LOL. Join the club.

Next time any of you are in the back of even a big jet, take a look around at your fellow passengers during the takeoff roll. About 10% of people will be clutching the armrests and have expressions of terror on their face. Many more on non-frequent traveler routes / leisure routes.

I like "Jungle"'s musings on the matter. I would also add it depends on your exposure as a kid. My first ride in a small airplane was when one of my family members took me up in a 172 when I was maybe around 7 years old. I remember it like it was yesterday, and was far less frightened than I would be riding now with an unfamiliar pilot / aircraft.