Pilots’ course helped me conquer my fear
NEIL Robertson used to be paralysed with nerves before any flight – often for weeks.
The 36-year-old IT director who lives in Windsor, Berkshire, says: ‘It made me angry, defensive and argumentative. I was not able to plan or consider any activities after the flight because I could not see beyond it. My life was essentially on hold. At one point I could not even drive past Heathrow Airport without getting nervous.’
He was so gripped with fear that he gave up flying for 10 years in his twenties. He recalls: ‘I used to have to travel to Marseilles a lot for work. On the last occasion before I stopped, I basically could not go to the airport. I never made it past the front door. After that, I took trains everywhere.’
Three years ago he decided enough was enough. He recalls: ‘I had a promotion at work that was contingent on me flying. I also did not want to “infect” my young family with my phobia.’
He signed up for the British Airways ‘flying with confidence’ course, a one-day seminar delivered by members of the airline’s pilots and cabin crew. Part of the programme involved pilots explaining what they do and how planes work, while a psychologist offered tips on how to manage panic. At the end of the day Neil boarded a 45-minute flight.
The course worked for Neil – who has flown at least 50 times since. BA reports a 98 per cent success rate.
Neil, who has since flown all over the world, says his fear stemmed from past minor incidents such as aborted takeoffs and landings and bad turbulence.
He says: ‘My brain learnt to react badly and irrationally. The course gave me confidence and the ability to deflect panic attacks before they could take hold. It took 18 months and a dozen flights for the anxiety to disappear but I laugh in the face of turbulence these days.’
Now he is looking forward to a family trip in August. He says: ‘For the first time, the entire extended Robertson family are flying to Spain to celebrate the retirement of my parents.’ Courses: BA ‘Flying With Confidence’: June 30 (Heathrow £329, Edinburgh £275). Virgin Atlantic ‘Flying Without Fear’: June 24 (Southampton £267). EasyJet ‘Fearless Flyer’: June 29/30 (Gatwick £209). EasyJet also has an online course available for £89.