Fear of Flying .. or Driving

[Jules]

Do you have a fear of flying? I don’t love it, though I’m not terrified. My DD’s spouse is a wreck. He’s 6’4” and has a dangerous career. He just sits wide awake the whole flight. It’s worse when it‘s multiple legs to the trip.

I think I’m more nervous of travel by car. Even as the passenger, I’m steering and braking the whole way. On high mountain roads, I find myself leaning into the console. Guess that’s to balance the car so it doesn’t fall off the cliff.

 

[Blessed]

It's not the flying part for me, it is the takeoff and landing that freaks me out. I do have to take xanax to get me through the ordeal. I also never sleep on the plane. My husband used to get in his seat and would be asleep before we could even get off the ground.

These days I am not crazy about having to be on the freeway driving or as a passenger. Everyone is going so fast and swerving in and out.

 

[horseless carriage]

My wife and I travelled across the pond many times, we used to visit the US often twice a year. Probably flown over The Atlantic over a hundred times. We would pre-book a car in the UK so that we could collect and return it at the airport. Switching from driving on the left to the right hand side of the road never unnerved me, but that flight did, I hated it.

On every trip I would have the window seat, that way I didn't have to move for someone who might need the toilets. How I ever managed the ten hour flight without relieving myself, heaven only knows, but I did. Get in that seat, seat belt on, don't move.
"Coffee, Sir?" "No thank you." "Your cooked meal Sir," "No thank you." "Can I get you anything Sir?" "No, no, I'm fine, thank you." Fine? Scarred witless more like. How I hated flying.

 

[hollydolly]

I love flying... I hate the airport experience. Used to be a pleasurable start to the holiday being at the airport, not now.. awful... driving ?... I have driven in many countries.. and all on the opposite side of the road to the UK.. ( apart from Cyprus)... and it takes an hour or 2 to get used to it then I'm fine... I know what you mean about the mountain roads though Jules.. I was very scared driving up narrow mountain roads with sheer drops on the side.. that did and does freak me out a bit ...

I've driven over many but the worst was the Snow and ice covered Mont Blanc... The sheer volume of traffic on a steep mountain in the thick fog and snow was terrifying.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I’m not afraid of flying. I just have zero desire to do so. I’m the opposite, I don’t mind driving at all and would really drive anywhere. Plus I need to be with our dogs. If I can’t see them, or hold them,…. I’m a mess.

 

[Capt Lightning]

I used to enjoy flying, but the novelty wore off and now it's just boring. I've taken hundreds of flights, mainly domestic and European. A couple of hours is tolerable, but I didn't like long haul. I could never sleep during a flight although I had a colleague who was asleep before we took off and didn't wake till we landed. Like Hollydolly, I loathe airports. My local one, rather pretentiously called "Aberdeen International", isn't too bad as it's small and 'manageable', but large ones like Heathrow are terrible.

Oddly enough, much as I'm perfectly happy with flying, I don't like tall buildings, cable cars etc.. Driving , I'm happy enough with local driving and in the past I've driven through a lot of mainland Europe in my campervan. Now, I'm happier to fly to places and use public transport to get around.

 

[CeeCee]

I don’t fear flying at all, just the airport experience has become a pain in the butt, like @hollydolly mentioned.
I also don’t fear driving, just don’t enjoy it at all anymore. Except for dr a or hair appts or tests where I drive myself, I usually wait til my daughters going somewhere and go with her.
Don‘t have to wait long because she goes out every day except when working on Wednesday and Friday.

 

[IKE]

Between the military and working overseas for several years I've spent many hours in a plane but I promised myself that after surviving a float plane crash while on my last fishing trip to Canada back in the 90's that I'd never get on another plane......I fully intend to keep that promise.

 

[oldman]

Many of you know that I flew for United for almost 33 years. I’m all in with the rest of you that dislike the airport experience. I never knew how bad it was until I retired and had to use the airport’s protocol of getting on the plane. The first thing I noticed was how rude the people are. I really dislike the wearing of backpacks and having to stand in back of people that wear one and would swing around or backup and hit me. I felt like grabbing hold of them and shaking some sense into them. I’m talking about the overstuffed packs.

