Flying without Fear.com

Fear of flying

2008-09-02T10:07:00.006+01:00

Hi

It's been a while since I've posted a blog because of so many other things to deal with on the site. The good news for me is that I'm off to Australia to give a talk to the graduates of the Qantas fear of flying course. It will give me the chance to meet up with some of the people who have been names on the forum.

The Sights and Sounds Seminars have been going well and we are slowly spreading the word about them. And the forum continues to grow everyday.

We're in the final stages of a new social network that will combine a forum and lots of other facilities.
We seem to spend most of our time preparing to launch modifications to the site to make it more interesting and more useful. The next change will improve the look and feel. Then we're into the big phase of launching a whole mass of new and modern content.

Captain Keith

Meet the Author UK | Search for an Author | Keith Godfrey | Flying Without Fear

2008-04-14T18:46:00.000+01:00

Meet the Author UK Search for an Author Keith Godfrey Flying Without Fear

Fear of Flying Course

2007-12-16T09:25:00.000Z

We have just completed the first course using the aircraft cabin. We're pleased to say that the day helped everyone who came along. For those with a fear of flying the opportunity to sit in a plane and hear the sounds and watch the various stages of flight was very rewarding.

A couple of people had flights within a week and they said that it was ' amazing ' and 'very helpful' to them...so we wish them well in Hawii and Sydney... next week another is off to Lapland to see father Christmas. We send them out heartiest congratulations.

We are proud to say that our new course is unlike anything else available certainly here in the UK and we think anywhere in the world. This course will give you lasting help and strategies that will get you flying and keep you flying. And when you book we'll send you a free copy of our CD set worth £24.99.

Keith Turi and the team

Fear of flying. Success story

2007-11-07T06:15:00.000Z

Here's Steve and his family on their trip to Orlando. With help from everyone on the forum Steve took the plunge and overcame his fear of flying and like many others has posted his story on the forum...which is a story well worth reading.

"The staff on the flight were absolutly superb though, very professional and cool, if I had been really nervous they would have been the sort of people I would have wanted around me...and before we knew it we were landing. Im sorry to say I have nothing to report about the landing..I didnt even know the wheels had hit the ground..(probably due to the large cushion of air under the wings that I read about on here somewhere) I thanked the stewardesses for the flight and commented on their professionlism ('all in a days work' one said) and off we got. In summary...I cant say whether I would or wouldnt have done the flight without the fantastic help from this site...but it really did help me to understand so much about what I never knew before...thus making the whole experience a pleasurable one...remember, 'knowledge is power' and knowledge will allow you to have the power to control your feelings. So, many many thanks to Keith and the team and everyone else who took time out to post on the forums..."

Our pleasure....Keith and the team

Free Fear of Flying Course

2007-10-29T21:29:00.000Z

Hi. Here's our plane ready to take you on your free fear of flying course on December 8th.

This is going to be the best course on the market because it's designed around your needs.

In aviation we try and we test everything before it goes into service and this course is no exception.

So if you want to take the day course with our compliments let me know via the website and if there's space you've got yourself a 'ticket'.

Remember this is a course to prepare you to fly by building your confidence and knowledge...this will set new standards in meeting the fearful flyers needs. At £95.00 inc VAT Lunch and coffee this is unbeatable value.

Keith Turi and the team

Fear of Flying. Sights Sounds and Knowledge Seminar

2007-10-25T23:26:00.000+01:00

Here's the first picture of the almost completed fuselage where we'll be conducting the new fear of flying seminar. Remember if you have a fear of flying this course will give you all the preparation you'll need. For some people we expect it to be a first step, for others we're think that they'll get enough confidence and support from the course that they'll be ready to fly.

Whatever the outcome this course is the first fully interactive course available in the UK and to get it off to a good start, for the next six months we're giving away a free copy of our CD (Listen & Go Flying without Fear £24.99) and our in flight guide (Remember Relax and Go Flying withoutFear £2.95) to everyone who books in the first six months.

