Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
Eyad89 wrote:The most important thing to do is trying to not give this thing any significance. You really should stop reassuring yourself every now and then. You are reinforcing your fears by seeking answers. For example, if you are flying and you feeling afraid that engines may have failed, you would immediately look at the airspeed in an effort to comfort yourself and your fear. THIS will definitely keep you stuck in the fear loop. You are giving this idea a lot of emotional attention and the amygdala is taking over. Next time you have this feeling, just let this feeling come and go. Don't react to it. Don't seek answers or reassurances anywhere. It will be uncomfortable. It will freak you out. Don't worry, freaking out won't kill you. After time, this significance will go away and amygdala won't be as involved. when that is achieved, you will be in a state where you can easily dismiss those ideas through logic without having them overridden by your emotional part.
NesNes wrote:@ORDJOE Hi I'm glad to know that uncontained engine failures are extremely rare, but it doesn't help to know that there were two recent ones..in 2015 (British Airways) and in 2016 (American Airlines).
NesNes wrote:@AA737-823 Hi I know you said that crashing during take off is rare, but I was under the impression that most crashes happen during take off and landing?
NesNes wrote:Oh, and the cargo fire thing worries me because there have been several recent cargo planes that crashed due to an uncontained cargo fire. So I guess the fire wasn't detected fast enough? See that really scares me.
NesNes wrote:@Jshank83 Hi unfortunately lithium batteries have been a cause in several crashes which is why I have a huge fear of a cargo fire.
NesNes wrote:@spacecadet Hi so many great points and so true. Everytime I look at the sky almost always I see a plane. Heck, I hear one right one. Flightradar24 made my transatlantic flight in 2013 a little more bearable. I go on that website frequently to remind myself how many planes are in the air at any give time. It definitely does help.
NesNes wrote:Quick question: are lithium batteries even allowed as cargo on international passenger flights?
NesNes wrote:Hello everyone,
I signed up here hoping someone can help me with my extreme fear of flying. I'm absolutely terrified. I dread it more than anything in life. Every single time I board a plane it feels likes it's the end of the world. I have backed out of trips and lost plane tickets before. I have to go on an 8hr (or so) flight and then a 2hr one in about 7 weeks. Then of course I have to travel back. So that's four flights. It's a trip I absolutely HAVE to take.
My problem is that I can think of a million things that can go wrong, such as:
1) terrorism (number one fear)
2) plane crashing during take-off (ex.stall,engine failure/fire,etc)
3) in flight hidden fire (ex lithium batteries in cargo)
4) poor inspection/maintenance (what if the mechanics who service the plane missed a potential problem? I can't remember the name of the episode on air crash investigation, but I remember a plane crashed because a wrong screw had been used).
5) major mechanical failure
6) major structural failure
7) major electrical failure
8) deep stall
9) severe CAT/severe wind shear/microbursts
10) total load outside of safe limits or load shift
11) loss of cabin pressure (from say a cargo door not shut right)
12) major pilot and/or ATC error
13) total loss of control
14) fuel exhaustion
15) false instrument readings (confusing the pilots)
16) wake turbulence
And the list goes on and on....
I understand no one here will go through the whole list and I don't expect that, but if someone could at least address the first four I'd really appreciate it. They are my biggest concerns.
I can NEVER relax on a plane. I am aware of every single smell, sound, etc. I watch all flight attendants carefully to make sure they don't appear nervous. I don't watch movies, listen to music or like to speak with anyone (aside from FAs) while I'm on a flight. I usually skip the meal. My stomach is usually in knots so the last thing I want to do is eat. I constantly look at the flight info screen and watch the speed, altitude and where the plane is. I freak out when the seatbelt light comes on because that usually means turbulence is coming up ahead. I freak out if someone happens to be taking too long in the lavatory. Meanwhile the poor passenger is probably not feeling well. During the whole flight I'm constantly looking at the time and calculating how much flight time is left. One time I even put the timer on my iPhone to do the countdown. I realize it's ridiculous, but I cannot explain the level of fear I have. It probably comes from the fact that if the plane crashes the chance of survival is pretty much zero. I feel sick just thinking about getting on a plane. I am absolutely DREADING it.
Please don't tell me "you're more likely to get in a car accident on the way to the airport" or "flying is the safest form of travel" or "there's risks with everything in life". While I know these things are true it doesn't help me one bit.
I also wanted to ask a few questions about engine failure/fire on take-off. Is an engine fire at this time a rare event? What usually causes this and what happens if pilots cannot abort take off? I have heard over and over that pilots can take off with just one engine, but planes have crashed from this, so...
I apologize for the extremely long post and I thank anyone who read all of it. If someone can give me some advice and answer some of my questions I would REALLY appreciate it.
Thanks so so much
Ps. Is Alitalia a safe airline (inspection/maintenance)?
NesNes wrote:T1a, as you know I tried to message you, however I was unable to do so, so this is my response to your post.
1) You mentioned that a lot of airlines offer nervous flyer seminars. Unfortunately not here in Toronto. I think that would have been great though.
In regards to selecting an airline you suggested to pick one with really tight security measures or and airline from a country where terrorism isn't an issue. I am going to book my ticket very soon and my options are: Lufthansa, Air Canada, Alitalia and Austrian. Although, prices have gone up because I really left it till the last minute and I will just go ahead with the one that has the cheapest price. I'd really like to fly with Austrian though.
NesNes wrote:Btw, is there any difference in regards to safety between Boeing 767 (Austrian) and airbus 330 (Lufthansa, Alitalia & AC)? I know the airbus 330 is more technologically advanced.
DaveFly wrote:I'm going to stop reading this thread because you're obsessed with the need for guarantees.
NesNes wrote:2)Thank you SO MUCH for going through all the steps during take off. My question is: why do a lot of the accidents occur during that time if everything is "done right"? And is an engine fire most likely to occur during take off?
8) Yes, I know that deep stall is specific to t tail designs which I why I would never fly on such a plane!
I guess flight 447 triggered my fear of deep stalls. I see it's something that is very unlikely so I feel much better. Can I ask: has a passenger plane crashed during take off due to a stall?
9) I feel much better to know that! Do you know if there has ever been a plane crash due to CAT alone?
11) I understand it's a non event but can the loss of cabin pressure be caused from something serious? Is it usually a rapid drop or slow? 2005 Helios airways comes to mind. Pilots didn't realize they were suffering from oxygen starvation. What *usually* causes loss of cabin pressure?
Id also like to say that I purchased a book on flying yesterday called Cockpit Confidential which I hope will also help me. If anyone has any other recommendations please let me know!