I never really flew International, but I did make a flight to Alaska, Canada and Greenland only because we were short pilots and I happen to be in the right place at the right time. I think most pilots would agree that the really serious part of the flight is the takeoff. With two pilots in the cockpit, each pilot has a specific job. One of the pilots will fly the plane while the non-flying pilot watches the instruments and takes care of the communications with the controllers and the passengers.

Flying today has been made much easier than say 30 years ago. With all the warning systems on planes today, unless the plane has a major mechanical failure in one of the critical systems, there is no reason for a plane to go down. The plane even has a takeoff warning system, if the plane has not been configured properly for takeoff. If the flaps have not been extended, or when the engines have been spooled up for takeoff, but the EPR gauge is showing that the engines aren’t performing properly, plus other instruments are also checked by the TOCWS (Take Off Configuration Warning System). If the plane doesn’t comport with the proper settings that have been set in the FMS or the Flight Management System, which is that small computer between the two pilots, an aural warning will sound “TAKEOFF.’” At that point, the flying pilot will reject the takeoff. There are several warning systems on the plane. If the plane is flying too slow, if the plane is flying too low or if there is another plane in my plane’s flight path all have aural warnings that need to be corrected immediately.

There hasn’t been a major passenger plane crash in the U.S. since 2009 and that was a turboprop plane. The NTSB found the crash to be caused by pilot error due to lack of rest. The rules of how much time a pilot can fly has changed. The next time you fly, sit back and relax and enjoy the ride.

 

[bowmore]

We have not flown since 2016, but have taken a number of cruises that were round trip from our home port. We started taking long flights in 2007, but as we aged, creature comforts were more important. Most of our most recent flights were in Business Class, and we would get to the airport early and relax in the Business Class lounges.

 

[ElCastor]

Fortunately I don’t have an issue with driving. I’m as comfortable behind the wheel as I was in my 30’s, but I am well aware of the driving fear issue that affects many my age, mainly women. Why it hasn’t hit me “yet” is a mystery. I can give some of the credit to our current car, an inexpensive import that has several down right comforting features. Lane change warning that warns of cars in the blind spot, automatic breaking that does the math on speed and distance, and a backup warning that actually does a very good job of spotting approaching cars and pedestrians. Regardless of age I wouldn’t buy a car that lacked these increasingly common features. On the several year horizon will be level 4 and 5 self driving cars. I drool at the thought. (-8

 

[Lewkat]

Flying doesn't bother me at all, but driving certainly does.

 

[Feelslikefar]

Not so much a fear of flying, it's being confined without any control over what's happening.
I discovered my problem with confined spaces early on when we did a 'Depentants Cruise' on a Submarine.
This was in the early 60's and we circled the island from Pearl Harbor where my dad was stationed.
I was a wreck the entire time, no windows and a very confined space.
All the other kids had a great time.

Back to flying, the only question I had for the Air Force recruiter was how often would I have to fly on planes.
He smiled and said that being on a ground crew, never have to fly except getting from one base to another.
He said 'maybe a couple of times' in a 4-year sign up.
That seemed reasonable to me and why would he lie!

Logged many, many air miles during my 20+ and I just try to sit as quietly as I can till we land.
Some of the cargo type planes in the inventory are bare bones, loud, cold and that never helped.
Had a very small pillow I always carried in my A-Bag, probably a 'security' thing.
Flying was just the hard part of getting the job done.

A Weird career choice to be sure.

 

[Lee]

Not going to fly, and I am supposed to have a second driving lesson on Monday.....we shall see how that goes, the first one did not go well.

 

[Disgustedman]

Ohhhhhh brother do I have a story regarding flying.

I was invited to a Halloween party in Wisconsin. So I flew there, not thrilled to fly, but "Buckle up and down" so 3/4 through flight, I suddenly hear "Arroooo" "Arooo" bolt upright, shooting glances all around.

No one else was freaking out. Held it together, landed, met the welcoming party and left. Had a rather inebriated weekend, and got back on the plane

So halfways through the flight, I realized I needed to hit the can. I REALLY hate small bathrooms, but got everything done and flushed the toilet.