If you want to overcome your fear of flying on this course please email me at Godyk@aol.com

The Course is £95.00 inc VAT Lunch and coffee.

Fear of Flying. Success Story

2007-10-24T17:26:00.000+01:00

"Dear KeithI am writing to you from Australia - you may recall that you sent me your flying without fear package about 6 months ago.

I have just returned from America - and I have to say that your package was outstanding in its content. I still cannot believe that I got on the 747 flight from Sydney to San Francisco armed with strategies to cope - yet did not feel even the slightest bit nervous as I had thoroughly absorbed your material.

I felt as though I was much better educated about flying and therefore was able to cope and think rationally about my fear of flying.

Thank you so much for the work you put into your book and CDs because they have allowed me to take the vital step of being able to fly long distances to go and see the world!

I am planning my next trip back to America next year.Sincerely - thank you. J H"

Fear of flying. Success story

2007-10-19T23:33:00.000+01:00

Here's Harry and he made it!

Harry has been working on his fear of flying for a while and this is him smiling and flying at the same time. So everyone at flyingwithoutfear.com sends their heartiest CONGRATULATIONS to another successful flyer.

Keith and the team.

Fear of Flying Success story

2007-10-17T15:07:00.001+01:00

Here's Lisa in sunny Barcelona.

Another person who with the help of our forum was able to deal with her fear of flying.

Our heartiest congratulations to her. She deserves to be smiling.

Keith.

Fear of Flying. Success story.

2007-10-15T16:20:00.000+01:00

"Hello Keith -- I am a friend of Pete and Fiona and have just returned from a long overdue visit to their home in France -- it has taken me months to pluck up the courage to fly on my own -- once commited to the flight, Fi sent me a copy of your book which I read from cover to cover -- I flew on 1st October Edinburgh - Gatwick - Toulouse and returned a week later again on two flights -- your explanations re noise during the flight etc had allayed my fears completely and I felt like a seasoned air traveller -- I, in fact, amazed myself -- I would just like to thank you for writing such an informative book and helping me overcome my irrational fear of flying -- -- thanks again -- regards -- L C"

I'm pleased to be able to post this email I received today. Keith

Fear of flying. Security breach.

2007-10-15T12:28:00.000+01:00

A number of people have asked me about the item in the news where an Airline Pilot has been dismissed for allowing a football player on to the flight deck to help deal with his fear of flying.

We live in a world where every rule is stretched to its limit, and then, when broken a case is put forward to allow the rule to be extended yet again.

But on this occasion I can not see how this rule should be changed. The Captain of an aircraft is charged with the responsibility for the safety of his crew and passengers and changing the rules on the spot for anything other than the immediate safety of the plane and its occupants can not be acceptable.

The case is forwarded that this man is a character and life would be dull without his like....this matter is not a question of being a character it is a question of having strength of character...to do what is laid down regardless of personal preference. That is the sort of character that is required to fly in the political climate of 2007 . The rules are not different for war veterans.

Finally I am disappointed that a member of my own profession has let down the countless people that I have told can trust that airline pilots not to break the rules when they are flying. How long will it now be, before those with a fear of flying will believe that airline pilots never break the Law?

Captain Keith Godfrey

Fear of Flying.

2007-10-15T09:15:00.001+01:00

From the Fear of Flying Forum...

"Just had the DvD, great and definatly worth buying, if you have a fear of flying. Quite funny really how the first question by the group was about the maintainance of aircraft..one of my main fears. I'm 90% there now (which means I'll be going)..anything less than 75% and I would have stayed at home.

In fact Im looking foward to the flight more so than other times we have flown, i'm looking forward to hearing all the noises that I have heard before but didnt know what they were, and that 'sinking feeling' I really thought that was just me... and I have literally had nightmares on those lines over the years...the planes engines straining and the plane losing height...horrible dreams.

