Nervous flyer considering learning to glide

On Sun, 02 Aug 2015 21:37:36 +0100, Caecilius
wrote:

I'm a nervous flyer who spends a lot of time as a commercial aircraft
passenger. My number one anxiety is that freefall feeling when the
plane drops, like you'd get on a rollercoster (I don't like those
either).

[snip]


Many thanks to everyone who replied. Your comments have been very
useful.

The reduced G document links from Glider RN were especially useful:
they are talking about exactly the feeling I dislike, and it's good to
hear that I'm not alone and that there are people worse than me (I
don't think I'd freeze up).

The winch launch details are useful as well. 0-60 in 5 seconds sounds
like doing the quarter mile at santa pod (a UK drag strip) as a
passenger: scary, but bearable.

I think I'll have to have a few more trys at this, and perhaps the
club will let me help out a bit with some of the unskilled work so I
can watch and pick up things gradually.

On Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 4:37:40 PM UTC-4, Caecilius wrote:
I'm a nervous flyer who spends a lot of time as a commercial aircraft
passenger. My number one anxiety is that freefall feeling when the
plane drops, like you'd get on a rollercoster (I don't like those
either).

One thing not mentioned by other respondents:
Make sure your seat-belts are TIGHT.
Then wriggle around a bit and tighten again.
Tight belts will make any reduced-G sensation MUCH less uncomfortable.

Have Fun!

On Mon, 3 Aug 2015 07:31:35 -0700 (PDT), Dave Nadler
wrote:

On Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 4:37:40 PM UTC-4, Caecilius wrote:
I'm a nervous flyer who spends a lot of time as a commercial aircraft
passenger. My number one anxiety is that freefall feeling when the
plane drops, like you'd get on a rollercoster (I don't like those
either).

One thing not mentioned by other respondents:
Make sure your seat-belts are TIGHT.
Then wriggle around a bit and tighten again.
Tight belts will make any reduced-G sensation MUCH less uncomfortable.

Oh yes, I always ensure my seatbelt is good and tight after I flew
through a thunderstorm over the straits of malacca on approach to
kuala lumpur about five years ago.

Not to be a killjoy, but not everyone is meant to fly. I am sure you are very good at other things. I find calm pilots are the best pilots. Sure you can overcome fears and if this is what you desire go for it. But if flying makes you nervous, perhaps flying is not your thing and you should pursue interests. whatever you do stay safe and within your limits.


On Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 1:37:40 PM UTC-7, Caecilius wrote:
I'm a nervous flyer who spends a lot of time as a commercial aircraft
passenger. My number one anxiety is that freefall feeling when the
plane drops, like you'd get on a rollercoster (I don't like those
either).

I think I'll have to have a few more trys at this, and perhaps the
club will let me help out a bit with some of the unskilled work so I
can watch and pick up things gradually.

It sounds like you are on the right track if you want to do this. Many pilots have initial issues with airsickness and/or low g sensitivity early in their training. As was pointed out, some never overcome it and wisely drop out.

Otherwise, it often helps to make several flights in cool smooth morning or evening air and then build up to the bumps or gentle pull ups and push overs as you gain exposure and get "bored" with the smooth stuff.

Many students make this transition rather quickly in a few flights and to on to really enjoy soaring.

Also, as you mention, finding a way to hang around the airport helps build confidence. Seeing folks having fun and coming back with no harm seems to have an effect on most people with concerns.

On Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 4:37:40 PM UTC-4, Caecilius wrote:
I'm a nervous flyer who spends a lot of time as a commercial aircraft
passenger. My number one anxiety is that freefall feeling when the
plane drops, like you'd get on a rollercoster (I don't like those
either).

Keep trying by taking a few lessons. As advised, take them when it is smooth at first and find an instructor who is sympathetic.

Try this visualization technique and see if it helps: You are moving through a fluid (air) but you just can't see it. Visualize the aircraft as a boat moving across waves, like on a lake. Sometimes it is carried up a wave and then back down. But the boat never goes that far up or that far down. Neither will the glider. It may seem like it can, but it won't.

I'm not real crazy about heights but 1) I know I'm not going to fall out of the airplane; 2) I know the airplane isn't going to suddenly fall out of the sky. I know these things because I've been taught them and experienced them as a pilot.

Knowledge is your friend. If you persist and try expanding your confidence envelope a little bit at a time, you will overcome this fear.