Maybe a silly question

[Dorthe]

Hi,  I am from Denmark (sorry for my lousy english..) and I'm new in this forum. I'm so glad that I've found it!! I have read your wise words and Watched some of the videos over and over,  so that I can get "bored with" e.g. turbulence - and that actually  helps!!

I am 32 years and I have inherited the fear from my mom. That's also why I've been afraid of flying in (as in really afraid!!!) almost 32 years...
This summer I'm going on a flight with my dayghter... and she can't inherit the fear - I simply can't let it happen. Thats why I this year also tried therapy.

And, now to my question: my biggest concern (at the time..)is that I have heard about airplanes that on their way get into areas without air (a kind of vaacum), and the airplane therefore falls severel meters until it gets air under the wings again... 
This ,especially,  does that I can't enjoy even a flight with almost any turbulense, because I don't know how the "road" will be 5 meters further away. Did that make any sense??
It's like I can't enjoy the present, and I keep thinking: oh, what will happen, what will happen: Turbulence, bird strikes, that the fly falls out of the sky et cetera et cetera. 

Thank you for reading all this:)

Ps. Thank you captain Keith, for you mail about the BA-plane! It  helped   
me, not to freak out:)

/Dorthe

[Dorthe]

Hi Sarah
Thank you for your comment:)
And of cource your right about the air pockets! I just never thought about  it that way. Oh, I am so irrational about flying:( 
I have just ordered the "flying without fear cd", so know I hope I can get answers to some of the "what if's" :D

[Sarah]

As I'm sure Keith will tell you, air pockets don't exist. It's just turbulence. As I think it says in his book, if air pockets existed up in the air, they'd happen at ground level too which means occasionally we'd be walking along the street and find ourselves suddenly without air.

And if you don't believe it, google 'do air pockets exist?'

I think it's natural to keep thinking 'what if, what if,' even though we know it's counterproductive. After all, you don't think like that in your day-to-day life or you'd quickly go mad. What helped me is getting answers to all the 'what if' questions and keeping them in my mind. So what if there's turbulence? Then it'll be bumpy and uncomfortable but the plane's built to withstand it. What if we hit a bird? Then it won't end well for the bird, but the engines have been tested to withstand bird strikes and airports do everything they can to discourage birds. There are answers to all these 'what if' questions - the hard part is learning to listen to them and ignoring what your fear is telling you.

Welcome to the site, I hope it helps you. I think it's really great that you're so determined not to pass your fear on to your daughter. I'm sure you'll do it :)

Sarah

[Dorthe]

Thank you so much, Yi Lin:)

[Yilyn Lim]

Hi Dorthe

You can buy Captain Keith's CDs here: http://www.flyingwithoutfear.com/fearofflyinghelpshop-2/product-cat...

Remember that turbulence is normal and planes are meant to fly, so they function best in the air. 

If you have more questions, keep posting them here. We're all here to help one another :)

Good luck!

[Dorthe]

Hi Yi Lyn
Thank you so mutch for your answer.
And, your Right! I have to think about how I can distract myself, Instead of just staring at the seat in front of me..  Actually I think I will promise myself to give it a try:) nothing to loose because, I can't get worse..
Do you now where I can buy captain Keith's tapes? It sounds like they could really help me! :)

I will (I have to..) be positive:)
Dorthe

[Yilyn Lim]

Hi Dorthe, you are very brave for wanting to take this big step in overcoming your fear! I hid behind my fear for many years and avoiding flying, so I know how you feel.
Regarding turbulence, if you have Captain Keith's tapes, you'll know that there is no such thing as a vacuum in the air, it's just turbulence. If you have time, do listen to the tapes as Captain Keith explains turbulence in detail.
The thing about turbulence is, it will pass. What helps me is keeping myself distracted during the flight, like watching movies or playing games. On a flight where we encountered turbulence, I spoke to a flight attendant who was very sweet. She came to talk to me several times and told me that everything that is happening is normal and that flying is very safe. And I survived! I am still anxious when I fly but I know I can do it, because I have done it before. You can as well. Stay positive!
Cheers, Yi Lyn