But now Im looking forward to experiencing it because I know what it is. I'm even looking forward to seeing the lights flash on and off when they disconect the plane from the tow.

The DvD explained a lot to me on technical issues, having said they and flying itself have never been my main worry. The the thing I took most from the DvD was how natural it all was, from Keith's explanations to the 'feel' of the seminar itself. Almost 'matter of fact' but not in a condescending way. The thing that stands out above all though is... how the whole film... everything, its production and script has a very personal touch.

If you do buy it, and I strongly recommend you do, you will hopefully notice how it doesn't have a 'there's a market here, so let's milk nervous flyers for a fast buck' corporate feel about it. They will get the feeling that, along with this site, there are actually people out there who care about your fears and genuinely want to help you."

Posted here by Keith.

Fear of Flying baggage tag design.

2007-10-11T20:18:00.000+01:00

A little while ago we received a suggestion on the forum that perhaps we should produce ' something ' that would identify people with a fear of flying to others who also have a fear, when they are travelling. In this way anyone noticing another fearful flyer would have someone to share their feelings with. Clearly only those wishing to share their feelings would identify themselves . In addition, and in accordance with the recent ICAO recommendation that Airlines and Airports should offer assistance to anxious passengers, it would be a simple way of identifying those with a fear of flying. The most popular suggestion was a baggage tag. There is no need to have anything other than a design that can be recognised by those that know it. For check in staff and aircrew this would be a very discreet way of knowing who might need a little extra consideration. We shall reproduce the image shown here, on the flyingwithoutfear.com website so that it can be copied and printed by anyone wishing to use it, in any way that they feel shows it off most easily. We suggest a baggage tag for both checked in baggage and something to attach to your cabin bag.

This is the first day...it may take off or it may not....certainly it will take time to catch on but for my part I shall circulate the message to as many airports and Airline senior management that I can contact. Perhaps you will help by producing your Special Baggage tags.

Keith and the Team at flyingwithoutfear.com

Fear of Flying. The Departure Lounge Restaurant

2007-10-06T07:50:00.000+01:00

We're in the final stages of preparing the aircraft cabin that we're going to use for the new fear of flying course at The Departure Lounge Restaurant in Alton Hampshire.

The Fear of Flying Course;

This course is a completely new concept combining three proven methods of re-structuring attitudes to flying. Each 'traveller' will have his or her specific needs dealt with.

Fear of Flying; Boarding and Take Off

The day will start with the boarding procedures and will progress through the stages of a flight all the way to a landing. You will hear the welcome aboard message the safety briefing before hearing the engines starting. At each stage you'll be able to ask questions and we'll stop the flight until we're all ready to move on. We've got some great in flight entertainment that will ease your worries and that you'll actually be able to enjoy for once!

Fear of Flying...in the cruise

We can guarantee that there will be no turbulence for the entire flight but we'll take you through a re-assuring explanation and demonstration that could remove those worries once and for all. Somehow I think we'll have to make a diversion because of a technical problem...but that won't be anything like your imagination can suggest...it'll be a very comforting experience.

Fear of Flying. After the diversion.

Then we'll have to start up again and take off, so by the end of the day you'll have heard and experienced all the procedures so many times that you'll think nothing of it. And again you'll hear all about the procedures that make flying so safe.

Fear of Flying. A successful landing

Unfortunately at our destination there's some bad weather and we need to 'hold' for a while. Will we have enough fuel? Will we divert? What is the delay really about...we'll take you through the whole thing gently, helpfully and at the end you'll be a whole lot more confident and knowledgeable than you ever imagined. At the end we'll give you something much more valuable than a Certificate signed by us...we'll give you the tools to deal with your anxieties about flying that will work for you whenever you fly. You'll leave with confidence and knowledge and support from the group that you'll meet on the course, and if we don't answer every question you ask we'll return your money. Course dates very soon.