"Arroooo" "Arooo" Good grief!!

 

[oldman]

Even landing has been made simplified with most airports now having an ILS (Instrument Landing System). The pilot needs to get vectors (vectors are nothing more than directions using a heading) to the Localizer (radio tower that shoots radio waves to the plane’s ILS). By doing so will connect the plane to the ILS. Then we should be on the glideslope and guidepath, which guides the plane directly down to the beginning of the runway by using radio waves. EZ. Never fear a good landing. Newer First Officers, if they are the flying pilot, may sit the plane down a bit hard on the runway from time to time until they get a better idea of where the wheels are to the runway. It’s something that comes with experience. Good landings are dependent upon low winds. Crosswinds or a stronger than normal headwind may, or probably effect a good landing. Of course, if you have a strong tailwind, it will push you down the runway a bit faster than the pilot likes, so we try to land as near to the threshold lines, which are at the beginning of the runway as possible so the pilot has more runway in case needed to stop the aircraft.

 

[Born_To_Lose]

Even landing has been made simplified with most airports now having an ILS (Instrument Landing System). The pilot needs to get vectors (vectors are nothing more than directions using a heading) to the Localizer (radio tower that shoots radio waves to the plane’s ILS). By doing so will connect the plane to the ILS. Then we should be on the glideslope and guidepath, which guides the plane directly down to the beginning of the runway by using radio waves. EZ. Never fear a good landing. Newer First Officers, if they are the flying pilot, may sit the plane down a bit hard on the runway from time to time until they get a better idea of where the wheels are to the runway. It’s something that comes with experience. Good landings are dependent upon low winds. Crosswinds or a stronger than normal headwind may, or probably effect a good landing. Of course, if you have a strong tailwind, it will push you down the runway a bit faster than the pilot likes, so we try to land as near to the threshold lines, which are at the beginning of the runway as possible so the pilot has more runway in case needed to stop the aircraft.

I used to own and fly a Cessna 150. I gave up my license and plane when the airport raised their hangar fee to an outrageous amount. I could have parked it out on the apron, but then it would have been subjected to all kinds of weather and that can cause a plane to go into decline rather quickly. I have a few friends that are white knuckle flyers.

 

[NorthernLight]

No fear of flying. I hate the airport experience.

I fear driving on certain kinds of mountain roads/highways. Once I had to go knocking on doors until I found someone to drive me to flatter land.

To avoid such roads, I consult relief maps and dashcam videos. Nonetheless, I encountered 2 scary hills on my way here. If I ever leave this town, it will be by bus or plane.

 

[Been There]

No fear of flying. I hate the airport experience.

I fear driving on certain kinds of mountain roads/highways. Once I had to go knocking on doors until I found someone to drive me to flatter land.

To avoid such roads, I consult relief maps and dashcam videos. Nonetheless, I encountered 2 scary hills on my way here. If I ever leave this town, it will be by bus or plane.

That’s kind of funny, but I also knew someone that had a fear of driving down a curved mountain road. My former gf and I drove down from San Francisco to LA on the PCH. She was a wreck. When we started out, it was around 4 pm, but as we got down the road, it got dark and with the narrow road and dark out, I thought it made things interesting and challenging. She was a wreck by the time we got to Malibu.

 

[Been There]

Many of you know that I flew for United for almost 33 years. I’m all in with the rest of you that dislike the airport experience. I never knew how bad it was until I retired and had to use the airport’s protocol of getting on the plane. The first thing I noticed was how rude the people are. I really dislike the wearing of backpacks and having to stand in back of people that wear one and would swing around or backup and hit me. I felt like grabbing hold of them and shaking some sense into them. I’m talking about the overstuffed packs.

I never really flew International, but I did make a flight to Alaska, Canada and Greenland only because we were short pilots and I happen to be in the right place at the right time. I think most pilots would agree that the really serious part of the flight is the takeoff. With two pilots in the cockpit, each pilot has a specific job. One of the pilots will fly the plane while the non-flying pilot watches the instruments and takes care of the communications with the controllers and the passengers.

