Guess what! I already booked my next flight! I’ll fly to California at the end of April!!

I’ve wanted to see California all my life, it’s a dream coming true!!! I don’t know if I’ll get nervous later but right now, I am very very happy, and so excited that for the first time ever in my life I could just push the button and feel like it will all be okay… no second thoughts… I still couldn’t resist double-checking what kind of a plane it is going to be and what its age is and whether the airline has had many accidents etc, but I don’t care, I can fly!!! )))

And there’ll be internet on this flight and I want to say hi to the forums from the sky!!!

The site you can trust

Hi K,

Welcome to the site – and congratulations on taking the first step towards conquering your fear.

I joined the site almost two years ago and it has helped me more than I can say in a few words, so I am sure you will find lots to help you out also.

Tomorrow I am flying from Malta to Heathrow, then to Philadelphia, and on to Jacksonville to be with my daughter who is expecting a baby any day now. Thanks to the help I have received from Keith and others on this site, I am not dreading it and am pretty sure that, though a bit anxious, I will cope. If I can do it anyone can – I promise you!

You have a great honeymoon to look forward to and everyone on this site will be rooting for you. Good luck.

M.

Greetings from sunny Georgia, USA! It was a very long day yesterday and I felt like I had been flying forever, but for the first time in my life I can honestly say I enjoyed it!!

When I think back to what a wreck I was for so many years and the opportunities I missed because of my phobia, I just have to thank you again Keith for the help you give to people like me who have spent years either putting off flying, or going through hell every time we flew. As you know, I honestly considered myself a hopeless case, but the fact that someone actually understood and offered practical and moral support – well it has changed my life. Having two daughters living in the States, it would have been a huge ordeal to visit them without the help I have received.

K*** – have you bought Keith’s book? If not I suggest you do as it was the first thing that started to help me. I used to be a total wreck at the slightest noise – even someone pressing the ‘call’ button would have me hyperventilating – so to know what the noises mean is very reassuring. The other thing that really helped me was Keith’s mantra that turbulence is uncomfortable but not dangerous. Yesterday’s flight from Philly to Jacksonville was pretty bumpy but I sat back knowing it wasn’t anything to worry about and it felt just like being on the roads in Malta!!

Anyway, I really hope you will conquer your fear – I wish I had not wasted so many years feeding my fear, but I intend to make the most of it now I am so much braver – in fact my next flight is booked for May when our eldest daughter graduates from college in NW Florida (or should I say flights as we have to take 3 flights to get there!)

Again, good luck – I hope you will let us all know what a great flight you have to Hawaii, and Keith – my thanks again, I am indebted to you and have recommended this site to friends who are nervous flyers.

Regards,

M

PS The elastic band on the wrist is also a very good way of getting rid of your negative thoughts!!

I was just doing some housekeeping on my PC and found this letter someone had sent to me

The opportunity to attend Keith’s seminar came like a bolt from the blue. I knew that I had to confront this fear but I wasn’t really thinking about how or when. The call came through a friend of a friend who knew about the ‘Cyprus Incident’ and thought of me. I’m now wondering if there is such a thing as fate!

I flew many times throughout my life. I’m not really sure where it all went wrong but on Boxing Day 1999 I refused to board a plane taking me and my husband (then boyfriend, yes he still married me?!) to Cyprus to celebrate the millennium. Since booking the holiday, I’d spent £400 on hypnotherapy and obtained Diazepam from the Doctor just in case. But I knew for months that there was no way I was boarding that plane. Even as we took the dog to the kennels I knew I’d be back to collect him in just a few hours!

Since that incident, my way of dealing with my fear of flying has been to simply avoid it. My husband has never put too much pressure on me so it had all been quite easy really. However I now have a son who is almost 5 and is desperate to go on a plane. I have to do it without flinching for his sake.

So, there I was on my way to Winchester, no idea what I was going to. I’d never heard of Keith, never read his book, listened to his CD or visited this website. In fact I had no idea what kind of day was ahead of me. When I arrived the first thing I thought was that everyone already knew each other by the way they were chatting away. I soon found that this wasn’t the case; it was just that people were keen to share their experiences. Some had worked with Keith before and were eager to assure us newcomers that we too could overcome our fears.