We'd tell you more but we want to keep the rest this fantastic course a secret from our competitors.

Keith and Turi

Fear of Flying. Success story

2007-10-02T13:35:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,Well I am back from my overseas trip to Hong Kong & Thailand. I had to take 5 flights during a two week period - I experienced little discomfort on any of the flights and only felt extreme anxiety leading up to the first flight out.

Thank you all for your ongoing support over the period leading up to my trip.I had an amazing time - I rode elephants, ate, drank, laughed, shopped, had massages and experienced live theatre. I now have the travel bug and although I accept that I will always experience some fear of flying I now know that I am more than capable of flying and that I can handle anything.

Thank you especially to Keith and all the best to everyone that visits this site.

Nellaanne

Fear of flying.

2007-10-02T00:07:00.000+01:00

We're pleased to say that British Airways have recently linked to us from their site. They recommend visiting our site if you suffer from a fear of flying. There are many useful articles on their Health pages for the travelling public.

Keith and the team

Fear of Flying Success story.

2007-09-29T08:02:00.000+01:00

"Dear Keith,

I have never enjoyed flying, but had flown fourteen times prior to this last week. Many of those flights were taken within a three year period until the summer of 2002, when I made any excuse not to fly. This has included 'being helpful' by transporting the family's skiing bags to the French Alps, and, this Summer, driving just less than 3000 miles across France, Switzerland and Italy because ' I did not miss anything on the ground.' All excuses you have heard before, I am sure. For the past three October half-term holidays, I have explored different parts of Scotland with my father-in-law, whilst the rest of the family flew to Sinai for a hot, beach-based holiday. I, however, came back, on each of the three holidays, feeling rain-sodden, very pale (by comparison) and that I had paid more for my week in Scotland than they had for the three of them to go to Sinai!!I longed to fly, and decided to do something about it.

As you, through Jasper, say within the CDs, there is no 'miracle cure' and there is no one answer. The holiday for us all, including me, to go to Sinai was booked back in May, and I had worried pretty much, about the flight, since then. I kept putting the matter off, and keeping myself busy so that I did not have to think about it. A couple of months ago, I bought your book. Having read the book from cover to cover several times, three weeks ago I went to your website via the link in your book. I am delighted that I downloaded the four CDs to my iPod as, for the last two weeks, I have listened to them, from start to finish, as I drove to and from work. Yes, there is an advantage to the half-hour commute each way!I feel that my greatest source of fear was not knowing what the different aeroplane noises meant, including the two regular chimes that mean 'pick up the phone!' I also needed to know what happened to an aeroplane before the flight, and what happened during different stages of the fhlight. I took so much advice from the CDs; I had downloaded some of my favourite comedy series to my iPod, to listen to on the plane, and I had invested in some 'calmers', as well as buying an eye-mask and some earplugs to 'dull the noises' but still know what was happening. Last Sunday , I was up and ready; I even drove the whole distance to Gatwick as a means of retaining my focus - this is not something I could have done before. Previously I would have been curled up on the front passenger seat! I had booked seats for us in one of the executive lounges, where I could sit and watch ALL of the planes coming and going safely! There were some moments of 'quiet' panic but the family were very supportive, and had agreed not to keep asking, "Are you all right?" The worst moment was when the flight was called; we did not rush to the boarding gate but, using your advice, we proceeded calmly and let others rush there first. I left my family, at one stage, to go 'for a walk by myself' and shall never forget the looks of relief on their faces as I reappeared at the boarding gate. Getting onto the plane, I told the Chief Steward that I was an 'anxious flier'; he was excellent, and he came to talk me through the different 'noises' and stages of the flight.What I did find is that the anticipation is often worse than the flight, as I was a completely different person once I was on the plane and in my seat. I had everything that I needed around me and was thinking positively. I talked myself through the different stages of the flight, and eagerly looking forward to the next stage of the flight. On the outward journey, I was even looking forward to the in-flight meal (not possible, I hear you say!) and I managed to sleep - again, something I would not have done before as I would have been waiting for every 'new' noise.The return flight, yesterday, was even better; I had not spent the whole week worrying about the return flight as has been my previous pattern. In fact, I was so 'laid back' that my children informed me that I needed Valium as a stimulant! Yesterday, I flew without any sense of panic and enjoyed the flight to the extent that I spent some time talking to the co-pilot, I walked around without fear of tipping the aircraft, I talked myself through mild turbulence, and I swapped places with my son so that I could have a window seat in order that I could watch and talk him through the landing.

