Flying with Confidence: The proven programme to fix your flying fears

by Patricia Furness-Smith

Does the thought of flying fill you with dread? ­Do panic attacks leave you feeling scared and vulnerable?If so, this book could change your life. Written by top flying experts from British Airways’ Flying with Confidence course, this reassuring guide explains everything you need to know about air travel alongside techniques for feeling confident and in control from take off to landing. In easy-to-follow sections, you'll learn how to recognise cabin noises, manage turbulence and fly in bad weather conditions. As your knowledge grows, so will your confidence, with the fear of the unknown removed.· Takes the terror out of common flight fears· Includes techniques for controlling anxiety, claustrophobia and panic· Will help you feel safe, calm and secure when you next take to the skies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Travel

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2013

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been afraid of flying for about 3-4 years and I truly hated it because it prevented me from doing so many cool things!

I decided to check out this book from the library because I read many good things about it on Amazon and I can safely say that it didn't disappoint one bit.

It is divided into 2 parts - how planes fly written by a British Airways pilot and how to deal with your fear written by a psychologist who specialises in phobias.
I loved the first half so much and it actually helped me the most because now I feel like I am more knowledgeable about the routine procedures, sounds and movements that happen on every flight. The pilot explained everything so well that I almost felt like we were having tea and just chatting.
The second half is really good as well if you are not familiar with breathing and calming the mind techniques. As I am, this was more of a revision for me but nonetheless helpful!

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who finds flying uncomfortable, no matter the size and extent of your fear. I hope it will help you like it helped me.

Kristina Z

[Shereen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been ten years since I have been on a plane and have finally accepted the fact that I can't avoid flying and still travel the world. So prior to reading this book I was sceptical that it would make much of an impact on my fear of flying due to the depth of my fear... I'm glad to say how wrong I was.

The first section of the book takes you through every detail of flying which includes how planes fly, the functions and noises you will hear whilst aboard and the safety of flight in different weathers. For me, this section alone did wonders in making me aware about how my fear was unfounded. The second section goes through helpful techniques to keep calm in the event of distress whilst aboard. Whilst this section wasn't as useful to me it definetly has benefical information to conquer fears.

I'm proud to say since reading this book I have been on two planes and despite a few jitters to begin with, remained completely relaxed throughout. Highly recommend!

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

the first part of the book was very helpful to me
the knowledge gathered from the book together with a good show (the good doctor) and a calming pill resulted in a calm flight. thank you

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess it is good...I am currently flying and not crying! (Still on sedatives, of course.)

[Alexander Nowak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, made progress on fear of flying. Currently doubting whether this book is more or less effective than ordering six beers at cruising altitude. Will test soon.

[Nadia Marques de Carvalho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got on the plane!
First section was amazing, didn't really like the second section about the psychological way of dealing with it . Made me more nervous ...

[MR ALAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a pilot in association with a psychologist, this book, only explains the logistics and mechanics of planes ( what all these “scary” noises are about) but explained why your psyche is sending you into spasms of irrational terror ( and how to overcome it).

I am a fearful flyer who is in recovery and this book was the start of my journey, from the drudge and dread of every forthcoming holiday, to quiet acceptance that it’s going to be fine.

[Book Worm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did the course at the end of September 2024 and I’m flying to Belfast next weekend. The course is fantastic and I feel the book is a perfect extension of it, a reminder of the good experience and all the things we learned obviously the day to regain power and send our imps/phobias packing!
I’d highly recommend the book and the course to any nervous flyer as it is a straightforward, no bs approach that does work!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m flying on a BA 747-400 soon for 9 hours. I’m extremely nervous. But I gained much knowledge about how planes work, how they stay in the air, and how turbulence is never dangerous. I will be practicing and employing the coping strategies as well. I wish they taught this course in America! Knowledge is power!

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall coverage of the topic. The book is divided into two parts. The first part is more about the technical and operational aspects of flying written by a pilot; this was both interesting and useful. The second part was about the softer aspects relating to psychology and anxiety coping strategies; this was fairly nebulous and somewhat less useful.

[Luke Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Fantastic book. Would recommend to anyone with a fear of flying. Has helped a once very nervous flyer now able to enjoy it.

[Ruth Shield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative ... really helped with my fear of flying.

[Patrick Cartlidge · Rating 3 out of 5]

like the first half alot and was helpful, didn't like the second half

[Hayley Dunning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great techniques, but will take time!

[Nicola Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad to report that this book didn’t help me in the slightest, in fact, I had a hell of a panic attack in my first flight after reading the book.
The book has such fantastic reviews and I’m very pleased it’s helped so many people, but unfortunately it did nothing for my fear of flying. ☹️

[Gaynor Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't actually read the second part, because I ran out of time before my flight, but the first part was really good! I spent the flight telling myself all the things that the author had said, about how routine everything was and what it all meant, and it really did help.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick, helpful read. First section was fantastic.

[Andrew McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for combating my fear of flying. I am not completely cured but it definitely helps and gives some really good information.