as it gets. And yes, I have to say, I was scared during this first trip. But then what happened? First I started to fly the KSC-PRG route regularly. Later, after moving to Canada, I started to fly on the job even more and flying just became natural. So now the airport feels like home. Boarding the plane feels like entering my favourite room. And a possibility of a rough ride? Bring it on! Heck, I'm disappointed when the flight is smooth.
How many flights have you taken before? With time you will get used to it. That you admit and know you have this fear is a good thing. It is an irrational fear according to just about every statistic out there especially flying with major airlines in the U.S.
After you fly some more and still have this problem I think the absolute best way to help is learn to fly. It does not matter if you want to take a few lessons or get your PPL once you learn to fly you will understand a lot about aviation, how the planes fly, why the plane feels like this etc.. And after you fly in a Cessna 172 around on a summer day a 737 with 25knots crosswind landing is nothing.
The control issue is understandable but at the same time do you have a problem when you travel on a bus or a train or when a friend is driving a car? If no, I think the control issue thing is more of a general fear of flying. The pilots are trained extremely well as I am sure you know.
Quoting seb146 (Reply 7): landing side-by-side with NW 747 cargo, landing on the water at SFO.... It was all freaky.
This statement makes me think that you just have not flown enough maybe. Over water landings are very normal and at SFO parallel landings are normal too and IMO pretty awesome.
"It was just four of us on the flight deck, trying to do our job" (Captain Al Haynes)
jetblue777 From Philippines, joined Jul 2009, 1364 posts, RR: 1 Reply 13, posted (3 months 2 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 1694 times:
Quoting EricAY05 (Reply 5): I understand you, at least partly. I'm also much more fond of going to the airport, being there, booking flights, adding flights to my flight log and stuff like that than actually sitting in the plane.
I thought I was the only one! Fully agree here, the booking process, staying at the airport and just being there and thinking that I'm going to board a flight is much more exciting than the actual flight itself. Of course, I don't hate flying, I love being on an airplane, the take-off and landing is always exciting.
To the OP, Well you could try watching a movie, read a book or play a game while in-flight, something to distracts you. You said that the take-off and landing makes you sick, so maybe try to have a conversation with someone, close your eyes, chew gum, sing a song, something that distracts you.
On a related note, I'm deathly afraid of heights. When I was on the Grand Canyon, I was pale white and I hesitated to take pictures near the ledge (with railings!) It was just too much for me. BUT, I love flying, I know the pilot is in-command and I have nothing to worry about
stratosphere From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 1522 posts, RR: 4 Reply 14, posted (3 months 2 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 1681 times:
Quoting seb146 (Thread starter): I want so badly to go to Estonia, St. Petersburg, and Helsinki, but I just get sick at the thought of flying there from here. Anyone else feel the same?
I love to travel too but unlike you my sickness is from the travel experience itself after 9/11 not the actual flight.
Quoting RamblinMan (Reply 10): Precisely why I get drunk before a flight. Makes the whole dehumanizing security show easier to take. I don't get rowdy when I drink... if you do, I agree probably a bad idea to mix it with air travel.
WROORD From United States of America, joined Mar 2009, 606 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (3 months 2 weeks 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 1678 times:
I agree once you cover some miles flying you forget about fear. I remember before my first flight (PanAm) I was paralyzed every time I thought about it. I think I slept maybe 15 minutes the night before and I was shaking going to the airport. Once we boarded the plane the guy next to me said that he is scared as this is his first flight and I said Oh? There is nothing to worry about and somehow at that moment my fear was gone. I was a bit apprehensive again right after 9/11 but at that time I think everyone was whether they were brave enough to admit it or not.
Controlled breathing so you do not hyperventilate yourself and relaxing music, smooth jazz or whatever works for you.
TCASAlert From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (3 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 1526 times:
I am fine with flying, absolutely love the whole experience.
However I often have a little niggly moment when at cruising altitude, particularly on a jet aircraft where you are FL370+. I often worry about the possibility of us being hit by another aircraft, or about the aircraft suddenly breaking up for some reason. It is always one of those *gulp* heart sinking moments.
I worry about the inevitable falling thousands of feet to my own grizzly death, being fully aware of every last second and being resigned to my impending doom and hurtling towards the ground at high speed. Knowing that you are going to die regardless, and that there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.
The feeling only lasts a few minutes though, and I soon get back to enjoying my flight, but it usually happens at some point. Must be to do with the looking down and actually thinking just how far you have to fall should the worst happen.
Max Q From United States of America, joined May 2001, 2610 posts, RR: 19 Reply 18, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 1450 times:
As a young lad I enjoyed flying as a passenger, for me however Aviation was a lot more exciting then. All the Aircraft were and looked totally different, VC10's, Tridents, 707's Dc10's, L1011's B747 Classics were a a lot more interesting than another 'big twin'
And the whole experience was much nicer, the TSA did not exist, lowering stress level enormously, the cabins were far less packed and no one cared about the IFE (I know that's heresy on this site)
Point is, I don't blame you, unless you are in First Class flying as a passenger these days is an unpleasant ordeal.
The best contribution to safety is a competent Pilot.
N776AU From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 665 posts, RR: 1 Reply 19, posted (3 months 2 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 1323 times:
Quoting AR385 (Reply 8): doctor to prescribe a nice anti-anxiety pill
My doctor prescribed me Klonopin for my (somewhat infrequent) panic attacks (I don't use it for flying, but that's neither here nor there). It's quick dissolving and VERY fast acting. I used it about 2 minutes before I was going to go on stage to give my sophomore clarinet recital, and it did a fantastic job. It really mellows you out. Might be something to look in to since it's an as-you-need it kind of thing.