Although this is a long e-mail, it is written with a great sense of delight as I have achieved more in the last eight days using your book and CDs than I would ever have thought possible. I can only express my grateful thanks to you and Jasper for the content and delivery that has made that difference.I am sure that this is only the beginning; at some point I have to face the mental barrier of the Atlantic Ocean as I would like to visit North America and Canada, and I have been asked to walk to the South Pole (this trip involving eight flights in three weeks - four of them over the Atlantic and Southern Oceans). The amount of water is a huge worry and any advice / words that may help would be gratefully received. Finally, as Jasper says, 'at each stage, really congratulate yourself.' Tonight we shall toast this new achievement of more informed, and panic-free flying with champagne, and we shall raise a glass to you and Jasper.

With my best wishes, RW"

Fear of flying success story

2007-09-25T20:54:00.000+01:00

February 2007

"I've just posted on the forum, so thank you for helping me to do that. I really would love to post a postcard, but haven't had any success. I'm therefore attaching one to this email, in the hope that you can perhaps do it for me. I'll completely understand if you don't have time!

The picture was taken at 36,000 feet (can't believe I'm typing that!!) and it shows the Zagros Mountains between Iran and Iraq....so very beautiful. How could I ever have missed out on this!!!!

Thank you again - hope this is no bother.
Yours gratefully, Paula. "

My apologies for failing to post this earlier...a technical hitch on my part. Keith

Fear of Flying. A letter from a 'grateful customer'

2007-09-25T08:36:00.001+01:00

" I last flew to Jamaica in 1997. I cried for days before. I was surprised they let me on the plane as I was in such a blind panic. I cried all the way there, and I cried all the way home. I spent the entire outward journey leaning forward and grabbing the headrest in front of me, and ice packs on my neck. The cabin crew were fabulous but I was out of control and in fear for my life. After that flight I vowed never to fly again. And I stuck true to my word, missing out on some wonderful holidays. Fast forward to June 2007 and a job opportunity came up ... . That meant flying TWICE a week and eventually flying alone. Well, I almost didn't take the job, and it was only that I was travelling with a trusted friend that I got on the plane. It is only half an hour flight time, and the first flight can't have been any better. But my thoughts on touch down were that there was no way I could do this every week. I trawled the internet and came across this site and I ordered up the full lot of material. The flight home that week was full of thoughts of the package awaiting me at home. So, on the Saturday morning, my fiance and I settled down to watch the DVD. Brilliant! It answered lots of questions that I had, and Keith's explanations weren't flippant or pompous. They were matter of fact. Then I read the book. Cover to cover. Twice. And I read parts of it most weeks if I'm feeling a little nervous. I listened to the CD's. These were excellent. All those noises that you wonder about. And I keep the little book of calm with me in my luggage. I'm not cured, but I fly every week, and sometimes alone. I've done two flights in one day too! I don't bound up the plane steps two at a time, but my life is no longer consumed with the fear of flying. And the moment I'm most proud of so far?

Just last Friday, I boarded my home flight and a young man boarded behind me. I heard him tell the crew he was nervous and as he sat down I called across the aisle that I used to be that nervous. He asked how I managed now, and I told him about this site. He asked if he could come sit with me, and of course I said yes! I took him through what I knew. I told him it would be noisier up front, but I was sitting here because I wanted to be first off the plane! I said it could well be a bit bumpier. I described all the noises that made him jump, I told him about the sensations of your body when you leave the climb and settle into the cruise, and how you feel as you come down toward the landing. Basically I all but narrated the book! At the end of the flight he thanked me very much and said I should train people in this sort of thing! And it's all down to this site! Thank you Keith! "

Fear of flying. Trust.

