catesta Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 While I'm not as bad as I used to be, flying is still not one of my favorite things to do. I never had a fear of flying until a bad flight experience years ago. I guess I started to think about things too much after that and it's never been the same. The funny thing is I like airplanes. I could sit and watch planes take off and land for hours. I also like to travel some. In the past I've never taken anything, I would just have a few drinks and try to sweat it out. Now though I take two Ativan just before I board. If all goes as planned I just kind of zone out and if lucky I may sleep a little. Anyone else here have a fear of flying? If so, how do you combat it? Quote
Christiern Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 I used to love flying and I have spent much time in the air since my first flight, a bi-plane hop to Malmø from Copenhagen--and back. That was in 1948 and it took all of 15 minutes each way! Since then I have flown in a PBY from Copenhagen to Iceland (it had several holes in it); I flew from Copenhagen to Rhein-Mein in a C-47, seated in the co-pilots seat, next to an Army pilot who had just spent a couple of hours at the airport bar; I have helicopter-ed from the roof of the old Pan-Am building to Kennedy/Idlewild, several times; and I spent a few years flying between New York and California and New York and London every month. I have only had one mishap, landing in Hamburg without wheels down (wasn't even supposed to land in Germany), and a few bumpy rides. Still, I loved flying for many years. In the 60s and 70s, it was a joy--the service was great, the food was great, and one often met interesting people in the lounge of the aircraft. Now that is all gone and airport security has made traveling a bad, tiresome experience. So, I no longer enjoy flying. I remember Alberta Hunter once telling me that she would only fly if there was no other sensible alternative--that's because she had done so much flying, much of it under adverse conditions (all those USO tours during WWII and Korea), that she felt the odds were now against her. I rather feel that way, too. Still, I will fly when called upon to do so and I don't take anything for it (what is Ativan?). Quote
BeBop Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 350,000 miles last year. Nope, not afraid. I wish I had some good advice. I suppose I avoid fear by being strictly rational about things. The chances of having something bad happen to you when flying are pretty remote. The problem is that when things go wrong, a lot of people are affected (compared to, say, a car or bicycle accident - both statistically less safe). And the media does like to make money/sell papers/sell ads when these things happen. If you're the strictly rational type, I'd suggest you look at some statistics, though this may heighten any fears you have of automobile travel. Perhaps better would be to say, well, if BeBop survives 350K a year, and has for 20 years, it can't be all that bad. Especially considering the dude is jinxed. Quote
Herb Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 Naw, I do most of my flying on this: Quote
BERIGAN Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 My Mom worked for Delta, so I flew from a very early age. I had no fear of it...til I got older. I swear the newer planes are just not as stable feeling. The old L-1011's 747's 727's just didn't feel as cheap. I know the stats are in my favor, but not being in control makes me more nervous these days. Plus, back in the day it was so much more mellow flying. You didn't have to take your shoes off, you could walk to the gate even if you were not going on a flight, the cockpit door was open(I got wings from the pilots a few times as a kid, those days are over) even flight attendants didn't seem to be so rushed like they are today. It's just not much fun anymore. Quote
catesta Posted February 20, 2006 Author Report Posted February 20, 2006 (what is Ativan?). Ativan Quote
jazzbo Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 I don't mind it at all. Never think about mishaps. Believe me I think crossing the main intersection by my house on foot which I do several times a day is so much more dangerous. . . . All those bleepin' dodos in their SUVs yapping on cellphones! Quote
sheldonm Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 ...no fear of flying here. I took some lessons years ago and did aerial photographer from planes and helicopters (without doors) for a while. I also crewed on a hot air balloon team for a couple years....lots of fun. My problem is with boats. I have been a white water rafter/kayaker for a zillion years with no problems but I always feel queesy (sp) on larger boats....I think it's the way they bounce from side to side !!! m~ Quote
