Fearless Flight » Pilots

Fear of Turbulence Pilot Announcements

Capt Ron — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:59:37 +0000

A fearful flyer sent us this comment about his fear of flying through turbulence: “I wish that pilots would communicate more with the passengers. For example, that they would explain the turbulence and how long it will likely last. Also I often find that when they say turbulence is coming and to fasten one’s seatbelt, that turbulence turns out not to be as bad as the turbulence they don’t notify you of.”

Afraid to Fly? Then Meet the Pilots!

Diane Owens — Fri, 21 May 2010 23:05:52 +0000

I came across this column called Feeding the Fear of Flying about the writer’s fearful flyer husband. The couple’s solution to cure fear of flying made me smile and reminded me of what we advise fearful flyers to do.

The writer described her own fear of heights (which doesn’t bother her in an airplane) and told how her husband has tried everything to get over his fear of flying. Well, not everything, because he hasn’t come to Fearless Flight.com for help to my knowledge!

Flying Cheap and Fear of Flying

Capt Ron — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:41:52 +0000

PBS Frontline aired an excellent documentary recently called “Flying Cheap.” It highlighted the problems with regional airlines—those airlines that supplement major airlines by flying routes not profitable to fly with larger planes. Frontline chose to air the program on the anniversary of the Colgan Air crash near Buffalo, NY.

I was surprised when I saw the special. And if I was surprised, I imagined you, the flying public, was shocked. Since I am an known as the fear of flying guy through my work at Fearless Flight.com, I immediately wondered what the reaction of fearful flyers would be. I don’t know for sure, but I can imagine a fearful flyer thinking something like, “But, Capt. Ron, you said that flying is the safest way to travel on the planet.”

From Cockpit to Hotseat

Capt Ron — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:50:59 +0000

As a fear of flying and aviation expert, the aftermath of the Miracle on the Hudson brought requests from the local media for my take on US Airways Flight 1549’s ditching in the Hudson River. In one day, I appeared on one channel three times as an aviation expert and once for my fear of flying expertise.

We’ve Come A Long Way Since Orville & Wilbur

Capt Ron — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:51:30 +0000

December 17 is a historic day in aviation.

In 1903, 106 years ago, the Wright brothers made their first flight.

It was a monumental event then, but today their flight wouldn’t cover the distance from one wingtip on a Boeing 747 to the other.

Their feat was pretty amazing and we honor their achievement, but today’s modern airliners just aren’t Orville and Wilbur’s airplane anymore.

Modern commercial airplanes are technological miracles compared to the Wright Flyer. The most significant improvements that have made flying the safest way to travel on the planet have been made in engines, air traffic control, and the study of human factors–how to make aviation even safer by eliminating the human causes of accidents.

Speaking of safety and airplane crashes, did you know you have a better chance of being elected President of the United States than being killed in an airplane crash? And to achieve

Pill-Popping Pilots–Are You Kidding Me?

Capt Ron — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 04:38:27 +0000

An email from recovering fearful flyer Regina was directed this week to Capt. Ron:

WHAAAAATTTTTT the FAA is going to allow pilots to fly while taking antidepressants???? (&_(*M&*$N)C(@*MX)@ What airlines are this dumb? And to agree with the FAA on this one? Passive aggressive and suicidal behavior are side effects anyone knows –(at let’s face any age on those puppies) – yes I know the pilot doesn’t want to die either and he sits up front! But but but he may become irrational and whatz his home life that he left that morning like?

But… not to worry, I am fine and will continue to fly from point A to point B, happily, how else would I get around? But perhaps while slipping back into fearful flyer mode just a hair.