Fear of Flying App Good Idea or Hot Air?
10:39 am, November 3rd, 2009, Nicole Martinelli
Virgin Atlantic Airways recently released an app for flying phobes. Called Flying Without Fear it’s modeled on the company’s brick and mortar course which they claim has a 98% success rate.
What do you get for $4.99? Well, a reassuring message from Mr. Hot Air Balloon
Sir Richard Branson himself, plus relaxation exercises, answers to fear-based questions, fear therapy and a handy inventory of on-board noises so you know everything’s ok.
Whoopie Goldberg recently got her wings back after an airplane hiatus of over 10 years thanks to the Virgin course:
“The program works, I was a skeptic. I hadn’t flown in 13 years but after doing their program, I understood that while my fear was real, there were many things I didn’t know or had misinformation about, which they were able to clear up. So what happened? I now fly. It’s that simple.”
While not everyone can attend Virgin’s £199 ($326) full day course, it’s worth wondering whether an iPod app can substitute the real thing.
I once had a co-worker for whom flying was a real drama — he ended up in such a state he regularly had to be taken off planes and usually booked multiple times before able to stay aloft in the friendly skies — and I don’t know if passengers more than a little discomfited by air travel would benefit by a few reassuring words and games.
Hearing his story, I also wonder if you’d be able to use the app during take off and landing, which seemed to be the critical moments.
Posted by Nicole Martinelli in News, iPhone Apps, iPod, iPod Touch | Comment on this article
Nicole, you are right to be suspicious. This “app” is the same old stuff in a new wr-app-er.
Look at its number one solution: “Breathing Exercise”. Research shows that though breathing exercises work on the ground, they are completely useless for fear of flying. Here is a link to the research: http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/42/13/25
There are solid professional courses available. This is not one of them.
Capt Tom Bunn LCSW, on November 3rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
You asked if it’s a good idea or ‘hot air’. It looks like a fun little gadget that will keep users amused for a while without really helping someone overcome the fear of flying.
Most people begin to feel anxiety long before the actual flight. The panic builds as the flight gets closer and one finds oneself nervously checking the weather and worrying needlessly.
There are simple techniques available that quickly and easily allow a fearful flier to enjoy a relaxing flight without using drugs, alcohol or talk therapy.
I’d say it’s ‘hot air’
Pilot DJ Frost, on November 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Ok so another celebrity has overcome a fear of flying. I’ve helped people who haven’t flown for 30 years and more… help is help… doesn’t matter who you give it to.
If you want help that will last, and that works, and that is free just come to our site. Videos are free, audio help is free, social network for fearful flyers …is free…and it’s quality stuff from a pilot with 50 years in the business. Hundreds of pages of free help.
Big brands don’t guarantee quality
You can phone me too. …there’s no charge except to your line provider.
Captain Keith
Captain Keith, on November 18th, 2009 at 10:01 am