Atlantica - 01.04.2006, Page 25

AT L A N T I CA 23
“Many people I have worked with try to keep flying off their
mind by being super-busy during the day of a flight, rush to the
airport at the last minute, dash onto the flight. This is a great
way to set yourself up for panic.”
Instead, nervous flyers should get used to their feelings so
they don’t get bottled up inside, turning into stomach knots.
Mr. Bunn suggests arriving at the airport with plenty of time
before the flight to think.
“Fear is like peanut butter and time is like bread to spread
it on. There is only so much peanut butter, but there is a whole
loaf of bread.”
If peanut butter analogies don’t calm your nerves, take a
fear of flying course, some run by the airlines themselves, which
makes sense because you can’t sell a ticket to a person who is
afraid to step on an airplane.
Virgin Atlantic is one such airline, offering a one-day seminar
that costs £120. The course begins with a brief introduction to
the team working with the students. Then, Virgin’s pilots brief
students on how an aircraft functions. A psychotherapist who
talks about fears and phobias, teaching the skills to control
them, follows this briefing. Finally, there is a 45-minute flight
with the team, and a pilot providing a running commentary
during the flight. The course is so popular that Virgin recently
added additional courses, operating from six airports: London
Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick, Birmingham, Newcastle and
Manchester. The airline even has a fear of flying channel on
board to make anxious passengers more comfortable during
flight.
“Many people who are afraid to fly find that when they
understand how an aircraft operates, recognize what the
associated noises are, understand why turbulence is safe and
have all their questions answered, they are a long way to being
helped to overcome their fear of flying,” says the Virgin Atlantic
website.
Despite an increased understanding of flight (like how the
plane actually stays in the air), despite knowing the safety
statistics and watching relaxation channels, some passengers
still get antsy when stepping onto a plane. In such a case, Mr.
Bunn has a simple suggestion: turn left upon embarking, and
talk to the pilot.
Not bad advice. After all, you wouldn’t undergo an operation
without first consulting with the surgeon. Besides, a pilot’s
confidence is enough to boost anyone’s trust. EW
MANAGE FEAR
Counselors recommend five easy steps to
ease your anxiety when flying.
» Stretch those legs. Increased circulation is
a must on long flights, and aids in
relaxation.
» Remember to breathe. Deep breathing
helps avoid panic attacks.
» Educate yourself: the more you know
about the airline industry, or flying in
general, he more confident you’ll feel.
» Relax: dress comfortably, don’t rush and
stop thinking negative thoughts.
» Talking helps: mention your anxiety to the
pilot, the flight attendants or express your
concerns to your seatmate, if he or she is
not wearing an ipod.
For more information on fear of flying,
log on to: www.flyingwithoutfear.info,
www.fofc.com, www.fearofflying.com,
www.myskyprogram.com
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