Virgin's Flying Without Fear

Cured... Flying is now sexy

Had an awesome day. Technical info, relaxation techniques and perhaps most importantly, recognising the pattern of fear and breaking it. We got bombarded with information, and stuff to take home:

Did you know, for example, that during take-off, the angle of the plane is just 15 degrees?? Feels a lot more, and this is down to not being able to see forward. Our brains know we are moving forward, but can only see sideways, and as a consequence it is like we are blind - our inner ears therefore take over. But our inner ears are not designed for flight, and over-exaggerate every tiny movement. That's why pilots hardly ever feel turbulence - because they are looking forward (and they are at the front, which helps too in a 280ft plane).
Try this trick if you hate turbulence. Get a glass of water, beer, wine (whatever's your poison) and hold it in front of yourself on an outstretched palm. Look at the liquid. I guarantee you it is hardly moving at all. Imagine if you did that in a car...it'd spill everywhere. It's your inner-ear baby - lying about what's happening because it's not built for it. Look at the liquid and pretty much straight away the turbulence fades as you realise that the plane is actually moving less than your car...

I ended up being cool and calm in the departure lounge (even taking a photo of the plane!)

The pilot who lectured on how the planes work etc was a superstar. Everything about planes and flying was 'sexy' - it was infectious, and I found myself enjoying the flight. Genuinely. Looked out of the window through take-off, landing, banking... You name it, I saw it. And loved it!

My favourite quote of his came when he was asked about air pockets:
Captain Steve: "Word association. Say that again."
Fearful flyer: "Air pockets."
Captain Steve: "Bullshit."
He went on to joke, "You know how, when you're walking down the street, and the air disappears, and you fall to the ground?"  - some people actually nodded... "It's rubbish, air pockets cannot physically exist. Next question?"

Anyone who is scared, or even someone who just doesn't like it / feels uncomfortable, should go and register for this course. Phillipa will be beyond shocked at the difference between me before the course, and me now.

Check it out:

Little bit more like Tony Stark every day... :-)

I will baby, I will :-)