Air travel remains statistically safer than crossing the road, and flying has been proven to be 25 times safer than driving a car. Even so, it is estimated that one in 10 people suffers from a fear of flying.
Given that air travel has become an everyday means of transport, this fear has serious repercussions for those who must fly for personal or business reasons. According to Prof Robert Bor, a psychologist at London Guildhall University who specialises in aviation psychology, air travel is "an incredibly safe form of transport, but we tend to treat risk in a way that suits us. People overestimate risks. They tend not to have the information to make sound judgements". A new self-help book has been published to help those who suffer from fear of flying. Written by Dr Maeve Byrne Crangle, a consultant psychologist and director of the "Fearless Flying" programme run by Aer Lingus, Conquering Your Fear of Flying aims to help sufferers overcome what is one of the most prevalent fears in today's fast-moving world.
Dr Byrne Crangle has researched and designed various programmes, More than 96 per cent of participants in her programmes now travel by air and enjoy it. Her book examines the many types of anxiety associated with flying and sets out a plan to help conquer these apprehensions.
There are interesting chapters on basic aerodynamics; explanations of the many changing engine noises during flights; turbulence; and training for crew members in emergency situations. One particular chapter, "The Pilot's Day", provides an interesting insight into the preparation that goes into planning and executing a flight.
Nothing is left to chance, every small detail is co-ordinated between air crew, ground staff and air traffic control. Readers are encouraged to examine their own fears and confront their negative perceptions of flying. Interesting case histories pepper the text and stress management techniques are suggested to cope with and defuse fears before and during flights. This book is an invaluable aid to those who fear flying. It shows a comprehensive understanding of the nature of fear, the factors that sustain it and, most importantly, the tools to deal with it. It gives additional reassuring information about the technology and personnel involved in air travel. The book concludes that fearful flyers may not be able to control flights, but that they can control their own fears. If you dread the thought of air travel, this book is essential reading.
Conquering Your Fear of Flying, by Dr Maeve Byrne Crangle, is published by Newleaf (ISBN 0-7171-3193-9), £7.10