If anyone had told me what the seminar involved, I would have been very sceptical but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Most of the day was spent with the group discussing numerous images of the whole flying experience. I had always felt that the less you knew about aeroplanes the better but here I was enthralled by all this new stuff I was learning. It really is fascinating. Most of all I kept thinking ‘how can this man be so passionate and enthusiastic about something that I am afraid off?’. That passion and enthusiasm really did rub off on me.

When we looked at the images of fluffy white clouds viewed from the window of the plane, my first thought was how beautiful they were and when Keith played a recording of the engines roaring just before take off I remembered how I used to love the sound of all that power. I really feel that the experience enabled me to remember some of the things that I used to love about flying and now that I have been able to revive those thoughts and feelings I need to keep the momentum going and will be attempting a flight with Keith really soon.

I know that I can’t take him on all my holidays in the future but wouldn’t it be great if we could bottle some of that passion for flying!

just an update for everyone, I made it! I just landed about an hour and a half ago and I’m already home, on my couch watching the Super Bowl.

I have to say that watching the videos here and keeping the whole Logbook community in mind did help me out a bit. We encountered some severe turbulence on our flight to Florida (in my head it was severe and abrupt, but who knows how the pilots felt about it.) I actually was on my way to use the bathroom when it hit, and I was jolted into some poor guy’s lap. The fear that ran through my body at that point was beyond imagination, but I almost feel like it was good to go through it because I can see how the plane held up just fine, we didn’t come tumbling out of the sky, and basically it was just really uncomfortable to sit through, that’s all.

It made me realize that we’re not flying in a little tin can…we are in a well designed machine that can probably handle much worse than what we went through.

My flight home was amazing..smooth and enjoyable. Other than some bumps as we ascended, it really was the first time where I can say it was a pleasure to fly. I wish every flight could be like that! I feel like I have improved so much with takeoffs after watching the videos here. I still grasp my husband’s hand and pretty much cut off circulation, BUT I am not scared by all the noises anymore, and I feel like I know what the plane is doing as it makes its ascent to cruising altitude. Next thing I need to work on is just relaxing and not being so tense during the rest of the flight. I think if I start learning more about how planes fly and the dynamics behind it, it may help to calm my nerves. Baby steps….

Thank you everyone for helping me out – you all really made a big difference!

J

Hi Captain Keith,

Well, I DID IT!!! I actually got on my scheduled flight to Arizona!

I was extremely nervous, scared an d anxious especially for the return trip as the weather reports were showing rain, snow and heavy fog. I ordered your book but have not gotten it yet, so I followed many of your instructions and watched the video’s from your website instead.
I particularly found the video about turbulence to be very helpful, and there was plenty of turbulence on the return flight to NY.

I actually imagined that YOU were flying my plane and in a very strange way that made me feel safe and comfortable. I used visualization techniques before I even got to the airport and in my mind I saw myself very relaxed and safe in the airport, while boarding the plane and once in the air. I used calming relaxation music and when the turbulence became really bad I thought of what you said when describing two river currents meeting together and how that would create the sensation of a back and forth flow, or rocking feeling while being in a boat or canoe.  I never could have gotten on that plane if I hadn’t connect with you, and for this I am forever grateful. I still have a way to go, but the confidence I feel now that I conquered my fear gives me the strength to keep going. I couldn’t wait to email you to tell you that I did it!

Thank You Captain Keith,

Blair

Just thought I’d drop you a note to say that I have arrived back from Brazil all in one piece. Just as the storm set in there as it happens.

Originally we were supposed to be doing twelve flights in just under three weeks – in hindsight a far too ambitious itinerary for anyone, regardless of whether they dislike flying. I’m afraid I wasn’t entirely successful as I chickened out of the trip up to the Amazon and they had to get our bags off the plane (which had been delayed for 5hours – part of the reason I got in a panic). As it turned out it was the best ‘decision’ as the plane ended up going to Sao Paulo instead and we would then have had to start the trip up to the Amazon (over 6 hours) all over again the next day. Which would have meant five flights for possibly only one day or less at Amazon Lodge.

