IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE THIRTY MINUTE FREE VIDEO

Go to www.fearofflyingvideos.com

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TOUGH PRE-FLIGHT EVENT - FLEW ANYWAY

Dear Capt. Tom,

I took your audio course way back in 1997, and on a recent trip, it
occurred to me that I should write and thank you again, especially
since I had a tough pre-flight event that could have prevented me
from flying.

On the way to the airport, we were hit by a drunk driver. We got
out of the car, and unbelievably, the only physical evidence we
showed were five scratches. Our emotional scars are, of course,
much more deep than that, but we're grateful we're all right.

After an hour of dealing with the authorities, we actually made our
flight in time.

For some reason, I didn't feel apprehensive about flying. Maybe
it was the shock of the accident. Maybe it was just feeling happy
to be alive. Maybe it was more proof that auto accidents are far
more common than air accidents. All I know is that I relied on
what I'd taken away from your course, which was being aware
of my feelings and helping myself through the anxiety without
squelching it.

(Oh, and let me add that telling the ticket agent of your
near-brush with death will NOT get you automatically upgraded
to first class--it was a good try, I guess.)

As a result, the flights were uneventful and a good time to have
enforced rest. I've flown a lot since taking your course, and
although I always feel a bit apprehensive when I cross over
from the gateway to the plane itself, it's nothing like it used to be.

In fact, I knew my anxiety had lessened when I grew to find
flying to be either incredibly boring or a big block of time to
read and relax.

Thank you again.

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HOW CONFIDENT ARE PILOTS ABOUT ENGINE WORK BY MECHANICS?

Although it is easy to worry about failure of an engine, the plane,
there are several things that argue that this is not a good place
to place your worry. First, the plane will fly find on just one.

Second, engine failure is rare. Before we flew the twin-engined
767 across the Atlantic (we had been flying 747s with four engines),
we flew them within the U.S. for 2,000,000 hours without any
engine problem. If you go to the grocery store and look at the
light bulbs for sale, a lot of them say the average life is 850 hours.
So if you never see two light bulbs burn out at the same time,
the idea of two engines failing (minimum expected time without a
failure of 2,000,000 hours) it gets a little hard to justify being
worried. But even so, the plane can glide - not fall - if such an
outlandish thing should occur.

Third, the mechanics know they when they fly - or put their
family - for free on the airline, it is going to be on a plane they
have worked on.

Fourth, they are licensed, and can lose their livelihood if they
do improper work. Fifth, a supervisor must also sign off on their work.

Sixth, the engines are checked internally with a scope for problems.

Seventh, the engines are constantly tracked by a computer
which notes any deviation in performance from the expected.

Eighth, pilots check the engines prior to takeoff.

That’s nine reasons why we feel confident about the engines
and in the work that the mechanics.

I wouldn’t have that much confidence in the mechanic who
works on your car. But I do have confidence in the mechanic
who works on mine; my car mechanic is a private pilot.

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MORE ON PATRICK SMITH’S BOOK

After mentioning Patrick’s book last week, I got this email
from a SOAR graduate.

I have his book 'Ask the Pilot,' and it's the BEST book on
flying I have (I have several). The writing is absolutely beautiful;
I agree with one reviewer who said it reads as if it's written by
a writer who pilots rather than a pilot who writes. And the
content is solid, providing valuable information and leaving
no lingering what-did-he-mean-by-THAT questions.

Just wanted to say how delighted I am to see you mention
him in your newsletter. Every fearful flyer --and every flying
fan! -- should have this book.

If you read Patrick’s book, you will get straight talk on safety,
security, and the nuts and bolts of flying. In addition, it touches
on everything from aerodynamics to airport architecture to the
cultures and histories of the world's airlines.

To order instantly from Amazon, click here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1594480044/qid=1102103139/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/002-2061686-8722433


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ANXIETY PROBLEMS TIED TO DEPRESSION IN TWO PREVIOUS GENERATIONS

Research at Columbia University and NIMH showed high
rates of anxiety disorders in children when parents AND
grandparents suffered from major depression.

In sharp contrast, there was no significant elevation in anxiety
rates in children when parents - but NOT grandparents - suffered
depression.

Though this may appear to point to genetic transmission, we
should recall the classic research by Harlow with monkeys.
Problems in the first generation showed up most severely in
the third generation.

In any case, the researchers stated that two generations of
depression signals a need to look for, and get professional
help if there is any sign of anxiety in a child when both the
parents and grandparents have had depression.

When I have been asked by parents for help with children
who are afraid to fly, my answer has been that this is most
definitely not just a problem with flying, but is a clear indication
of a very serious underlying problem which must be addressed.

When anxiety problems in children are not addressed, problems
in adolescence and adulthood are almost sure to develop.
Problems which can be treated easily in childhood can be
impossible to treat later, often because the adolescent will
not accept treatment, but prefers to self-medicate with drugs
or use other dangerous behavior to hide the anxiety problem.

Note: don’t overlook compliance as a sign of anxiety problems.
Children who are highly compliant may be compliant because
they are too anxious to be assertive or adventuresome.

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IMMEDIATE HELP IS AVAILABLE, EVEN AT THE LAST MINUTE

Capt. Tom Bunn MSW LCSW is both an airline captain and a licensed
therapist. Call (877) 332-7359 or (203) 258-4803

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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE SOAR PROGRAM BUT
MONEY IS HOLDING YOU BACK.

Payments can be spread out over six months with no extra fees.
Contact Lisa at (800) 332-7359 or (914) 763-9603

or email Lisa@fearofflying.com

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If so, please email me so the newsletter keeps reaching you.
Please send old and new address to:

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TO GET STARTED ON BEATING FEAR OF FLYING

To order any part of the SOAR Course or the
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