Fear

I originally wrote this for a psychology group, therefore I have
written it for that crowd. However, I may have more luck with a
response in this group.

I noticed a strange thing today about myself. I am at least a
relativly intellegent and capable adult. Since a young age I have had
an interest in flying. I have finally gotten job that affords me the
income to pursue this interest. Because of this, last week I signed up

at a local flight school.

In the last week I have spent in excess of 20 hours on the simulators
and have completed more than half of my total required ground school.
Because of this I have a good understanding of the theory behind
aeronautics along with the do's and dont's.


The strange thing that I noticed is this. While on my first flight
today I expiereinced significant 'Fear' while in a climb of almost 50
degrees. This was my mistake as I had tried to trim before using the
yoke and had trimmed the wrong direction. My instructor smiled at me
and simply asked me to fix it.
I knew all was well. The readings were all fine. I had plenty of
altitude. I also had an instructor next to me with more than 8,000
hours flying expierience. Based on all this I knew I was fine.


I am curious why I was feeling fear givin all the above factors. Does
this mean I am simply not cut out for flying? Is thier a way to
short-circut this mecanism? Will this disappear with time? And most
importantly, why was my brain unable to overide my fear? I am
concerned that this may indicate a problem with me personally.


My only expierience with Psychology is through the course work that was

required in school. Any ideas would truly be appreciated and I thank
you in advance.


Micah A. Norman