Comparisons between different modes of transport show that flying is statistically the safest way to travel. However, tabloid stories on plane crashes may stir uneasy feelings even among passengers who have enjoyed flying in the past.
The fear of flying may take over by surprise. Your palms begin to sweat, and every noise or slight movement of the aircraft in turbulence become signs of danger.
Fear itself can be either rational or irrational. Rational fear is a normal feeling that protects us in threatening situations. Situations in which threat and danger are real, prepare the body to act. This phenomenon is usually referred to as the “fight-or-flight” response.
Irrational fear refers to feelings that occur in situations that do not contain any actual threat of danger, for example when speaking in public or flying. The fear of flying is irrational; it consists of many different factors and is a learned reaction. The consolation here is that since it is a learned reaction, it is possible to be unlearned, and to gain control over the fear.
Often the reason behind the fear is flying in a stressful or somehow altered time in one’s life. The confined cabin on an aircraft is enough to cause discomfort for many, and the fear of flying does indeed appear to be connected to claustrophobia and vertigo. The feeling of losing control combined with negative images cause discomfort.
The fear of flying can be like a bad case of the flu, as it is in fact contagious, and often learned from others.
Once the fear of flying has emerged, it reminds the sufferer of its existence continuously. A person who is afraid to fly accepts accidents and other irregularities as proof on the dangers of flying. They confirm the uncomfortable or scary images and perceptions of flying the person has. A sufferer may sometimes unknowingly choose information to support their views, and look for evidence of danger, generalize, exaggerate, and even ignore facts that suggest flying is not dangerous.
Many who find flying uncomfortable or dangerous have personal experiences of, for example, turbulence. Even measures that enhance safety can be interpreted as threatening, for example, if the pilot has to pull up because the runway is occupied, or if the flight is diverted to another airport due to bad weather conditions.
It can be said, that there are many factors behind the fear of flying. One of the most significant of these is what the person knows about flying, and what kind of perceptions have developed in one’s mind based on this knowledge.
Both the media and the entertainment industry are interested in aviation, and even the slightest mishap immediately becomes news. In addition, the entertainment industry has created an atmosphere of fear around flying, on which people’s negative perceptions may partially be based on.
Levels of fear and the feelings related to them vary. Some experience slight discomfort on board an aircraft, but can still fly in spite of it. To others, even thinking about flying arouses fear that limits their opportunities to travel for work and leisure. Gradually the fear may become stronger and lead to avoidance. For people who are afraid of flying, statistics are of no importance, since they contradict the perceptions they have constructed in their minds. Changing these images requires accurate and precise knowledge about flying.
The importance of knowledge is significant in the formation of fear. People who are afraid of flying are preoccupied by many questions, and in an overactive state. They are alert and observe their surroundings keenly, listen carefully to the aircraft’s sounds, monitor its attitude, and watch the staff closely. At the same time, they watch and attempt to control themselves.
I’m employed as a Captain at Finnair, and for me, the aircraft is an agreeable, comfortable and safe place. I’m a psychologist by my other profession, and hope that I can offer some advice to those who are afraid of flying. You may find the following tips useful:
- Bear in mind that your safety is in the hands of a great number of responsible professionals. No other line of business is as closely monitored and regulated as aviation.
- The most dangerous part of your trip is your journey to the airport. Once you get there, you become the responsibility of the world’s safest and most trustworthy system.
- Alcohol and tranquilizers do not cure the fear of flying.
- Don’t focus on your fear, as it grows the more you feed it. Instead, familiarize yourself with relaxation techniques and bring some entertaining reading along.
Wishing you a comfortable, safe and relaxing flight,
Tommi Vänskä
Finnair Airbus Captain
Filed under: Safety, Service | Tagged: fear of flying, flying fear
