Do you have a fear of flying?

Question

Lliam · Accepted Answer

Not at all. My dad was into airplanes (particularly WWI and WWII) and took me to air shows when I was a kid. So I caught the bug when I was very young.

When I was in my early teens he and I went up in one of his friend's planes. I got to ride in the right seat (copilot) and steer the plane. He took us up several times and gave me lessons on how to take off, land, and do simple maneuvers. He even let me fly left seat a couple of times and shoot touch and goes. That's when you land and then take off again without stopping.

I've flown on airlines quite a few times. My longest flight was about 12 hours nonstop from Los Angeles to Frankfurt and then back, a month later, from Heathrow to L. A. It was actually a drag flying coach for that many hours.

Some people don't know how easy it used to be to hop on a plane an fly someplace, but it turned into a pain in the ass after 911. Now with the addition of covid bullshit, it's not worth it.

In my 40s, I became friends with a guy who was a great pilot and owned a 1960s era two seat military jet. He flew me out to Mojave Airport where he kept it and then had a hot shot military test pilot friend of his take me up. It was amazing flying in the back seat of a military jet. The guy even let me take the controls and roll the plane a few times, first one direction and then the other. He also did some craaaayzy ass shit. I'll spare you the details.

A few years ago, when my wife and I were in Petaluma, we drove past a small airport and saw some cool planes and an advertisement for rides. For my next birthday, she bought me a ride. My dream was to go up in an open cockpit, bi-wing plane and do aerobatics.
So we went back later that year and I got to cross an item off of my bucket list. The guy took me up, wind in my face, and did a bunch of aerobatics. It was crazier than the craziest roller coaster.

TheorionMage · Accepted Answer

A trite maxim of commercial flight is that its the "safest form of travel per mile".
WHO THE HELL flies CROSS TOWN? Some would argue: "those who use rotor wing aircraft".
If you EVER want to see a shockingly sobering video... ask any helicopter mechanic how they USED TO test "the JESUS! bearing" which bears ALL the weight suspended from a helicopter's main rotor... or even just the 'auto rotation' emergency landing of a helicopter!

Historically I am NOT innately 'lucky' ... I am a 'control freak' and will research as many variables as I possibly can, to 'stack' the deck for my benefit. When you fly 'commercial' you are basically 'placated animate cargo' in an aluminum 'cigar tube'. I have a brother who served as an Air Force Veteran airframe mechanic; he's intimately acquainted with the 'bones' of modern aircraft. I remember one occasion where I was tasked to pick him up from an airport and HE came off the gangway 'white as a sheet' after a flight with heavy air turbulence. He refused to speak of it. On another occasion, I was flying with a window seat and mid-flight I looked at the #3 turbofan engine's nacelle and could see coffee-brown hydraulic fluid seeping out along its length. I pushed the stewardess 'call' button and motioned her over to my window. I identified myself as a VT Air National Guard Sargant and respectfully blew off her assurances and asked she notify the Flight's Engineer. We made it safely to our destination and as we awaited to 'de-plane' a ground mechanic hurriedly wheeled out a rolling ladder to the #3 engine... by which time, my row was exiting the craft. As I hurried to the luggage carousel my peripheral vision saw several airport personnel seeming to be searching for me. I melted into the crowd. ;)

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I have been okay with flying, but there was this one really late night flight where I had no seat mate, and we had scary turbulence. Like they turned off the lights, steam or whatever was coming from the vents, the plane was dipping hard and seemingly going side to side, and I looked over at the lady in the aisle next to me, also alone, and I thought, I may die next to someone I don't even know their name. That really messed with me. I have not been comfortable on long flights after that. After a few hours, I feel claustrophobic so I've avoided straight flights just to give my mind and body a chance to break in between. Also I do have a fear of Covid with strangers sitting next to me I know nothing about. One of the times in my life I was practically near death was from something I caught on a plane sitting behind a guy coughing everywhere in the aisle in front of me (this was before Covid), so now I'm like, things are only getting worse.