2007-09-23T19:58:00.000+01:00

Today we have added another 20 Videohelp clips to our site. This one is unusual for a site that deals with the fear of flying because it shows aircraft and pilots at their best, and perhaps at their limits. However it shows how military aircraft provide a lot of research into aircraft safety. The Red Arrows, known throughout the world for their amazing displays are part of the process of team building and communication skills that are an essentialand normal part of modern civil aviation.

Flyingwithoutfear.com continues to be the most comprehensive help resource available to anyone with a fear of flying. Please help us to spread the word through your friends, families and work associates.

Keith and the team.

Flyingwithoutfear.com Endorsement of the site

2007-09-22T12:03:00.000+01:00

http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/weblinks.aspx

We are pleased to say that we are the only fear of flying help resource to be listed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

We are listed under Phobias.

Fear of Flying. Frankie overcomes his fear.

2007-09-22T01:30:00.000+01:00

I was delighted to meet Frank at the World Fear of Flying Conference. He is the sort of guy you can immediately engage with, friendly, confident amusing...hardly the sort of chap who you'd think would be anxious about anything, let alone a Fear of Flying. He addressed the Conference and spoke from the point of view of someone with a Fear of Flying. He kindly agreed to make this short Video to help others. And I hope if you go to Montreal you'll visit his shop. If you want inspiration to overcome your Fear of Flying watch and listen to Frank.

Keith and the team

Fear of Flying. Icing.

2007-09-20T22:46:00.000+01:00

On my flight back from the Channel Islands this week I noticed that some ice was forming on the front of the wings. As a pilot I know that this is perfectly safe but I wondered how differently this would be seen by someone with a fear of flying. Even though the clouds are made of water vapour as soon as they contact the wing it turns into ice which sticks to the wing and spoils its shape and efficiency. In the cockpit there is an ice detector that warns of the presence of ice, which prompts the pilots into switching on the anti icing devices. Depending upon aircraft type this can be electrically heated wing edges. hot air directed along the front of the wing or inflatable

rubber tubes along the wing that break off the ice mechanically.

So if your fear of flying involves worrying about ice on the wings I hope that from now on you'll relax and be confident that it poses no problems for the aircraft.

Keith and the team.

Fear of flying. Air Disaster program.

2007-09-17T17:00:00.000+01:00

It can not be without coincidence that the Discovery or National Geographic channel on Sky has a half page advertisement in the paper while the front page carries a photograph of the air crash in Thailand. What is the advertisement for? The Air Disaster program being screened tonight. Fear of flying.

If that's not a cynical use of sensationalism and grief I can not imagine what is. But the advertisement is puerile in my opinion. It poses a rhetorical question to bait the reader. The description of what might happen to a Jumbo based on the word 'if'. Well I have an' if' for Sky, if they stop publishing this sort of rubbish they'd help a lot of people. How extraordinary that in the UK a warning has to be given if a program contains bad language or scenes of a disturbing nature...but that a 'documentary-drama' doesn't seem to have any limitations on the misleading advertisements it displays. A programme that willfully contains re-constructions of a disturbing nature... not for any reason other than cashing in on the emotions of anxious people. They, Sky, will defend their actions by saying people have a choice whether or not to watch the programme ...but the damage is already done. Their case is no doubt correct in law, correct within the advertising rules but it nevertheless stinks. To answer their question posed in the advertisement simple maths will solve the problem...however the facts they give are misleading. Apparently their is a thing called a plunge which aircraft do...well I'm pretty well at the top of the tree in aviation training and I've never heard of such a thing. Then they claim that the 747 is spinning wildly....aeronautically and aerodynamically there is no such thing...an aircraft is spinning or it isn't there is no such thing as a wild spin. They are the adjectives of the ignorant.