I’m trying not to be too hard on myself for that particular meltdown. Absolutely no-one speaks English at Salvador airport so we had no idea why the plane was so delayed or why it ended up going to Sao Paulo. And, strangely, it made me feel a bit better about the whole flying process. The fact that we managed to get our bags off the plane, and change our minds at such a late stage, sort of felt like I’d been given back some sort of control and choice. Obviously I’ll try not to do that again, but the fact that I know I can, definitely helps for some reason.

After that things were much better and I started to worry less about the flying. After such a big meltdown I actually felt exhausted and totally bored by my fear. Until our flight back from Iguazu to Sao Paulo, that is, on the way home. The entire two hours was flown in a thunderstorm and as we came in to land the wing on the side we were sitting (right beside me) was hit by lightening! Our big plane back to Lisbon then took off as the storm appeared to be right overhead so I’m afraid I did resort to valium at that stage. That combined with two glasses of wine (although Portugese airlines are remarkably mean when it comes to alcohol) meant that I passed out for five hours and we were nearly home by the time I woke up!!

Three questions really. The lightening hit was remarkably undramatic (even though one of the cabin staff, who had got up to help someone, must have jumped about five feet in the air when it happened) but it was incredibly turbulent as we came in to land. Considering we were flying in extremely stormy conditions is that still safe? ( YES IT IS … Captain Keith)

And, as I said, our cross-Atlantic plane appeared to take off as the storm was right overhead judging by lightening/thunder gaps. In your book you say that planes don’t take off in storms. Well in Brazil they most definitely do. Is that still safe?

(THEY WON’T TAKE OFF INTO STORMS THEY MAY BE AROUND BUT IF THEY’RE FLYING AWAY FROM THEM THAT’S DIFFERENT…Capt K)

And, lastly, our cross-Atlantic plane only had two engines. For some reason I thought you’d told us that they were almost all four engines going across the Atlantic these days. Did I get that wrong? And is it still okay to cross the Atlantic with just two engines? 

(MAY BE A MISUNDERSTANDING  TWO IS NORMAL NOWADAYS… Keith)

Sorry if these questions seem stupid. Obviously I survived but some answers would just help put my mind at rest for future trips. And there definitely will be future trips you’ll be glad to hear. (NO QUESTIONS ARE EVER STUPID)

Hope you had a good Christmas and New Year.

Best wishes,   CONGRATULATIONS AND VERY WELL DONE…WHAT A CHANGE !

Just been flying in a 4 seater Piper Warrior over Alicante to celebrate Gordon’s 60th – never been able to enjoy that before our chats about propeller aircraft!!

Regards,

Dear Captain Keith

Like other contributors, I want to convey my thanks for all you do on the site and all of your work in helping fearful flyers. I’ve learned a huge amount from the site and will always regard it, and your work as the definitive version of things regarding “fear of flying”.

From The Social Network for Fearful Flyers    LOGBOOK24/7

Hi Captain Keith

My name is Joseph I am maltese so been flying for quite a few years once I had a bad flght and since then thats when my fear of flying started. I even started Driving to malta, how
silly is that?

It take 3 hours by plane, 5 days by car, In the 80s I went to a fear of flying course at london heathrow there were 300 people, and 7 pilots ansewring all the questions
it did not work for me, then my family bought me a present to go in a simulatior, for an hour
I was in conrol of a b 737, that did not work either I still have fear of flying,

Then my wife bought me a present for christmas a fear of flying course with Captain keith, it was January
last year and it was wet and cold there should have been 12 people but they did not turn up, So i thought the course would be called off, But no CAPTAIN KEITH said shall we start, how fantastic was that, I had him all to my self, I asked hin question after question and he build my CONFIDENCE  UP I was so happy I wanted to fly that day then to put the icing on the cake he offer me the next lesson free. Since that day I have flown a ROBIN 200 and I HAVE GONE FOR A LONG HAUL, FLIGHT TO THAILAND, For the first time, and all that is down to CAPTAIN KEITH,

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EFFORT

JOSEPH FARRUGIA

Dear Captain Keith,

Thank you so much!! I took your advice and by the time of the flight i felt so knowlagable about all the noises and feeling etc that I was helping other passengers haha. I had an amazing time in Japan. Thanks again so much for you help.

