Chat Wednesday 9 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time

The chat is at:http://www.fearofflying.com/talkread/chat.shtml
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Free Group Phone Counseling With Capt Tom Wednesday 10 PM - 11 PM Eastern Time

dial (805) 309-2350
when asked, enter the conference ID 9352101 followed by the # sign.

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Consumer Reports On Airline Maintenance Oversight

In 2009, the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation told Congress, " . . . FAA's oversight of aircraft repair facilities is not robust enough to ensure that outsourced repairs meet FAA standards." Yet some in Congress are so eager to downsize government and end government regulation that they are recklessly trying to downsize the FAA. See editorial at this link.

The argument given is that market forces will provide all the safety we need. It is claimed that people who run airlines will not - in the interest of winning greater profits - will not overstep the limits of safety. If that were a principle we could count on there would be no accidents in automobile racing, as drivers - in the interest of winning - would not overstep the limits safety. Anyone who has watched an auto race knows how easily competitors exceed the limits of safety in pursuit of their goal. Airline managers know that it is low fares that sell tickets, not claims of greater safety. After ValuJet crashed in the Everglades, they cut their fares and had no trouble filling their planes.

If we are going to end government regulation of how airlines fly airplanes, let's be consistent about it and end government regulation of how people drive automobiles.

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So You Think You Can Dance?

Cebu Pacific airlines has its flight attendants do a dance routine to demonstrate safety equipment. Professional? No. But at least passengers pay attention. See this link

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Air France Flight 447 Data Recovered

The data from the black boxes has been recovered and transferred to a secure computer. An interim report on the accident is expected this summer.

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Chronic Fatigue Linked To Abuse

Research shows childhood physical abuse is associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities. See this link. Earlier research has linked abuse to high incidents of migraine, depression, and cancer. As I've pointed out many times in this newsletter, physical abuse leads to anxiety problems. But so does deficiency in the caregiver-child relationship (between birth and the age of two). When uncertainty causes too much distress, it leads to the need for certainty through illusion or through control. And when uncertainty can't be eliminated, we avoid things physically, or psychologically.

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Posted On The Message Board

There is NO such thing as a "sign" or an "omen" or anything of the kind. We could ALL find signs of anything every day.

I was a fearful flier just like you. Before a flight, I could find countless reasons to abandon the trip because things seemed too eerily ominous.

"Oh no! That car almost hit me. That means my luck has run out and the plane will crash."

"I just heard a story on a radio station I just happened to pass by that talked about severe turbulence on a flight to Singapore. Must be a sign to stay home."

"I'm running late and had to rush to the gate, barely making my flight. It's sure to go south from here."

"My car almost didn't start, so the plane will surely suffer a worse fate as we cross over the ocean."

"That PA announcement at the gate asking for Mr So-and-So is some sort of a secret code that means the plane has issues but they're not telling us about it."

"We're delayed because a mechanic had to come out and check something on the pilots chair. If that can break, what are they overlooking when it comes to vital flight equipment!?"

"A friend of mine just happened to mention that he got stuck in traffic on Interstate 380. My flight number is 380. I'm going to die if I get on the plane."

"What was that noise? The passenger next to me is just reading his magazine like nothing happened! Didn't he hear that?! Why isn't he scared? Doesn't he know it's bad?"

This goes on and on. None of it means anything.
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Scarcity Of Moments Of Empathic Attunement
It is not unusual for a client to have trouble finding even one memory of a moment in which another person was empathic and attuned. Obviously, if we have lots of those moments when growing up, we would not have anxiety issues.
If you are interested in reading about the psychological impact of not having empathic attunement, take a look at a book by James Masterson and Ralph Klein entitled Disorders of the Self. It is an expensive book, so see if you can find it in a library or read some of it on the Amazon site at this link and then click on "Look Inside".
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Forgot To Take Meds
I wanted to let you know That after doing your course I flew to Italy and was so calm my son could not believe it. I was so calm I actually FORGOT to take my medication!!!!!
Thank you Thank you a million times.
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Trip Report On The Message Board

Just returned yesterday from my second trip post SOAR DVD course. It was fantastic! . . .

For 11 years I have been too afraid to board an airplane and in 2 months I have flown to each coast!!! Thank you Capt. Tom, Capt. Steve and Lisa! I could never have done this without the SOAR program and the forum and the chat. I flew with ease. It amazed my husband as he expected to have bruises on his legs from me squeezing so tight. He said I seemed so calm and he kept asking me if I was alright before and during the first flight. It's a great feeling to know that I am "free to roam about the country!"
You can read the entire post at this link.
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SOAR Will Work For You Too

Even if you are doubtful, SOAR nevertheless works. This is because we, with the help of brain scan research that showed us how the mind works, broke the code on flight anxiety, claustrophobia, and panic.

SOAR was established in 1982 because no programs existed that could help people with moderate to severe difficulties. Even today, no other program offers help that is effective except for mild difficulties. No matter how difficult flying is for you, we can help.

Call me at 877 332-7359 between 10 AM and 6 PM Eastern time or
Set up a time online at http://soar.genbook.com
No Charge. No Obligation. Just get the information you want.

Or Enroll Right Now And Get This Over With

You will feel better as soon as you make the decision.

Full Length Course

The full length SOAR Video Course on 11 DVDs provides the maximum help possible.
More info.

Accelerated Courses

Flying tomorrow or the day after? Be ready to fly in 90 minutes with Rapid Relief.

Flying in three to ten days? Get comprehensive help with SOAR Complete Relief.

Accelerated courses give you the most help possible in the time you have available.
A twenty-minute private session and unlimited group counseling sessions are included.
What you pay is 100% transferable to the SOAR Video Course 11 DVDs.

Everything to you need is just a click away. Start viewing on your computer two minutes from now.

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Unsure Which To Choose

If you are unsure which is best for you, please call me at 877 332-7359 so we can talk it over. You will feel better as soon as you decide to act. Or set up an appointment for us to talk by clicking this link.

We are always here to help. Every course includes at least one counseling session. As you go through the program, call or email whenever you have a question or a concern.
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Patrick's Column
This week, Patrick discusses use of the seat belt at www.salon.com/technology/ask_the_pilot/
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Discuss Or Schedule An Individual Session -- Call 877 332-7359

Call between 11 AM and 6 PM Eastern Time (same time zone as New York)

You'll reach me easily. The toll-free number rings my cell phone.

find out how I can help you with flying
discuss the possibility of a counseling session
set up a time that fits your schedule

Outside the U.S. and Canada call 203 258-4803

a twenty-minute session is $60.00 if not enrolled in a course.
one twenty-minute session is free if enrolled in any course.
additional twenty-minute sessions are $60.00.
two one-hour sessions are included in the SOAR Guaranteed Program

Schedule An Individual Session Online

Note: Times Listed Are Eastern Time (same as New York)