Should I fear flying?

Should I Fear Flying?

Traveling by plane, especially on an airplane, triggers stress, fear, and possibly even panic in many people. Aerophobia, this fear of flying affects about 6. 5 percent of the total adult population. Thus is there any truth in this fear and should one be scared of flying? Here is a more detailed look at a few of the most common flying fears and why flying is still statistically one of the safest ways one can travel.

Turbulence

Most people who have a fear of flying regularly always worry about turbulence. During this encounter, it feels like the plane is low in the sky, and might drop anytime in case of turbulence. It is quite natural for the passengers to get worried or feel uneasy when the aircraft is shaken by turbulence but one must understand that commercial aircraft are built to handle even the worst of the turbulences. Currently, aircraft go through rigorous turbulence simulation in a bid to ascertain if they can keep flying through turbulent air. This phenomenon is more likely to result in incidents where it threatens the stability of large commercial airplanes as well as rarely leads to accidents. However, turbulence leads to certain inconveniences and stress among passengers, but it must not make you worry about your life safety.

Mechanical Failures

Lots of individuals also consider mechanical problems to be an issue of concern while flying. Such images include problems with the engine, electrical failure, or a host of other problems that may instill the feeling that the airplane is simply going to fall from the sky. However, commercial airliners have multiple redundancies and backup systems in place to prevent any issue that could be caused by that particular point. That means that if some systems are put off, others are designed to come on automatically without having to compromise on the flight. There are several protective measures incorporated in an airliner, and therefore accidents caused by mechanical failures are very rare incidents.

Pilot Error

As for the piloting abilities, concerns on the same might also lead to some level of apprehension in the use of air transport among some people. Commercial pilots however spend several years in school and flying military-style aircraft, practicing how to fly an aircraft in extreme conditions. Lastly, pilots also have to undergo periodic medical check-ups as well as meet proficiency checks throughout their certification period. Similarly, there exist intricate systems of air traffic control that enable Pilots and Controllers to communicate with each other in the commercial aviation industry in the United States. Although pilot errors are occasionally responsible for certain mishaps and accidents, these occurrences constitute a small proportion of air accidents per year.

Fear of Heights

Now, for those people who have some kind of phobia regarding heights or vertigo in general, one can only imagine the level of fear that they may feel when they are at 30,000+ feet in an airplane. However, modern jets maintain cabin pressure to get as close as possible to 2,000- 2,500 meters above sea level. They also pointed out that the actual window opening is relatively small as compared to the cabin size, which played a role in reducing the chances of seeing below. Other ways of managing height-phobic flying symptoms include selecting a window seat to reduce visibility, learning ways how to relax, and avoiding alcohol intake.

Loss of Control

The concept of being trapped on a plane in mid-air without having any say about the conditions on the plane may also induce some helplessness for some people. However, air crews undergo rather extensive training on how to handle various emergent situations to regain control and land if necessary. A certain level of control is also regained when travelers read more information about aviation procedures as well as safety measures. Some airlines even have prior operational briefing tours or flying briefings to explain the airport, airline, or aircraft operations.

Aviation Remains as One of the Safest Means of Transport Today

Though the risks that many people have towards flying are numerous, the figures keep proving that flying is one of the safest means of transport. Aircraft crash and fatality rates have significantly reduced over the last few decades in global commercial aviation. The past few years have indicated that the aviation industry is one of the safest when it comes to air transport since the rate of accidents has never been this low. Though airplane accidents and crashes that the media reports may elicit people's concern, the chances of being a participant in any aviation mishap, in general, are still minuscule across the board.

Managing Flight Anxiety

If a deep-seated fear of flying exists, do not try to tough it out and attempt to fly. It is possible to use several wide-ranging techniques in the management of flight phobias such as relaxation and imagery; drug treatment; cognitive behavioral therapy for reconditioning to flight-related stimuli; and systematic desensitization programs. Most airlines also provide flyers with lessons and literature that would help those with fear reduce or eliminate that by informing them on various aspects of the plane and how it flies. The knowledge about the actual realities of aviation reduces anxieties hence the more knowledge the better you are equipped to handle them.

Air travel calls for distress to some of its users and despite this, the facts and statistics stand firm that air travel is one of the most secure means to get from one point to another. While it is normal to some extent to be anxious, letting the anxiety caused by some erroneous perceptions dominate you is not a good thing. In case aerophobia makes you steer clear of airplanes in the first place, it might be useful to take measures to tackle flying phobia in particular so that you could return to experiencing flight's convenience and safety advantages.

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