A

Dear Captain keith,

The site you can trust

A few weeks ago I joined your site because I was flying to New York, and like all my flights I was having tremendous anxiety. I always get on the plane but I would cry and scream if a little bit of turbulence hit us. I watched your video about turbulence and listened to your audio book almost the whole way there and home again.

Man oh man was it helpful.

I just kept listening to the chapters that break down what turbulence is and how the plain is built to fly through. I then repeated to myself over and over again, ” Yes its uncomfortable but it’s not dangerous!” All though I still have not figured out how to get my heart from pounding out of my chest and I do have to take some sort of anxiety medication to help calm me, I now think that as long as I listen to your book for my next few flights I have the support I need to slowly get my heart to slow down.

Thank you from the bottom of my over active heart.

Aimee G.

The site you can trust

Hi Keith,

I hope this email finds you well. I have been looking forward to emailing you( i have not long been back from my trip) to thank you for writing such a great book.

I am a xxxxxxxxx who from a very young age has been a nervous flyer. I have always faced my fear and flown, but i am (was) a complete and utter wreck!! My father surprised me, my mum and sister to a trip to Las Vegas for a early Christmas present. When he told us i felt sick, and got very emotional. Especially after i learnt that we were not flying direct. We had to fly Manchester to Philadelphia and Philadelphia to Vegas (eekkk!),

Over all it was approx 14hrs flying time! I was losing sleep and it was taking hold of me, i knew i needed some reassurance and to address my fear. As i did not want my fear to get the better of me, and miss out of such a great trip.

Thats where you came in, after 3 sessions of hypnotherapy, i still felt i needed a long list of questions answering. ‘What are those noises? How do planes get off the ground (as i have packed the whole of my wardrobe, and believe me it is rather large!), And the dreaded turbulence,(annoyance as you call it).

Your book was a fantastic and reassuring read, they way you describe EVERYTHING in just enough detail, and detail that you can understand. Your great sense of humour makes you at ease on its own.

There was turbulence on the plane, but with your reassuring words that stuck in my head-

1. “Tturbulence is not dangerous it is just uncomfortable”
2. “Turbulence can not bring a plane out of the sky”
3. “Turbulence is only air hitting of buildings, mountains etc and making its way upto the sky.”
4. “Planes don’t have feelings, they don’t perform any different in turbulence.”

And i am happy to report it 100% helped, i would recommend your book and CDs to anyone, it beats any remedy, tablet, even hypno (in my eyes) .. I noticed i did not get the shaky legs, sweaty palms, etc as much as i did get.

Once again Keith, thank you for helping me with my fear. You have improved me by miles!!

Have a great Christmas, i am sorry this is so long, just wanted to let you know your hard word in writing the book was worth it..

Warm Regards
F M

The site you can trust

We are working hard on developing a new system of booking the fear of flying course so that it resembles a normal airline booking process.

The idea of this is to (very very gently) get you used to making ‘that booking’ It will only be a small contribution but it’s all a part of graded exposure to the thing you fear.

We shall be upgrading the course so that you will get all our Flying without Fear products as part of the course and as preparation for the day. We shall send a copy of ther course workshop book to people when they book to show them the style and structure of the course.  We will include the Audio Courses free of charge.

One Audio course is the ‘Fear of flying Course’ and the other will be the audio ‘talk thru’ of the Workshop book. We aim to make this an outstanding course that will change your life and get you flying to those places you’ve only ever dreamed of.

or make those ‘ bearable flights’   into ‘pleasureable flights’.

The site you can trust

After long chats on the free telephone help line,  I managed to help  a couple of people take trips this week. Despite their initial worries, they managed to take trips across the Atlantic…not easy going but with facts, strategies and armed with a loy of courage they did it…and well done to them.

You can see their  accounts on the Social Network

Keith