arlene

I've been around the world, but have developed a fear of flying.

Anyone at a nearby airport willing to let me do a process on a jet? Or know of anyone that might be willing to let me do such? Maybe a cargo carrier would be more agreeable to the idea.


Thanks for your help.

HSLD

It depends on what is specifically involved in the "process". Due to TSA rules, you won't have access to a commercial aircraft unless you are a ticketed passenger. Cargo airlines are even more restrictive due to ramp access. Private aircraft offer a possibility as access is somewhat relaxed.

arlene

Thanks HSLD. My problem is that I get a ticket and get on the jet, but as I start to walk down the tunnel to getting on the plane I start panicking and by the time I get to my seat I have a terrible panic attack and leave the plane before they close the door.

Maybe I should contact a private jet company and see if they would allow such.

HSLD

What does a process include? Is it just being on a jet, or are you looking to go fly? This forum has over 10,000 working pilots - I'm sure if you have any questions about the noises or sensations you feel when flying you'd be sure to get a good answer.

BTW, great portfolio on your site, I love the subway pic!

Diver Driver

Are there any underlining issues that might be causing this? Claustrophobia is very much a leading cause I have found. Usually once a month or two a pax will request to get off due to this. Have you been able to fly in the past or had a bad experience in an aircraft that might trigger the panic attack?

On another note, you may or may not be familiar with this, but there is a site forum totally devoted to fear of flying, check it out as it may provide more precise help, although we would be happy to answer any questions for you: Taking Flight - Fear of Flying Support - Powered by vBulletin

arlene

Hi HSLD,
Thanks for the compliments on the train pic. Not only was it a great location, but those two were so in love it just radiates out of the image.

The process is called, 'reach and withdraw', where I reach for some part of the plane and then withdraw from it. Its a rote process done until I blow through all of the psycho- somatic non-sense and can be there comfortably.

My problem is emotional , it has nothing to do with the analytical mind. I studied engineering ( aerospace ) and my father designed aircraft- stress analysis. I've endured countless lectures on design, safety stats, engine performance- from the Rolls Royce to the GE on down the line, how the tested strength is double what is needed, and so on etc...

When I fly or have flown with my father, I get a narration of everything, so I pretty much know already what is going on and when.

But thanks for the idea.

HSLD

Based on the need to be in a aircraft, a bizjet may be your best option simply due to airport access issues that the TSA imposes on airliners. I'm still not clear if you need to go flying, but if sitting in an aircraft inside a hangar somewhere would do it then I think it's a real possibility.

arlene

Thanks for the advice , but I've already been to the fear of flying forums and those haven't helped. I even paid a huge amount of money to an online shrink to help me, but she didn't really help me. On my last flight I panicked and got off.

This is such a problem, and I'm determined to overcome it.

arlene

A private biz jet sounds like the ticket as what I need to do is be in and around the jet and not flying.

I'll try to find one of those companies around Burbank airport, or maybe Whitman airport.

Diver Driver

This may not be the best way to deal with it, but have you tried to use Dramamine or some other over the counter medicine (or like nyquil) before you fly to relax you and make you tired so you might have a chance to self overcome it? The reason I suggest this is because I think once you get airborne and have that first flight behind you, the next time you get in a plane it wont be so bad since you wont have the thought of flying on a proverbial pedestal and it will be more familiar...