Flight Anxiety Knowledge Base
Clear, reassuring answers to the questions nervous flyers ask most, based on real aviation knowledge.
Landing
- It feels like we are slowing down mid-air!
- Why is it bumpy inside clouds?
- Why did we just pull up and not land? (Go-Around)
- What if the landing gear gets stuck?
- Why are the lights dimmed?
- What is that loud whirring or grinding noise during descent?
- Why does it feel like we are landing sideways?
- Can the plane slide off a wet runway in heavy rain?
Noises
Safety Myths
- If turbulence is safe, why wear a seatbelt?
- Can turbulence make the plane fall?
- Are old planes less safe?
- Is it safer to fly in the day or night?
- Can the door open during flight?
- What if an engine fails?
- Why do they show the safety demo?
- What if the engine catches fire?
- Why did we just pull up and not land? (Go-Around)
- What if we hit a bird?
- What if we run out of fuel while circling?
- What if an engine fails over the ocean?
- Are the pilots tired?
- What if the flight computer crashes?
- What if the plane stalls?
- The plane is banking too steeply!
- Is the air on board full of germs?
- Will the oxygen masks run out?
- Why are the lights dimmed?
- Can a window break?
- Can something in the cargo hold catch fire?
- If we are over the ocean, where can we land?
- How do I know the plane is properly maintained?
- How do I know my pilots are fully qualified?
- Can a bird or ice break the cockpit windshield?
Sensations
- Why did the engines get quiet after takeoff?
- Why did my stomach just drop?
- The wings are shaking! Is that safe?
- It feels like we are slowing down mid-air!
- Can turbulence make the plane fall?
- What if lightning strikes us?
- Why did we just pull up and not land? (Go-Around)
- The plane is banking too steeply!
- What if we have to stop on the runway? (RTO)
- What if I have a panic attack?
- Why does it feel like we are landing sideways?
- What is a quick technique to stop a panic attack?
- I can't catch my breath. What should I do?
- Why does turning make me feel like I am falling or dizzy?
Take-off
- Why did the engines get quiet after takeoff?
- What was that loud 'thud' under the floor?
- Why is it bumpy inside clouds?
- What if we have to stop on the runway? (RTO)
- Why are the lights dimmed?
- Why are they spraying the plane with a colorful liquid?
- Why do the flight attendants sit down right after takeoff?
- Why are we waiting so long on the runway to take off?
The Crew
- What if the pilot gets sick?
- What if a pilot tries to crash the plane?
- Why are the flight attendants walking around?
- What does 'Crosscheck' mean?
- Why do they show the safety demo?
- Are the pilots tired?
- What if the pilots get food poisoning?
- What if I have a panic attack?
- What happens if a passenger becomes seriously ill before takeoff?
- What if a passenger becomes seriously ill after takeoff?
- Why does the plane keep 'dinging'?
- Why do the flight attendants sit down right after takeoff?
- How do I know my pilots are fully qualified?
Turbulence
What If?
- What if an engine fails?
- What if lightning strikes us?
- What if the pilot gets sick?
- What if a pilot tries to crash the plane?
- What if the engine catches fire?
- What if we hit a bird?
- What if we run out of fuel while circling?
- What if an engine fails over the ocean?
- What if the flight computer crashes?
- What if the plane stalls?
- What if we have to stop on the runway? (RTO)
- What if the landing gear gets stuck?
- Will the oxygen masks run out?
- What if the pilots get food poisoning?
- Can a window break?
- What happens if a passenger becomes seriously ill before takeoff?
- What if a passenger becomes seriously ill after takeoff?
- Can something in the cargo hold catch fire?
- If we are over the ocean, where can we land?
- Why are they spraying the plane with a colorful liquid?
- Can the plane slide off a wet runway in heavy rain?
- How do pilots see thunderstorms at night or inside clouds?
- What is a quick technique to stop a panic attack?
- I can't catch my breath. What should I do?
- How do I know the plane is properly maintained?
- Can a bird or ice break the cockpit windshield?