Scared to fly

[Scared]

It may be sound very silly to you but I am scared to fly.... I am a second officer, flying for 8 years now and I don't know myself what is happening. Does anubody have an equal experience or suggestions how to cope with this??

[ODYSSEUS]

i'm scared to fly when one of the pilots flying my airplane is scared. i guess i should ask the CAPT and F/O if they're scared as a pre flight check

[exeng]

Dear Scared,

Not many folks spend 8 years as a second officer. You are having a little joke.

Goodbye!!

Regards

[blacksheep]

If i were you I would seek professional help. (I'm not joking)

[Scared]

Exeng,

I have been flying as a flight engineer before, that's why...

regards

Scared

and believe me it's no joke, not at all.

[suthernbelle]

Hey Scared - I agree with Blacksheep. You need to talk to someone. This is your livelihood.

Best regards!

[Speedbrake_UP]

And quickly. You can't be too much assistance in that condition.!! Find help!

Good Luck

[This message has been edited by Speedbrake UP (edited November 29, 2000).]

[traveler]

Dentist school maybe ?

[V1.....UH_OH]

HA!

Good one traveler......!
http://www.crewstart.com/ubb/images/icons/grin.gif

[operadivagal]

Dear Scared:
I think I know why you are afraid to fly. I used to be a fearless traveller. Although I am not a pilot nor an FA, I hope my story and theory helps you.
I am a 22 year old opera singer. I travel a lot for my career. Stress and anxiety are not good for my voice. So, flying does a number on me, however, I learned to control it, and not let it control me.
On July 29,1996, I was nearly killed in a car accident. I was new to driving and did not see a stop sign in time because it was hidden behind bushes. I slammed on the brakes but I felt my foot go to the floor. I did not have enough experience to think fast and pull the emergency brake or reengage the foot brake. I was hit on the front passenger side by a utility pickup truck.
I learned to drive again, but am forever scarred emotionally by the loss of control. I am a horrible "Backseat" driver. I went to a phsychologists and they helped me cope, but most of it was time healing.
When I fly, I feel this horrible feeling of not being in control. I am most anxious during take off and landing. Cruising is no problem.....turbulence used to be fun....now it scares the hell out of me.
After taking 2 phsychology courses, I determined that the car accident was the cause of this fear. I had to teach myself to trust the people who were in control....a very hard thing to do. It helps me to go into the cockpit before the flight and meet the crew. Besides, I love planes and to see the cockpits is a treat for me. http://www.crewstart.com/ubb/images/icons/smile.gif This helps me know the people on a more personal basis and makes it easier to trust.
What you are experiencing is anxiety due to not being in control. You need to learn to trust your collegues and concentrate on your job. You also need to trust yourself.
The other thing I did was fly a cessna 172. Flying the plane was the most freeing experience I ever felt. It also helped me understand meneuvers during take off and landing.
On my last trip, I actually was able to sing the same day as the flight. I used to have to recuperate over night! I even sing softly to myself or to the FA's on their "breaks" on the plane, it helps me focus on things other than my fear.
Well, I hope this helped you. You can email me if you want. I understand what you are feeling and am willing to talk to you about it. My email is operadivagal@hotmail.com

Love,
Alyssa
PS: What kind of plane are you FE for?

[Jenny@Nw]

You know, you don't need to have gone to school to figure out why you feel that way.
lots of people have same sort of probs and it's not a big joke.
You just got to trust yourself and build some confidence.
This is from someone who didn't trust herself and didn't even wanna go in a cessna 152.
Now it's a bunch of fun!
Get over that hurdle and go in there.
Have someone who is willing to help help you.
You know, from taking two psycho courses it doesn't make you an expert. Go seek a licensed councelor if you need to. I am very sure you are not the only one in this world who is having some sort of anxiety .