Fayeleo · Accepted Answer

I do, not crazily, but I do check airline, and aircraft before booking tkts.
The "people getting killed more on the road is more than getting killed by flight accidents" never convinced me. Reason is simple, on the road, you have a great chance of being rescued, injured, and you can minimize the risks cause you are behind the wheels. On a flight, passengers are completely vulnerable with basically nothing he can do for his own security apart from wearing the safety belt.

It is a pity they sunset Airbus 380 - that giant was the one giving me the most security if you see how it lands in cross-wind.

ChrisMaster69 · Answer

I don’t have a fear of it, I don’t particularly like it at times.

i spent most of my life in the Air Force, a lot of that was on Squadrons and also Air Craft Recovery (aka Crash & Smash).

on the Squadrons, we would often find cracks in the wings or fuselage, the simplest thing to do, was to stop drill the crack to stop it propagating, I dread to think how many aircraft have cracks in them etc.

I also worked avionics systems and they are just so many ways they can fuck up lol.

finally I spent some time working Crash & Smash, where we would attend air craft crashes in the UK and globally as required.

This entailed ensuring aircraft wreckage was identified, marked up, site was secure and also body reclamation (picking up body parts and looking for body parts, it’s amazing where things like feet, hands, heads etc all end up).

Red_Arrow · Answer

My only fear of flying is when I am not in a plane. Like one time I was hauled up from the deck of a ship in a harness under a helicopter, which proceeded to fly a few miles to deliver me to another ship. And the harness was one that went under my armpits, but relyed on me holding my ars together in front. If I had loosened my grip, I would have slid out and hitting the water from that high up could have killed me. They were hauling me up to pull me in, but they were already speeding miles away by the time they got me in the door.

DeeDeeDeVour · Answer

I've had a huge fear of flying for many, many years. With my husband's help, I've succeeded (though, not completely) overcoming my anxiety. He takes me up on my dad's small aircraft with a sky-dive instructor who has been jumping with me to help my fear management.

DaveJord · Answer

I am not afraid of flying, but I absolutely hate air travel... its literally the worse. From the second you get to the air port to the second you leave... I hate it. So I have a lot of anxiety about air travel, the sense of being herded like mindless cattle. We lost so much freedom on 9/11 you don't really realize how much the terrorist won on that day.

The_Shadow_Dweller · Answer

It was probably two years ago I had my first flight and I felt just like sitting in a bus.
It was nothing out of extraordinary.

I was hearing the engine sound, and even when I was at the standard height for my trip, I felt nothing about it. It was like normal for me even when it was my first flight ever.

erandal · Answer

Yes, but only with clear air turbulence, and I used to fly loads pre-pandemic*.

Generally I am ok, I can handle flying through clouds and the plane noticeably flying at an angle or the wings rocking when coming into landing but even the smallest bump at altitude makes me freak out.

* In the 12 months prior I flew 72 times and I hold a gold card for a Star Alliance airline.

lilyanony1 · Answer

I love going on holiday but I prefer to not have turbulence.
I hate the off and worry about landing.
That sensation you get in your stomach it's just awful and part of the reason why I don't like theme parks.
But I do it and have done it. Even doing so alone.
I made a friend on the plane and we held each others hands...
Best trip I've ever had

ohshee · Answer

I absolutely love it I've been up in many types of airplanes the best airplane has been a biplane two Wings open cockpit doing tricks one of the best h i g h s I've ever had in my life I parachuted out of airplanes I have a pair sale with my boat so I love flying yes

mobiusforniner · Answer

I'm a pilot and I own an airplane. And to be perfectly honest, flying scares me. I feel having a healthy fear of it helps me better plan and prepare as an aviator, because I respect and understand what happens if I don't. And being able to overcome that fear, taking thousands of pounds of metal into the sky, waltzing amidst the birds and angels, and setting her back down in one piece; it's a feeling that keeps me doing it over and over again. Flying is the most liberating human experience.

kitty71 · Answer

I always have some kind of fear each time I travel, even if I had travelled in the past and I have to get used to it alreayd with each flight you take, there is always this fear once you board a plane. My biggest fear is mostly when the plane takes off and land. While the plane is up I dont feel that afraid or my fear lessens a little. Of course the exception is when there is turbulence that is where I have this fear.

