![]()
FEAR OF FLYING
Hi Keith
Well I did it! D and I flew to Dublin on Thursday and I was absolutely fine.
I felt a little apprehensive when I got up at 2.30 am (!) but then I just remembered all that I had been told on the course and I soon began to relax. In fact, for the first time ever, I did actually enjoy the taking off and landing. No clammy hands and for once, D didn’t have to suffer my nails digging into him!
I was able to look out of the window for most of the journey and it was great to be able to look down on our hotel by the beach (with golf course) as we came in to land at Dublin. I really enjoyed the flight.
When we came to leave on Sunday, I was totally relaxed. I didn’t even feel apprehensive. I have never felt so calm about flying as I did on Sunday. We had quite a bit of waiting to do at the airport so I spent the time just watching the planes taking off and landing and taking in all of the action on the ground, including the pilot checking under his plane! Most reassuring!! It was nice to be able to associate all that was going on with what the course had taught me.
As we jetted off down the runway, both D and I were able to enjoy the ‘experience” together. He was really proud of me and I actually felt really proud of myself.
During the flight, we did have a little bit of turbulence which, probably by nature, did give me a few jitters. However, as soon as it started, I remembered you telling us that the plane wouldn’t be going up and down and so to reassure myself, I looked towards the window and could see for myself that the plane was steady. It worked! I might not be quite so brave in severe turbulence but because of the knowledge which I now have, I will be in a better position to understand ‘turbulence’ and, hopefully, cope with it.
I just want to say a “million and one thanks”, Keith, for helping me to get back on a plane.
I really thought that my days of flying had ended.
Best Wishes
J W
