[Advanced] Fear of Flying (1)

Just because frequent flyers fly frequently doesn’t mean they’re fearless—far from it
A job can mean flying in spite of your fear

Scott McKain has given a speech to a crowd of 25,000 people, a task that would set many a person's knees to knocking. But for McKain, public speaking isn't the scary part.

"My biggest fear is getting on the plane going to the speech," says McKain, a business consultant and author, who, despite his jangly nerves, has to fly for a living.

Facing a fear
McKain's not alone. According to the Valk Foundation, a Dutch institute focused on treating the fear of flying, 26 million Americans get the jitters at the thought of taking to the air. But many have no choice, especially when their job depends on it.

"Most people think that those of us that fly for business have no issues getting into a jet," says Ron Goltsch, an electrical engineer who has to fly all over the world despite his discomfort. "It's not that we have no problems flying. It is just that we have learned how to cope with it better than most."

Some business trekkers utter a prayer before takeoff. Others toss back a sleeping pill or cocktail to calm their nerves. And some would-be fliers will drive whenever they can, even if it tacks hours onto their journeys.

The fear of flying can be rooted in a range of phobias, from angst about being in a confined space to a fear of heights to anxiety about not being in control, says Lucas van Gerwen, the Valk Foundation's director.

Now, in an era of downloads and virtual assistants, there's a mobile app to help calm them.

Developed by Valk and available for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices, the app features a multifaceted menu. Passengers can learn about the phases of flight, from takeoff to landing, and the effects of fear, and get pointers on how to relax by avoiding caffeine and controlling their breathing, van Gerwen says.


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