Fear of Flying and How to Deal With It
Understanding How Airplanes Fly Can Often Help Nervous Passengers
Dec 23, 2008
Fear of flying is quite common. Although in extreme cases the advice of a professional may need to be sought, for many people an understanding of what is going on is enough to deal with their fears.
Flying phobia is a perfectly reasonable fear of the unknown. The passenger is seated in the back of a huge aluminium tube, unable to see the pilots or understand what is happening. No wonder they are scared! So here is a description of what is going on, to demystify the process…
Before the Flight
While the passengers board, the pilots will be in the cockpit doing their pre-takeoff checks. They will be going over everything in the aircraft, checking that it works as it should. They will not take off until every last item has been proved to be safe. This is done for every flight.
The Take-off
The pilot taxies out on to the runway and increases the power for the take-off run. Once airborne safely, the non-handling pilot will retract the wheels, which are not required when in the air. This causes a sudden thud, which is particularly loud for passengers who are seated directly over the wings. But it is nothing to worry about.
Levelling Off for the Cruise
When the plane reaches a particular height, the pilot will reduce the power. The engine noise will be quieter than it was in the climb, and it can sound to the nervous passenger as though the engine has stopped. But it is actually quite normal, the same in effect as changing gear when one reaches the top of a hill in a car.
Turbulence
It is highly likely that at some stage the airliner will hit mild or moderate turbulence. This is due to flying through clouds, rain, or storms, or sometimes what is known as clear air turbulence. The plane may shake and be thrown around by the turbulent air, and the pilot may put on the seat belt sign and ask passengers to return to their seats. But turbulence is merely air moving and affecting the aircraft which is flying through it. Airliners can put up with quite severe shaking, so passengers need not be worried by it – though it is a good idea to remain seated.
The Descent and Landing
Some way from the destination the pilot will start a descent. He will reduce power again, and the aircraft will become very quiet, but again, this should be no reason for concern. As he approaches the airport, he will put down the wheels again. This will again cause a definite thud, but don't worry. Passengers may also hear flaps on the wings being deployed; these slow the aircraft down for the landing.
Finally the pilot will land the aircraft…although some aircraft have an automatic landing system. Once down he will put on reverse thrust, which acts as a brake. This is very noisy, but again, one need not be worried by it. The pilot will then taxi to the stand designated by Air Traffic Control.
That is all there is to it. It is not particularly complicated, but in the passenger cabin it can easily seem mysterious or frightening. But remember, flying is by far the safest form of travel.
So enjoy your next flight!
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