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At the conclusion of their flight, they often shed tears of emotion. They express sentiments such as, “I feel transformed – thank you for allowing me to visit my grandchildren in Australia.”
Captain Steve Allright is discussing the Flying With Confidence program at British Airways, where he holds the role of director and presenter.
For 33 years, he has been piloting airplanes, with 25 of those years served as a training captain. As a pilot, he has accumulated 18,000 hours of flight time and an additional 6,000 hours in the simulator, training and evaluating other pilots. He utilizes all of this expertise to conduct a one-day program aimed at boosting the confidence of anxious flyers.
Commercial aviation is safer than ever: last year, no scheduled passenger jets were involved in fatal crashes.
However, according to Captain Allright, studies indicate that 25% of individuals experience some level of fear when flying, and 1 in 12 have more severe challenges. This equates to a considerable number of individuals globally who struggle with this fear.
The disadvantages of being anxious about flying are obvious. It could lead people to choose driving over flying, significantly raising the chances of accidents and injuries. Alternatively, they may avoid travel altogether, limiting their contact with loved ones, professional prospects, and cross-cultural experiences. On a larger scale, airlines also suffer financial losses if people are apprehensive about flying with them.
In 1986, a pair of British Airways pilots made the decision to address “aerophobia”. This effort has since evolved into Flying With Confidence, an online program that provides courses. However, the key feature stays consistent: a single-day course that concludes with a brief flight arranged for attendees.
According to Captain Allright, the one-day course consists of three sections.
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The first part of the day will feature a preliminary demonstration that includes a comprehensive overview of commercial aviation, with a particular focus on turbulence.
After running the course for over 30 years, we have a deep understanding of what information is essential for individuals to know and what motivates them. Thus, we extensively cover those topics.
I am deeply invested in the process of pilot selection, training, and testing. To me, it’s a personal interest. I explain that this encompasses two years of rigorous training and I go into great depth about the components involved.
After the event, individuals approach me and express surprise at the extensive training required for pilots.
The second session of the day involves meeting with a psychotherapist, who may also be a clinical psychologist. These experts assist individuals in comprehending their thoughts and physical sensations. They explain the role of adrenaline and its impact on the body, such as the “fight or flight” response, which can cause shallow breathing, sweaty palms, and a racing heart. Anxious travelers are then taught techniques to break this cycle.
The highlight of the day is a brief round-trip flight on a regular British Airways A320 plane. The trip lasts approximately 45 minutes and ends at the starting airport, easing worries about having to find a way back after a one-way flight. Nearly all participants of the program take this flight, with Flying With Confidence boasting a 98 percent success rate.
According to Captain Allright, the success of the course is due to the motivation of its participants to improve themselves. They simply require the necessary resources, information, and mental strategies to aid in their improvement.
My team and I are passionate about travel and flying, which is why we choose to get involved. We hope that our enthusiasm for these things can inspire others, and that they too can appreciate the immense beauty of the world.
Captain Allright typically flies with his wife and daughter, proving to anxious passengers his unwavering confidence in the safety of a British Airways flight.
“It’s a family affair for us, as they enjoy aiding individuals on the course,” he states.
As an additional pilot, I typically accompany the primary pilot on the flight deck during flights. I provide a continuous narration of the various sounds and sensations from the initial push back to the engine start. Passengers often find this to be highly beneficial.
Over the years, more than 50,000 individuals have been helped by the Flying With Confidence program. However, there are potentially millions in the UK who feel anxious about flying, with turbulence being a major worry.
Captain Allright states, “Our motto is: ‘Turbulence may be uncomfortable, but it is not hazardous’.”
I have them repeat the statement with their eyes closed because it is the honest truth. This is one of the surest guarantees I can make.
The Earth is made up of oceans, a liquid, and the atmosphere, an air-filled space between the planet and outer space. Just as submarines travel through the ocean, airplanes navigate through the atmosphere.
While in an airplane, you are essentially traveling through a thin layer of gelatin-like substance. Any disruptions in the flight are typically due to variations in wind speed or direction.
Rest assured that no matter how severe the turbulence, there is a 100% guarantee that the airplane will remain intact. Such incidents have become rare in modern aircraft.
Turbulence is a natural occurrence during flight, as the movement of the air can create small disturbances in the atmosphere. Although it may be uncomfortable, it poses no danger to the safety of the flight. We acknowledge the discomfort it may cause, and do not expect people to immediately embrace it.
According to Captain Allright, the moment when participants disembark the flight is often a transformative experience.
Many people have told me that they regret not starting earlier and feel like they have wasted a significant portion of their life.
“I believe that although you may have made a mistake, you now have the opportunity to live your life without regret. Travel and exploration can bring immense joy and fulfillment to all of us.”
“It’s truly fulfilling to be able to impact people’s lives in just one day.”
The upcoming Flying With Confidence one-day workshop will be held at London Heathrow on Saturday, March 23rd, with a fee of £395. There are limited spots available. More workshops will be held throughout 2024. On British Airways flights, passengers can choose to watch a 20-minute film featuring Captain Steve Allright discussing Flying With Confidence.
Listen to Simon’s conversation with BA’s Captain Allright in his daily Independent Travel podcast.
Source: independent.co.uk