Flying today has been made much easier than say 30 years ago. With all the warning systems on planes today, unless the plane has a major mechanical failure in one of the critical systems, there is no reason for a plane to go down. The plane even has a takeoff warning system, if the plane has not been configured properly for takeoff. If the flaps have not been extended, or when the engines have been spooled up for takeoff, but the EPR gauge is showing that the engines aren’t performing properly, plus other instruments are also checked by the TOCWS (Take Off Configuration Warning System). If the plane doesn’t comport with the proper settings that have been set in the FMS or the Flight Management System, which is that small computer between the two pilots, an aural warning will sound “TAKEOFF.’” At that point, the flying pilot will reject the takeoff. There are several warning systems on the plane. If the plane is flying too slow, if the plane is flying too low or if there is another plane in my plane’s flight path all have aural warnings that need to be corrected immediately.

There hasn’t been a major passenger plane crash in the U.S. since 2009 and that was a turboprop plane. The NTSB found the crash to be caused by pilot error due to lack of rest. The rules of how much time a pilot can fly has changed. The next time you fly, sit back and relax and enjoy the ride.

I don’t know how pilots of those big planes learn where all the buttons and switches are and what they are for. Boeing 767 cockpit. I have about 12 in the bird that I flew. What is the panel in the front right for?

 

[Teacher Terry]

I never minded flying until a horrible 3 hour flight in 2002 where we were getting tossed all over and people were crying and praying. Since then I need Xanax to fly.

However, I am getting better and even flew to Europe alone last year and going again Saturday. Thanks OldMan for explaining things and I have to say I feel much better after reading what you wrote.

 

[oldman]

I don’t know how pilots of those big planes learn where all the buttons and switches are and what they are for. Boeing 767 cockpit. I have about 12 in the bird that I flew. What is the panel in the front right for?

View attachment 275493

I’m not sure what panel you are referring to. If you are referring to the panel in the forefront to the right, those switches are not switches. They are a mass of circuit breakers. Each one controls an individual flight control module or a gauge. There is also a set of circuit breakers overhead to the rear of the toggles that turn on the Seatbelt sign, cabin lights, floor lights, a/c, heat, etc. We refer to those as routine equipment that all planes are equipped with. After you do several flights, you know what is where and if you still need help, each toggle switch is marked. After awhile, it’s like anything else. It comes natural. If you want a grand tour, go here…Inside the 767.

 

[oldman]

I never minded flying until a horrible 3 hour flight in 2002 where we were getting tossed all over and people were crying and praying. Since then I need Xanax to fly.

However, I am getting better and even flew to Europe alone last year and going again Saturday. Thanks OldMan for explaining things and I have to say I feel much better after reading what you wrote.

Rough turbulence happens occasionally. As long as the plane holds together, there’s no need to worry, although I understand it is stressful for passengers, which is why when pilots get into really rough turbulence, we will communicate with other planes in the area and ask if they have smoother air at their altitude and if they do, please share it with us. If we’re flying at 35,000 ft and another flight 5 miles in front or in back of us has smooth air at 37,000 ft, we request ATC to go to that altitude. You can’t change course or altitude without permission.

There’s only one plane accident that I know of that was caused by severe turbulence due to the turbulence causing damage to the rudder.

 

[Alligatorob]

Fear of Flying .. or Driving?​

Nope, I enjoy both. However I have been with a few drivers I feared...

I hate the airport experience.

A different question, and I agree it can vary from irritating to awful. I find myself driving more of the shorter trips to avoid the airport.

I've driven over many but the worst was the Snow and ice covered Mont Blanc... The sheer volume of traffic on a steep mountain in the thick fog and snow was terrifying.

Through the tunnel or over St Bernard pass? I've done both, but more often the tunnel.

 

[oldman]

Not going to fly, and I am supposed to have a second driving lesson on Monday.....we shall see how that goes, the first one did not go well.

I’m not trying to talk you into flying, but you are missing out on an exciting experience after you get through the airport. The airport experience is the worse part of the flight, IMO.