Live data from Hacker News

To fasten your seatbelt, insert the flap into the buckle

30dayflight.com

1–10 of 59 posts

Re: To fasten your seatbelt, insert the flap into the buckle

#3
it's not irrational. it's fear off lack of control for ones live.

I do not know how to fly an airplane. I do not know the commander.

I do know how to pilot a bike. I ride a bike in heavy traffic at high speeds.

Despite the death rate for the bike case is higher, i crap myself on an airplane. because i'm not in control.

Re: To fasten your seatbelt, insert the flap into the buckle

#4
post #3

it's not irrational. it's fear off lack of control for ones live. I do not know how to fly an airplane. I do not know the commander. I do know how to pilot a bike. I ride a bike in heavy traffic at high speeds. Despite the death rate for the bike case is higher, i crap myself on an airplane. because i'm not in control.

This concept of control is a _very_ irrational one. Of course you steer and pedal your bike by yourself. But by taking part in traffic you give up at least as much control as flying by plane. Some guy hitting you with his car from behind is not exactly in your control.

Re: To fasten your seatbelt, insert the flap into the buckle

#5
post #3

it's not irrational. it's fear off lack of control for ones live. I do not know how to fly an airplane. I do not know the commander. I do know how to pilot a bike. I ride a bike in heavy traffic at high speeds. Despite the death rate for the bike case is higher, i crap myself on an airplane. because i'm not in control.

A friend of mine flies 737s for one of the major airlines, and he once told me, "When I'm up in the air I don't give a damn about the 150 people behind me. I'm sure as hell going to take care of myself though, and if I make it through they don't have much choice but to follow me."

You may not be in control, but the pilot is, and he wants to make it to his destination just as much as you do.

Re: To fasten your seatbelt, insert the flap into the buckle

#8
post #3

it's not irrational. it's fear off lack of control for ones live. I do not know how to fly an airplane. I do not know the commander. I do know how to pilot a bike. I ride a bike in heavy traffic at high speeds. Despite the death rate for the bike case is higher, i crap myself on an airplane. because i'm not in control.

If "lack of control" is what defines your fears, then I'd assume you'd be afraid of almost everything. Our water supply, break-ins, the government, etc. Can you ride a bus or sit in the passenger seat of a car? When you ride a bike, do you realize how easily a car could just take you out?

At some point you have to look at the data and determine what's a reasonable fear and what isn't. If you maintain an unreasonable fear of a reasonably safe activity, don't try to make it appear rational by explaining it's a control issue.

Re: To fasten your seatbelt, insert the flap into the buckle

#9
Ugh, I know exactly how that guy feels. I hate flying with an abiding passion (indeed, I view their 30 day trip as about as much fun as hitting myself in the nuts with a hammer over the course of a month). It is completely and totally irrational, but there's not much to be done about it. Drinking helps, some, but they don't serve drinks during takeoff, which is the worst part (I usually manage to relax a bit after about a half an hour of total panic).

The "can't get off" part is really important too.

Re: To fasten your seatbelt, insert the flap into the buckle

#10
post #7

I wonder why he doesn't take anti-anxiety medication before flights. It's a straightforward enough solution.

I tried that, and it had zero effect. Then I had another one, and something to drink, and that worked, but was probably not a bright idea. I did manage to sleep just a little bit, which was a first for me, flying. I was still terrified for the first half hour, though, so I wouldn't really say the anti-anxiety stuff had any effect at all.
Post reply on HN