Fear of Flying Help | Flying Fears | Domestic & International Seminars

Flying Fears | Domestic & International Seminars

Years ago,  several major U.S. airlines featured free fear of flying programs. One of the industry’s first offerings, from Pan Am in the mid-1970s, sometimes included a complimentary hop on a brief flight.  American, Northwest, United and US Airways also provided comparable programs; however, budget cuts led to the removal of such initiatives.

Now, private firms and airfield authorities at facilities around the country offer similar programs.  For those outside the U.S.,  several international airlines still offer fear of flying trainings at overseas locations.

Below are summaries of several well-known programs.
Domestic seminars
MySky Program.  This private company evolved from Northwest Airlines’ in-house curriculum, and now licensed psychologists and airline pilots direct an rigorous 3-day course. Seminars are held in Northwest’s two principal hub cities and usually consist of a short flight. With in advance registration, the fees are $895 in Minneapolis/St. Paul and $995 in Detroit.

SOAR Program. SOAR was founded in 1982 by Captain Tom Bunn, an airline captain and licensed therapist. He has helped in excess of 7,000 individuals conquer fear of flying.  It is the only program proven exceedingly effective by impartial academia research.Fear of flying remedy from SOAR establishes protection prior to flight that works unconsciously during flight.

Fear of Flying Clinic. This San Mateo, Calif.-based company-which was founded in 1976 by two female pilots-operates workshops throughout the year in northern California. Pricing information is offered through the website.

Flying in the Comfort Zone. Fearful fliers from the Wisconsin/Illinois region have been attending these courses at Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport for more than 20 years. The lessons are held on four successive Saturday mornings and finish with a round-trip flight between Milwaukee and Chicago O’Hare. The company also offers a video tutorial with a virtual flight for $159.95.

International Seminars

U.K.:  Flying Without Fear. Virgin Atlantic Airways conducts these seminars at regular intervals at airports all around Great Britain, for a fee of 199 pounds. Of particular note is that the syllabus offers a seminar adapted just for children, which lasts half a day and includes virtual flight technology.

France:   Stress-Free Flying. This program, sponsored by Air France, is described as an “anti-stress workshop” and includes an interview with a flight stress expert and a session in a flight simulator. The price is 600 euros.

The Netherlands:  The VALK Foundation. This program is supported in part by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, while oversight is provided by Leiden University. The curriculum includes visits to static aircraft, flight simulators and real flights within Europe. Private training activities are available as well.

Australia:  Fearless Fliers. This Australian non-profit course is sponsored by Qantas Airways and has been in operation for more than 30 years. The curriculum includes relaxation and stress management techniques.


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