Every controllers worst nightmare and you cannot let it get the better of you.

Been there done that.

What you don't see or hear much of is the organized chaos going on behind him.

In actuality the controller working would be replaced as soon as possible, however that in some locations could take up to an hour. I don't think it can anymore thankfully.

Dont you just love old People

I don't have a fear of flying but I do have a fear of crashing. Seriously you should try to understand what it is specifically that makes you anxious. Many people may give you their take on how to conquer their fear, but it's only what works for them.

My friends wife had a terrible fear but she flew quite a bit. So frequent flying it seems is not a solution. Contrary to what some might suggest. I suggested that she had a flying lesson. She did this and although it didn't completely cure her fear, it helped her appreciate the mechanics of flight.

For some the fear is being enclosed. Others it's the vibrations experienced in the cabin. For others its the environmental impact (e.g. dehydration, swelling, and ear popping). I believe fear is built on a package of these, so addressing the problem for yourself is not something that you can just take isolated examples from other people.

You might want to consider taking a flying lesson. The reason I mention this is that the most "exciting" parts of a normal flight are takeoff and landing. They also happen to be the time where something going wrong is more critical to the flight. The lesson may add a bit of interest to take off and landing. It probably won't ever conquer your fear but may give you more of an appreciation.

Not sure one lesson is quite going to do it. You can learn the mechanics of flight from a book, a flying lesson is never going to teach you that. You'd have to learn the mechanics of flight before going up in the air to understand how it works, coefficient of lift, coefficient of drag, axis of flight, four forces of flight and so it goes on. Too much for a lesson. One lesson is only going to give you experience at the front end and a bumpy ride in a Cessna. One thing for sure I would never take someone up in a little aircraft who is frightened of flying. If they grab the controls in panic ( I've seen it done), also know of someone who stretched out and put full left rudder on in blind panic when the instructor had just taken off.

If you are frightened of flying think very carefully before jumping in a small aircraft and tell the instructor before you leave the ground.

Thanks, but I cant even drive a car (I was in a very bad car accident and it put me off driving) so I wouldnt even attempt a flying lesson, Id rather leave it to the professionals!

Its the fear of dying a horrible death that gets me. The fact Im not at all in control, and the fact land is such a long way down. Its a combination of things really.

Ive followed Aviators advice and read up on how things work and reasons why flying is so safe. I know its safe, I just need to feel its safe IYSWIM.

My car accident probably is the underlying issue I expect. Im just a big nervous wuss ever since!

Im getting there though. I dont want to pass this irrational fear onto my children, even my husband gets anxious about it when Im anxious, and he loves flying.

Its silly to be scared I know

How true.

might help :-

http://www.flyingfear.net/

I am in the same situation I have only ever flown a few times and never on a long haul flight. I am terrified and on a trip to Barcelona had a pretty bad panic attack. When we were applying for our PRV I always said we would take the boat to NY then travel up (as I did not want the dogs to fly either). But as we need to go to validate our PRV we will have to fly.

I have been to the doctor and have been given diazepam although I have no idea how this will make me feel or how I will cope on the flight to Canada I think the longest I have done is about 2.5 hours.

As soon as we booked the flight I was having nightmares..

The doctor did say that cognitive therapy is very good.

Wish me luck