I have an irrational phobia of flying, I know all the stats about how flying is safest way to travel. I was wondering if someone could explain the why though. I’m hoping that if I can better understand what makes it safe that maybe I won’t be afraid when I fly.
Edit: to everyone who has commented with either personal stories or directly answering the question I just want you to know you all have moved me to tears with your caring. If I could afford it I would award every comment with gold.
Edit2: wow way more comments and upvotes then I ever thought I’d get on Reddit. Thank you everyone. I’m gonna read them all this has actually genuinely helped.
In: 7227
Someone in the comments section pointed out that you really wanted facts that would help you get over your irrational fear. As a person who struggled with this, here are some facts that helped me.
*Planes can still fly without full engine power.*
It’s not great, they’ll have to land immediately but a lot of planes can keep going with less than their maximal engine power. Even if they can’t, they can keep gliding on for a long time without any thrust. If you’re high up, there’s definitely an airport in gliding range.
*Planes can fly without electrics.*
This also isn’t great, but it’s very unlikely likely, and in large planes control surfaces are handled with hydraulics. Even if you lose power, the pilot can still steer.
*Doors cannot be opened once you are high up.*
A small one, but a big irrational fear is someone might open the doors. You can’t. The air pressure seals them shut, so you can’t get out.
*The pilot is a human too.*
A strange one, but the most weirdly comforting. When you’re in a plane, it can feel like you’re just in a large tin that careering through the air uncontrollably. This is a vehicle. There are people in control of this vehicle. You aren’t the one flying is, but *someone* is.
Hope this helps.
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