Though there are people who still fear to fly, evidence points to the fact that there is no need for such. The media tends to highlight accidents and run the risk of blowing them out of proportion.
Air travel is reported to have resulted in 0.07 deaths for every one billion miles travelled. The data for motorcycles is 212.57 and 7.28 for cars.
One reason why aeroplanes are safer than cars is because there is a much greater concentration of cars on most roads and highways. So there is a much greater chance of accidents and collisions happening. But the concentration is less for aeroplanes in the air at any given time resulting in a lower chance of collisions.
A combination of checks and balances, training and certifications, technology and regulations account for why air travel is safest.
Flight crew, air traffic control and aircraft dispatchers are divisions that make for every successful flight. Each department relies on and monitors the other to ensure checks and balances.
There is no shortcut to experience and the same applies to aviation. Training for aircraft dispatchers for instance, may be short, but it is very rigorous and requires years of experience to get employed in a major airline. Pilots must have thousands of hours flying to become eligible to work as a first officer on a commercial airline. The same rigorous process of training and certification applies to many other aviation workers including aircraft mechanics and engineers.
Advancements in aviation technology are massive and impressive. Aircraft manufacturers have built in many safety features far beyond that of vehicles. Aeroplane seats for instance can withstand sixteen times gravity force. The seats are also fire proof and do not emit toxic fumes if they were to catch fire. The technology on an average flight monitors all that is happening on the plane, around the plane and in many other dimensions in time and space.
Pilots, air traffic controllers and aircraft dispatchers go through a rigorous process of monitoring and review. Every country has a regulatory authority for civil aviation which does not compromise on safety standards as laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation ( ICAO), which is a global standard setting body for civil aviation.
To deal with the fear of flying can be challenging but can be surmounted. Deal with irrational fears by researching how aeroplanes work, safety measures put in place and statistics as mentioned above. Reduce anxiety and promote a sense of relaxation by practising deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. Start flying with shorter flights. Take a tour of an airport to become familiar with the airport environment. Share your concerns with others who have experienced similar fears and consider discussing your fear with friends, family and even mental health professionals.
Some other measures are to imagine oneself successfully and calmly navigating through the flight. Engage in activities that can distract you through the flight such as listening to music, watching videos and reading books.
Those who fear to fly should not lose hope and should not give up. It requires time and patience to overcome. With persistence, and the right strategy, a person can gradually bring down the fear of flying and enjoy the immense benefits of air travel.