Careful, Doors Are Closing And Will Not Reopen. Please Wait For The Next Train
dc9northwest From Romania, joined Feb 2007, 1175 posts, RR: 2 Reply 20, posted (3 months 2 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 1320 times:
Quoting N776AU (Reply 19): My doctor prescribed me Klonopin for my (somewhat infrequent) panic attacks (I don't use it for flying, but that's neither here nor there). It's quick dissolving and VERY fast acting. I used it about 2 minutes before I was going to go on stage to give my sophomore clarinet recital, and it did a fantastic job. It really mellows you out. Might be something to look in to since it's an as-you-need it kind of thing.
Of course, benzodiazepines can be helpful in stressful situations, but I've had a friend forgetting entire days by taking (abusing) some of these chemicals, so for those with addictive tendencies, watch out. Benzo withdrawals are one of the few that can in fact lead to death--even though it's quite rare. Furthermore, I find that the effect induced by these drugs--not caring about whatever matter you were stressed about--can lead to antisocial behavior, which might not be the best idea on an aircraft.
I feel for those with such phobias. As with all phobias, even a rational explanation might not help and therefore it's hard to confront your fears--but I've heard it's the way to go. I'm not saying pharmacology can't help, but it probably wouldn't help me at all in such a situation. I definitely wouldn't want to be high on an aircraft or in an airport, even legally so--on alcohol or benzos.
stratosphere From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 1522 posts, RR: 4 Reply 21, posted (3 months 2 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 1218 times:
Quoting Max Q (Reply 18): As a young lad I enjoyed flying as a passenger, for me however Aviation was a lot more exciting then. All the Aircraft were and looked totally different, VC10's, Tridents, 707's Dc10's, L1011's B747 Classics were a a lot more interesting than another 'big twin'
Man I am with you on that.. I don't know if it is because they were the airliners that were flying when we were growing up but I remember going to the airport as a kid to JFK and we would take my cousin there to fly back to STL on AA he was going to Parks College at the time then later he lived in Long Beach CA and I just have fond memories of those trips watching the 707's take off. I am glad I was able to as an airline employee got to fly on the DC-10's 727's and L1011's. Never got to fly on a 707 though wish I had.
Max Q From United States of America, joined May 2001, 2610 posts, RR: 19 Reply 22, posted (3 months 2 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 1210 times:
Quoting stratosphere (Reply 21):
Man I am with you on that.. I don't know if it is because they were the airliners that were flying when we were growing up but I remember going to the airport as a kid to JFK and we would take my cousin there to fly back to STL on AA he was going to Parks College at the time then later he lived in Long Beach CA and I just have fond memories of those trips watching the 707's take off. I am glad I was able to as an airline employee got to fly on the DC-10's 727's and L1011's. Never got to fly on a 707 though wish I had.
Agreed, I did manage a couple of 707 flights, the VC10 was really special, and all the other 70's Aircraft, the 747 was and always will be my favourite, followed closely by the L1011.
Not to forget this era's most incomparable Aircraft, the magnificent Concorde !
The best contribution to safety is a competent Pilot.
stratosphere From United States of America, joined Sep 2007, 1522 posts, RR: 4 Reply 23, posted (3 months 2 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 1151 times:
Quoting Max Q (Reply 22): Agreed, I did manage a couple of 707 flights, the VC10 was really special, and all the other 70's Aircraft, the 747 was and always will be my favourite, followed closely by the L1011.
Not to forget this era's most incomparable Aircraft, the magnificent Concorde !
The VC-10 now that was unique how did u get to fly on one if I may ask? The Concorde I wish I had forked over the money to do it when I had the chance. I was at Oshkosh one year that it was there and could of and should have spent the several hundred dollars for a spin in it. One of many mistakes I have made in life...
daviation From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 318 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (3 months 2 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 1101 times:
Although I have no fear of flying, I sometimes need a little help to sleep on a long-haul flight. On one recent 12+-hour flight, I took an Ambien and washed it down with a Merlot. Man, did I have a good night's sleep!
But when I mentioned it to other long-haul fliers, they said it wasn't unusual at all. In fact, they had a name for it: "Amberlot."
Of course, I've been on flights that were unplesant, usually weather-related or maintenance-related (like my recent aborted landing incident). But they didn't make me nervous, they made me pissed-off!
25 Max Q: Well, I was a passenger on a BOAC VC10 from LHR to HKG, it would have been mid seventies. We must have stopped four or five times but as a young boy
26 shnoob940: I love to fly. But for me there are conditions. I don't like: Night flights, because I am not aware of my surroundings and Long flights over the sea,
27 elbandgeek: As much as I love flying, I always get a little freaked out in anticipation of a flight. I usually mellow out once we hit cruise but if there's any mo
28 Asturias: Oh yes! That's my favorite too, no inflight entertainment can beat the view from the air - looking at things, I let my imagination loose picturing wh
29 darksnowynight: Fortunately, the OEMs have you covered. Soon it will be CFRP tubes. Well, how much do you need to know about your engine/transmission seal bearings t
30 Asturias: Good point, I assumed that much to be fair, but also reckoned that a relatively new (2000 model) 752 would have more specific warning lights than a "
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