Noises on board
One of the reasons our Sight and Sounds Fear of Flying Courses are so effective in overcoming the fear of flying is that we have the chance to play those worrying noises and sounds, over and over again until you get used to them. As you know anyone who has a fear of flying is very sensitive to the sounds on board an aircraft. And it’s true to say that there are so many noises in the course of a flight that you can be forgiven for being alarmed. Because the sounds are unfamiliar and they occur unexpectedly, the anxious flyer will associate them with danger.
• Unfamiliar noises are perceived by Humans as dangerous
• Aircrafts make noises that are unfamiliar to you (but not to the crew)
• Noises in flight are normal and are not dangerous
Engineers are always in attendance during start up and push back.
Remember that as an anxious flyer you will always be in a state of heightened awareness, your senses will be tuned into everything that is going on. It’s hardly surprising then that the noises on board will seem to be exaggerated. You should always try to remember that the noises are appropriate to what is going on during the flight.
When you first get on board the there will be a background hum from the equipment which is supplying electricity and air-conditioning. The aircraft has its own ground supply of these things from its auxiliary power unit which is a small jet engine at the back of the aircraft. When these supplies are connected or disconnected there will be additional sounds as the air-conditioning and electrical circuits change from one source to another.
This is perfectly normal so keep reminding yourself of this. It will be useful to acclimatise yourself with sounds by listening to the audio and fear of flying videos on the site. Then when you hear them for real, they won’t seem so intimidating, and you will be starting to overcome your fear of flying. This is part of your strategy for overcoming your fear of flying.
After the engineer has checked and signed for the aircraft and when the pilot is ready to start the engines some supplies will be disconnected and you will hear the air-conditioning noises reduce. The modern jet engine takes a long while to start and during that time the lights will flicker on and off and you will hear other pieces of electrical equipment stopping or starting. This will happen each time an engine is started until they are all running and all the systems are working from the aircraft engines.While taxiing you’ll hear the noise of the motors that drive the flaps into position. You’ll also hear the noise of taxiway lights as the nose wheel passes over them. When you are on a flight and these noises are distracting you, think of the strategy that you have decided to use when this happens.
When the pilot applies reverse thrust it is very noisey
Most anxious flyers dread the sound of take off (Disc 4 Part 4) …it makes them think that the engines are working too hard and might stop…nothing could be further from the truth . The engines are working well within their maximum power, despite the noise.
In flight you’ll hear the change of wind (airflow) noise as the aircraft changes speed. You’ll hear the changing engine sounds as the power settings are changed. Become familiar with these sounds and noises so that when you fly you’ll be able to identify them and reassure yourself that they are perfectly normal, and of course knowing that they’re normal will reduce your anxiety.
When landing the thrust reversers will add to the noise level…remember this too is perfectly normal. You can listen to free sounds of flight by going to this page. Do you know why the noise of the engines might suddenly increase after you’ve been flying along at cruising altitude for a long time? Why is it worse at night? Hear all the sounds and helpcasts we have on the site to help you to get used to them.
Our 4 CD set or instant downloadable help will provide you with over 4 hours of help and explanations including full explanations and examples of in-flight noises.
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