The Thought Of Flying - Bricking My Pants.

[boobles]

Anyone else literally bricks themselves when it comes to flying?
I haven't flown for a couple of years now, but have no choice as it's a funeral we have to attend.
The thing is, I know it's safe & I know I am panicking over nothing especially as the flight is only across the pond (N Ireland) so it's not like I am sat on the plane for hours. I am even anxious about the drive to the airport which will take a lot longer than the flight it's self or is this just me feeling anxious in general? Any tips to help me feel relaxed apart from alcohol as it's 7am flight in the morning. I don't understand why I have gone from loving flying to being scared of it! Could turbulence be playing on my mind as I tend to panic if the plane bounces around, even the smallest amount.

[boobles]

Thanks guys, does help to talk about it.

[boobles]

I think a lot of it for me is not knowing anyone else on board or what their motives are. Silly thing to say but It's how I feel.
Road trip would have been my choice but have to be there for tomorrow morning & we are both working today, so not really an option.

[boobles]

BoRED S2upid said:

That's ok then.

OP never get on a propeller plane!

Thing is, I have flown on several 50 seater propeller & 20 seats whilst in Sweden.

[boobles]

Electronicpants said:

Go to your doctor, tell him how you feel, get some Diazepam, take 1/2 a tablet 4hrs before you get to the airport, the other 1/2 when your there, cools the nerves just enough to have you still fairly alert and not a sleepy zombie, a bit like sipping a drink, rather than taking a shot.

My sister has these so might ask her for one. I am having to drive to the airport so probably have to take one as we get there.

[boobles]

V8A*ndy said:

Which airport are you flying into? Belfast International or Belfast City.

Arrived safe & well yesterday morning in to Belfast int... The journey to Luton airport was fun though (87) miles for us, as the motorway at fleet services was shut & the diversion at 4am was"interesting" to say the very least....

[boobles]

Flew home first thing this morning and I wasn't bricking it for the return flight & I found myself actually enjoying it & managed to watch another passenger plane fly along side us for about 15mins. In general a very pleasant flight home. Even the driving back home was fine apart from having to drive 30miles on very little fuel until next services appeared.... I think my main reason for hating flying is not the flying itself, but the other passenger's onboard & not knowing if somebody has different motives for being on there compared to everyone else! That is my fear I absolutely know this now so private jet next time me thinks!

I also feel completely relaxed once the pilot announces to prepare cabin crew for landing (even though it's still 15 mins or so before landing) I just feel completely relaxed at that point & start to enjoy the flight! Strange as landing is the one thing that could go wrong.....

Edited by boobles on Sunday 22 January 19:59

[boobles]

I now only travel with hand luggage if possible. Saves any queuing up trying to get bags checked in & online check in helps a lot. Even the security side of things has improved & no big ques.

[boobles]

Siko said:

I'm a commercial helicopter pilot for a living but I have to confess, sometimes hate being a passenger on an airliner as I don't know what's going on upfront! However, if I get tense on a passenger flight then I remind myself that:

A) The pilots have families too
B) They have paid a huge amount of money for training just to be sat in those seats
C) They get thoroughly examined in the simulator every 6 months
D) They love their job and are professionals, taking a pride in the safety of their passengers
E) The engineers do a great job and many aircraft systems are monitored remotely
F) The aircraft get thoroughly examined and monitoring data downloaded after every flight

Then I relax.....I love flying when I'm at the controls and never get tense when it's me in the cockpit, but I find being a passenger uncomfortable.....but I chill out when I remember the above. Good luck with overcoming it, flying is one of the most amazing things we do

Absolutely, but it's the passengers on board who I don't trust..... Maybe you could fly me across to N Ireland next time please?

[boobles]

I crash test things for a living & aircraft seats was one of them we use to test a lot off (Virgin)
& people always ask me why we crash test aircraft seats & the answer is simple.... Most accidents happen on the ground like over shooting the runway etc & the seats are tested to make sure in this situation that they don't come of the mountings & crush you to death. Obviously if the plane falls out of the sky, there isn't much that can help you apart from luck.