JosyJosy · Answer

I don't like it, I'm happy to have visited the places I have, but I never liked the flying. If something goes wrong, there is nothing you can do, it's not even a mistake of yours to correct, it's in the hands of some person you haven't even seen before.

Mangospacho · Answer

I have a little bit of flight training so I don’t get freaked out under normal flight conditions. But, I do know that there are a lot of people who are (understandably) afraid of flying and airlines and airports don’t help. The flying experience is absolutely miserable with the crowds, the layovers, having to pay for every little thing like sitting together (gasp!) with your child. So there is no reason to be afraid of flying but airlines and airports aren’t helping.

noohair · Answer

My father was a bomber pilot during WWII. When we flew I always felt that it the Germans never got him, I would be safe with him. But that was 50 years ago. Flying today is like taking a bus with wings. Everyone thinks the plane was built for them alone. I don't fear flying, I just can't stand the passengers I have to deal with.

Daniela1982 · Answer

Only if it were in a contraption like this.

DarkCarousel · Answer

I’m an anxious flyer but I have general anxiety about most things, not specific to flying. Being in the air doesn’t bother me. Being delayed multiple times due to mechanical issues/failure makes me think of Final Destination.

NathanDavis · Answer

fear of flying... no but I would be a bit afraid of new software in airplanes and how they keep adjusting it AFTER crashes... -find out and fix later- is not the best policy, in my opinion... lol

DizzyDesii · Answer

Not a fear but i was nervous to. Finally did some years ago and well the only scary part is taking off and landing because theyre shakey and your ears pop badly. But the leveled flight is so comfy and you get the best sleep

DonkeyDan · Answer

No I love flying, the only thing I don't like about it is getting bored stiff on long haul flights.

Little_Bumblebee · Answer

Well, a little fear I would say.  I get nervous when the plane is going in the air and during turbulence (especially when on the tiny toilet, fearing that's how I'm going to die).

Leonharted · Answer

I love flying. One of the best moments in my life was when I got to go in an F-16 for an hour when I was in the Air Force ROTC.

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

A little on a plane, but a lot if I'm on a catapult. I've flown a few times in my life, while I'm not afraid of heights I don't really enjoy all the restrictions, rather just drive somewhere.

Moose304 · Answer

I am a private pilot. In fact, I am flying out of the Newport News Williamsburg Airport in the early AM headed to Georgia.

StephBelsten · Answer

Not at all, though I understand why you might be. But just look at the statistics of how often planes go down and that should surely calm your nerves, at least somewhat

andreasderjuengere · Answer

The opposite, rather :)
Especially: I like flights in small aircraft. Not too extreme aerobatics are welcome, too.
Common passenger flights are plain boring; only take-offs give me a light and happy smile.

menina · Answer

The last time I was on a plane was when I was 3 years old, so I don't remember how I felt. I'm still waiting of the next time I'm going to fly. Hopefully next year or in 2024.

kyleelyn199723 · Answer

I don’t but my boyfriend does. The last time I flew with him in the summer, he was an absolute mess. Drunk at the airport, throwing up in the bathroom from being too drunk.

TadCurious · Answer

It's great to see you again Bella. Happy New Year. 🎈 No I'm not afraid of flying. The very first time I flew when I was a kid I thought it was pretty cool.  😎

MelonSoda · Answer

Yes, and I really need to get over that since I want to do a lot of traveling that requires getting on a plane in the future. :/

dustybiker · Answer

I really want to learn how to fly a plane, so no for me. 🙃

ZackBan · Answer

I get severe motion sickness so my flights are usually an iteration between puking and fainting and I hate it.

zagor · Answer

Nah. It's kind of a blind faith thing. But accidents are rare. Much more likely when you fly that you'll have to worry about screaming babies, obnoxious drunks or the person next to you being sick.

Still-alive · Answer

not really, unless we experience some bad turbulence i might get a bit anxious.

wankiam · Answer

not scared of it at all but can't say i enjoy it so i prefer to drive when i can

IveGotNoName · Answer

Sometimes.. when there's a lot of turbulence I tend to panic like crazy in my head even though I know it's irrational to

bean2k21 · Answer

Have you ever been on a plan and the guy in the seat next to you was like, "Hey will you hold my hand?" Yeah that's me.

exitseven · Answer

I am not afraid of flying. I just hate the idea of going to an airport and standing in line. I have not flown since before 9/11.

melanieeeB · Answer

Noo I dont think so, but my last time was like 9 years ago

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

Not if you pick me up and take me into the night but no way I can't step foot into a plane LMAO *Hides Face Blush *

FatherJack · Answer

The first plane I ever flew in , was also one I jumped out of.

Quidthonian · Answer

I am not afraid, I just don't like it. I get motion sickness extremely easily. As for fear, I have 80 hours of experience behind the controls of a light aircraft (Cessna 172)

Guanfei · Answer

I have a huge fear of height. Above 5m is already hard for me. So imagine being in a shoebox at 10 000m above the ground. No thanks.

Razp_Sorbet · Answer

No I never have. I think because I was Introduced to planes quite young.

Petermorgan34 · Answer

Nope. I've flown a plane solo before, its easier than driving a car!

sheikalana · Answer

I fly airplanes for a living and never had the fear of flying.

Junior__ · Answer

No. Driving in ultra heavy traffic actually makes me more nervous.

Cherry234 · Answer

Whoops I voted D instead of C. I have been on a plane before so I'm not afraid of flying lol.

slatyb · Answer

I used to like it, now it’s a PITA, the unpleasant bit before the fun starts.

AncientWisdom · Answer

It’s something I’m wary of mainly because I’m not in control of the vehicle and if it stops it’s a long way to the ground. Likely won’t make it in car or boat you ar least got a chance.

Katrinaismyname56 · Answer

No I just don’t like being on the airplane to long because I find it difficult to sleep and I hate the loud noise when you go flush the toilet.

AndrewMG · Answer

No not at all I love flying, I mean I have a fear of crashing but absolutely no fear of the flying part of the journey lol

NYCQuestions1976 · Answer

No. I'm fine with flying, but I'd still rather drive, unless it's absolutely necessary. I just like driving because I enjoy it more than flying.

Desconhecida · Answer

I'm not afraid of flying, I'm afraid of the plane falling.

Anonymous · Answer

I used to but then I got on my first flight and it felt pretty cool, only scary part was turbulence and the fear of crashing that comes with it. But other than the the experience was pretty cool.

helva · Answer

Not afraid of flying but I find it extremely boring if it is longer than than 2 hours.

ewok737 · Answer

I don't like flying !! I'm an aircraft mechanic for a domestic US airline ( 47 years experience ) and I have not been on a flight in 24 years.

legalboxers · Answer

I hate flying and getting shit seats. Last time I was by the wheel well. and my foot was frozen

r2cute · Answer

im not afraid of flying cuz im statistically more likely to die in a car than a plain

douride2 · Answer

I have never had a fear of flying. Apparently I started flying at only a couple of weeks old.

Cutiepiee · Answer

Something else. I am not afraid of flying i am just afraid of the ocean thats why i sometimes get scared on a plane. but flying is fun

Paul09 · Answer

I am not afraid to fly. Heck I'd fly the plane if they let me.

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