The fear of flying affect 6% of the USA’s population, or around 20 million people!
That is a lot of anxiety for what would otherwise be a very enjoyable and pleasant way of getting around. I identify way more with arachnophobia, than aerophobia. I mean eight legs! Say no more.
I have witnessed the following scene playing out many a time; you’ve reached cruising altitude and is looking forward to some hospitality, yet the seat belt signs remain on. Eventually the captain comes on and apologize in advance for upcoming turbulence. The cabin fills with unnecessary panic and volunteers start administering last rites. A few even consider switching religion, as it is a known fact that Christianity custom procedures are the least stringent. Admittedly, for those seated over wing, it is unsettling to see what turbulence can do for wing movement, but it was designed to do just that. Not sure why people would think the wings will tear off … toilet paper hardly follows the perforated line either. But in all fairness, more engineering went into wing design, I hope. The truth is, at cruising altitude the pilot has the luxury of space and time to correct whatever goes wrong. Thus making this probably the safest part of your journey, even if Mother Nature throws in a free roller-coaster ride.
Check out this informative video from Business Insider, if you wish to learn which portion of your flight is considered the most dangerous, according to Boeing.
So next time you are experiencing a bumping ride, find solace in knowing that the plane was designed to become a giant glider, if the pilot runs out of other suitable alternatives.
Instead of worrying what can go wrong, why not focus on what can go right? Check out this post.
Or what about some useful tips on planning and preparing for your next adventure?