Don't hang up your headset
An AOPA member recently participated in a Web conference on AOPA's WebBoard Conference center ( www.aopa.org/members/messages/) and voiced this concern: "I began taking flying lessons at the age of 14 and soloed at 16. I accrued more than 600 hours of flying time in single- and multi-engine aircraft. In 1989, I managed to get myself from VFR weather into sudden IFR on a cross-country flight. While I got myself and my passengers safely on the ground, since then I have had a terror of small aircraft. When I try to fly now, I have a death grip on the yoke and cringe at any bump or sign of turbulence. In all honesty, I am scared of flying.
"How can I overcome this fear of flying and what will allow me to enjoy flying again? The instructors I have flown with (all under the age of 23) say that I fly well and that my airwork and landings are superior. But I cannot seem to make a takeoff roll with the right seat empty. Do you think that a more experienced CFI would be of assistance or should I just hang up my headset for the last time?"
More than 250 responses were offered by other members concerning this pilots fear of flying. Members are able to join in Web conferences on different topics, 24/7. AOPA's aviation technical specialists also offer advice to members on the WebBoard conferences.
Responses included this advice: "The traditional cure is to expand your flight capabilities, with instruction, into areas that you have been uncomfortable with in the past/present, e.g., instrument training, engine-out drills, spin recovery. I don't think that the age of the CFI counts here, but having one who has experienced this sort of fear would be good. That person would have the insight necessary for the ‘skill expansion. You have to encounter the dragon to slay it."
Another member advised: "The strangest thing I have ever noticed about flying confidence is that it does not come from touch and goes or much of anything close to home (stalls, etc.). Find a good weather day and fly about four to six hours up in the air and straight and level. Work on holding a good heading and altitude. Land, have lunch, and come home."
The WebBoard allows members to offer advice to one another that can be based on similar experiences or situations. One member responded: "You might get more sensitive replies and more compassionate ones, but the most insightful and useful one will be to just buck up and get over it. You're a pilot, aren't you? Just do it." There are some tough customers out there.
AOPA aviation technical specialist Kitty Pultorak added: "You have gotten some of the best advice Ive seen on the subject. I agree that you are placing stress on yourself by forcing yourself to do flying maneuvers that are presently uncomfortable for you. Stay flying with an instructor and get back into your beautiful Cessna and fly. AOPA's Aviation Services does have an information package titled Fear of Flying. I will be happy to send this material to you."
The AOPA WebBoard covers myriad flying topics including mechanical questions, ideas for trips to buy that $100 hamburger, offers to share flights and help build flight time, and medical and legal advice. Member-to-member conversations are ongoing.
As an AOPA member, you have access to the best resource anywhere for information and answers for pilots. AOPA provides information for its members through a vast array of communications technology. You can reach experts in all fields of aviation via AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/members/pic/), the AOPA Pilot Information Center (800/USA-AOPA), and via e-mail ( [email protected]). Aviation technical specialists respond promptly to member requests. AOPA Online provides members with access to information and resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free AOPA Pilot Information Center gives you direct access to specialists in every area of aviation. The center is available to members from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.
AOPA Web resources
The archives of AOPA Pilot and AOPA Flight Training magazines contain informative articles on many subjects. Access these suggested articles on fear and flying by using these direct URLs:
AOPA subject report on the fear of flying.
www.aopa.org/members/files/topics/fear.html
Advice for pilots who are afraid of in-flight emergencies.
www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/article.cfm?article=2287
Helping passengers who are afraid.
www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/article.cfm?article=184
A pilot learns to fly in order to overcome his fear of flying.
www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/article.cfm?article=2180
Encountering situations that you may not be able to handle.
www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/article.cfm?article=565
Understanding turbulence.
www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/article.cfm?article=2040
Understanding your personal limits.
www.aopa.org/members/ftmag/article.cfm?article=392
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