Private Pilot Flight Training and Instruction Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM Fear of Flying An Opinion on Fear I have concerns with fear as it relates to flying. I realize fear of heights and falling.are instinctive and normal. It appears irrational to let our fears inappropriately affect reasonable considerations. It requires that you take a positive attitude toward what you want to do and the way you do it. This approach can overcome irrational fears. By not flying the risks cease to exist. The risks of flying will still be there. The pleasures of flying exist as driving force in the face of the risks. You cannot experience one without exposure to the other The pilot has resigned himself to the fact that one must forego some security for pleasure. If you fear heights and sense them when flying then you must counter this concern with thoughs related to the pleasurable sensations that exist in flying. The distinction between fear and respect is reasoned understanding that risks exist; any lack of caution is a ticket tor disaster. Failure to recognize the risks opens the Pandora box of unanticipated fears. By understanding and accepting risk you remove the irrational causes of fear from flying. The skilled pilot can and will prepare for risk situations. Fear and irrational behavior is to be expected on the part of the unskilled and unprepared pilot. Written by Gene Whitt Flight Training Article Library | Back To 4VFR.COM