Free For All Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 (edited) I fly quite a bit, and I don't enjoy it at all anymore. The employees are frequently surly and the service is minimal. I understand they're trying to stay in business by cutting costs, but for what I pay to fly I expect to be treated a little better. You have to learn how to approach these people to get what you want- anger never works, it pays to be patient and calm. It seemed for a while like there were fewer seats in the planes, which created more legroom, but that seems to have changed. The seats are really crammed in there now, and it's not comfortable at all (I'm 6'3"). If I was a foot shorter I'd be much better off. Flying is a neccesary evil, unfortunately but it sure ain't fun no more! EDIT: I also have to check my trombone, which I hate doing, but I never know when they're going to give me shit for trying to put it in the overhead bin. They made me check it once in the soft case and then lost it for a few days. When I finally got it back the horn was demolished. That's about as pissed off as I've ever been in my life. The good thing was that horn was not a great one and I didn't mind so much losing it- what pissed me off was their "tough shit for you" attitude. Now I put the horn (in the gig bag) into a hard golf case (it fits quite well) and check that. It's always a risk, but I've had no problems yet. Two things that are a little better; the check-in and security screening seem to be faster in general, and I think they've gotten better about keeping track of luggage. Edited February 20, 2006 by Free For All Quote
sidewinder Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 These days I prefer to do most of my flying on Flight Sim 2004. No manic parking issues at the airport or terminal overcrowding and you can dive your plane into the Grand Canyon with ease ! Quote
Christiern Posted February 20, 2006 Report Posted February 20, 2006 Ah, the good old days--and this was COACH! Quote
sheldonm Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 Ah, the good old days--and this was COACH! ...my better half saw a photo similar to this a few weeks ago and thought it was a Hollywood creation; she had no idea there was ever such a thing. m~ Quote
Chuck Nessa Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 Have not been on a plane for about 20 years. Just the way life is in the boonies. At one point I flew about 3 times a week and had lots of "exciting" times. Just no reason to fly recently. Quote
John Tapscott Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 It seemed for a while like there were fewer seats in the planes, which created more legroom, but that seems to have changed. The seats are really crammed in there now, and it's not comfortable at all (I'm 6'3"). If I was a foot shorter I'd be much better off. Now I know why the trumpet section had to get a higher riser when you and Fedchock were on the Herd! At least the saxophones didn't have to worry about getting beaned with a slide! Quote
Free For All Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 At least the saxophones didn't have to worry about getting beaned with a slide! Oh, you can bet they got beaned. Quote
Joe G Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 EDIT: I also have to check my trombone, which I hate doing, but I never know when they're going to give me shit for trying to put it in the overhead bin. They made me check it once in the soft case and then lost it for a few days. When I finally got it back the horn was demolished. That's about as pissed off as I've ever been in my life. The good thing was that horn was not a great one and I didn't mind so much losing it- what pissed me off was their "tough shit for you" attitude. Now I put the horn (in the gig bag) into a hard golf case (it fits quite well) and check that. It's always a risk, but I've had no problems yet. I have yet to take my guitar on a plane, but that day may be coming soon. And I am a bit worried about it. Quote
Man with the Golden Arm Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 (what is Ativan?). Ativan yipes ... bring on Erica Jong! just had my first Ativan before some retina surgery a couple weeks back. the doc asked if it had taken affect and i told him it did nothing to me as i nearly missed the laser chair on the way down. highly recommended! Quote
Jim Alfredson Posted February 21, 2006 Report Posted February 21, 2006 EDIT: I also have to check my trombone, which I hate doing, but I never know when they're going to give me shit for trying to put it in the overhead bin. They made me check it once in the soft case and then lost it for a few days. When I finally got it back the horn was demolished. That's about as pissed off as I've ever been in my life. The good thing was that horn was not a great one and I didn't mind so much losing it- what pissed me off was their "tough shit for you" attitude. Now I put the horn (in the gig bag) into a hard golf case (it fits quite well) and check that. It's always a risk, but I've had no problems yet. I have yet to take my guitar on a plane, but that day may be coming soon. And I am a bit worried about it. Did you see the case that Ron Blake used to transport his saxes? It was a beast. FFA has the right idea... you have to put it in something basically indestructable. If you rely only on it's hard case, you'll be asking for trouble! Quote
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