Course tackles fear factor as 20% are afraid of flying

One in every five people in Ireland is afraid of flying, according to the European Aviation College, which is helping people with severe aviophobia overcome their fear.

The college held its inaugural Fear of Flying course last month at Waterford Airport and the reaction was so positive it will hold one every month from now on.

Gillian Chiavacci, head of training, said a fear of flying can be debilitating.

“Our first group of course participants all experienced varying degrees of aviophobia.

“Some found flying uncomfortable and often nerve-wracking, while others were simply unable to get on a plane due to stress and anxiety at the prospect of flying.

“What we gathered is that the biggest factor in the fear of flying is the fear of the unknown. Another common condition was claustrophobia as many of our course attendees felt uncomfortable at being in a confined area for several hours on a flight.”

Ms Chiavacci said there has been “huge interest” in the course so far, and they have even received some referrals from GPs.

The one-day course, which costs €99, shows participants how to deal with their anxiety, and explains aspects of flying that people commonly get nervous about, such as air traffic control, in-flight noises and turbulence.

The programme is delivered by experienced airline pilots such as Sean O’Griofa from Waterford.

“By familiarising our attendees with the workings of the aircraft, the causes of turbulence, an explanation of in-flight noises, dealing with anxiety and flight preparation the fear associated with flying became less insurmountable,” he said. “By the end of the day, all of our participants had a real grasp of how to overcome their fears, through a simple understanding of how planes work, and how to deal with stress and anxiety.”

Fellow pilot and instructor David Flynn, also from Waterford, said the course empowers people to overcome their fears.

Go to www.europeanaviationcollege.com , call 051 843 436, or email [e-mail]

Sky’s the limit as Nicki is on course to take off

For some people, getting on a plane is their worst nightmare. But aviophobia can be overcome, as one Waterford woman discovered.

Nicki Meade wasn’t always afraid of flying, but developed the fear after some bad experiences.

“I was in Paris when the Concorde crashed and the whole thing really got to me. Then I was on a plane and it was hit by lightning and it was just petrifying. Ever since I’ve been really nervous. Even just the idea of going on holidays killed me. If I had to get on a plane I’d be sick. I’d have panic attacks. I’d feel very claustrophobic and I’d just have a horrible feeling about it all.”

Nicki’s fear was so great she found herself passing on opportunities just to avoid flying. Her brother, a pilot, offered to take the family on a helicopter ride, but Nicki refused to go.

“It got so bad I went to be hypnotised, but that didn’t work. My husband just got sick of it, I think, because he bought me the Fear of Flying course for Christmas. It was brilliant. They took us through everything that went on from the moment you step on a plane to the moment you get off.”

Nicki completed the one-day course last month. She said it really helped and she is planning to fly in March. “I’m looking forward to getting on that plane. I’m 100% confident I’ll be OK.”