HERE'S THE ANSWER THEY THINK YOU ARE TOO SCARED TO WORK OUT.

Following a fall of I think 3000 feet in 30 seconds the aircraft goes into 'the plunge' ' spinning wildly' and during this manoeuvre loses 4 miles in height (that's 21120 feet) in a minute. Thus the total height loss is 24120 feet and starting at an altitude of 40,000 feet, there is 15880 feet in which to pull out of the dive before impact. At the rate of descent calculated here it has 16 twentieths of a minute to recover. A 20th of a minute is 3 seconds therefore 15/20 ths (roughly) is 45 seconds. The answer is 45 seconds. I wonder what the program will suggest?

The purpose of this blog is to discredit the programme with regard to it's suitability for people with a fear of flying based on the facts in the advertisement. The programme itself will no doubt consist of a few pieces of footage being shown endless times, a camera being shaken to give the impression of being out of control and lots of speculative opinion about what did, could, might will happen and will end in a summary along the lines that danger lurks everywhere, or that we'll never know the answer, or that it's only a question of time before it happens again.

If you have a fear of flying, ignore the programme. I shall be watching it because to me as a professional pilot having flown for 40 years or so it will be a source of astonishment and amusement.

Keith and the team.

Fear of Flying. Accident in Thailand.

2007-09-16T22:12:00.000+01:00

On the flyingwithoutfear.com website we have always been critical of the press coverage of aircraft accidents and incidents. Today a major world wide news service was actually inviting viewers to send in their pictures of films of today's crash. With what purpose can that serve anyone's interest? What it does though, is to illustrate the news value of sensationalising rare events. For someone with a fear of flying, their immediate reaction will be to become even more fearful. The reports of the survivors seem to take precedence over any qualified assessment of the facts. It is a well known psychological fact that once we know the outcome of an event we believe ourselves to have predicted it before it happened...though few people seem ever to benefit from this insight when they experience it. Of course we can understand why this happens in the light of an experience which has been life threatening, but it doesn't add anything to the facts of the matter. Regardless of how any survivor describes today's accident, what they felt emotionally will be totally irrelevant to any enquiry or cause of the accident. What it will do is add to the fear of flying that exists within the population. To hear these personal reports gives us a vicarious insight into the most basic of all human instincts, what is the nature of life and death. It has value only to philosophers, doctors, therapists, psychologists and anyone who has an interest in understanding human life... or the media who can trade in it for all its sinister value. It has absolutely no value or benefit to air safety. Therefore it can have no value to anyone who interprets the personal reports as a true account of what happened. It affects only their thoughts and therefore their emotions. ..and it that which subsequently affects their behaviours. For those with a fear of flying there is a direct causal link between these sorts of reports and an increase in their fear of flying.

"We were coming down too fast" is like saying the surgeons knife was blunt because we're left with a scar after an operation there is simply no way of knowing unless you are eqipped with evidence. The human body can not measure anything in the way of motion unless it is changing.

To come directly to the point, if an annual report were published each year of the number of deaths caused in worldwide air accidents, numerically it would read approximately 950. If there were no press reports, no pictures, no news flashes, no personal stories, no interviews at bedsides, no eyewitness testimonials, no uninformed comment...in other words no press or media clap trap then the figures may surprise you or not but I seriously doubt whether they would stir your imagination like today's reports. If you want to overcome your fear of flying DO NOT pay any attention to media reports. If you would like to hear my comments on any media reports, send them to me and I will interpret them for you.

This article has taken me and hour and a half to prepare, revise and publish. In that time 7 people have died on roads in the USA, 1 on the roads of the UK , 1 in UK hospitals from causes inflicted by the hospital by cross infection.

Captain Keith Godfrey