Excitement, joy, nervousness - with mixed feelings, we enter the seminar room located within the Circle at Zurich Airport. The expectations are high: Is it really possible to fly without fear after just three hours? But after a short introduction and a cup of coffee to strengthen the nerves, we already get started, and step by step, the pilot and experienced coach addresses various aspects of aviation: the different physical laws that keep a plane in the air, current safety margins and the training of pilots, the phenomenon of turbulence, engine failures, as well as old, outdated myths, such as the supposed dangers of takeoff and landing, that still linger in the minds of many passengers.

With each point that is clarified, the fear that has accompanied the participants until the day of the seminar seems to have less and less ground to stand on. There are many aha-moments on the various sounds and movements encountered during a flight, and one starts to wonder why all these years were spent in fear of something that is not a sign of danger but simply part of flying.

Yet, the success of such a counselling session does not only depend on the quality of the seminar itself but also on the willingness of the participants to engage in the seminar and to overcome their fears, says Tom. "Many of those suffering from aviophobia also identify themselves through this fear. And it is not always easy to detach yourself from this part of your personality. However, anxiety is not something innate but acquired over the years. Experiencing turbulence or even hearing about such experiences from others can strongly influence our thoughts. The good thing is that what can be learned can also be 'unlearned.' All that is needed is the courage to turn your back on your fears and to start a new chapter in your life."

Despite all rational explanations taught during the seminar, one’s fears might resurface again, especially in stressful situations. "That is why it is important to rather arrive at the airport too early than too late and to take your time to enjoy a slow cup of tea before departure. Should the fear nevertheless return unexpectedly, try breathing and relaxation exercises and calmly recall the various information learned at the seminar."

Two weeks later, my mother and I actually find ourselves on a plane to Milan. And the conclusion? Flying without fear is possible. And for everyone out there who is still nervous about their next flight, we have brought along the most asked questions and answers from the seminar – for a fear-free take off into your summer vacation.

How does an airplane actually fly?

“Fluid dynamics teaches us that air and water generally behave the same way. To illustrate this, let us assume that a surfer is being pulled by a boat at a steady speed. The board displaces the water beneath it, creating buoyancy, preventing the surfer from drowning. With the board moving forward at high speed, the water forms a solid surface beneath it. The same principle holds with an airplane in the sky moving at high speed. The air beneath the wings is displaced, creating a dynamic buoyancy that keeps the airplane safely in the air.”

 

Is turbulence dangerous?

"No. Turbulence is not dangerous, neither for the aircraft, nor the passengers, or the crew. Even before departure, the cockpit crew knows exactly when and where turbulence will occur, and the cabin crew is informed accordingly, so that they do not run into any surprises while serving their guests. Just remember that it is important to always keep your seatbelt fastened when the seatbelt light is switched on."

 

What are Clear Air Turbulences?

“It is often thought that Clear Air Turbulences are created by a form of 'vacuum' - a phenomenon that does not exist in nature. All we feel are wave motions in the atmosphere that create a sense of falling due to the high speed of the plane.”

 

What happens should one of the engines fail?

“Putting aside the fact that we rarely encounter any engine failures nowadays across the globe, or any pilot actively turning off an engine on purpose even if an engine should fail, there exists no danger, as even with one engine, the pilot can continue their journey to the nearest airport and land there safely."

 

Are takeoff and landing really dangerous?

"The myth, that takeoff and landing are dangerous, goes back many decades, when safety margins were lower and multiple safeguards were not yet implemented as they are today. Back then, a single mistake could lead to an accident. Nowadays, nothing is left to chance. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight."