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Plane Answers: Fear of flying, aging aircraft and more on those 'dings.'
Welcome to Gadling's feature, Plane Answers, where our resident airline pilot, Kent Wien, answers your questions about everything from takeoff to touchdown and beyond. Have a question of your own? Ask away!Brian asks:
I would like to know if I have the option of knowing what kind of plane I'm in and how old it is at the time of making my reservation?
Specific airplanes are usually chosen the night before a trip, so it's impossible to know the age of your jet when you're making your reservations. You can look up the average fleet age for each airline though.
I'm more concerned with the experience level of a cockpit crew than the age of the aircraft, but neither of these factors are published before your flight. Sometimes you just have to trust that the maintenance program and training at a given airline are adequate.
U.S. carriers are setting new safety records each year in what may end up being the safest decade of flying in the U.S. yet. and more specifically for the past six years, a period with very few new airplanes ordered.
David asks:
I travel often internationally on various airlines and I've noticed that on some carriers, there's a ping or ding at intervals during the climb and sometimes also during the descent. I'd wondered whether it is the pilot's way of notifying the cabin crew of the altitude cleared or that it is safe for them to move around––or is it something automatic to an aircraft engine system. I'm curious because sometimes the seatbelt sign is still on but you see flight attendants moving around; this is especially true on United long-hauls.
Each carrier is slightly different, but as I touched on in a previous post, these 'dings' are usually done during the climb and descent through 10,000 feet. This lets the flight attendants know that the sterile period, has ended.
The cockpit is considered 'sterile' below 10,000 feet, and unnecessary communications between the cockpit and the flight attendants or even between the pilots is discouraged.
Flight attendants are free to decide when it's safe for them to begin their service. If we know of the potential for some significant turbulence ahead, the captain will advise the flight attendants that they should remain seated until we're through that particular area.
Ashley asks:
I would just like to know if there is anything you could recommend to someone deathly afraid of flying. I'm going to Puerto Rico next month and I don't do so well on planes. I hyper-ventilate on take-off and all throughout I constantly worry the plane will crash. Any advice would be great!
This is by far the most frequent question I've received on Plane Answers. I struggle with it every time, because while I can understand how scary air travel must seem to many passengers, I can't get past the sheer statistics involved.
At my airline, we have over 2,500 departures every day. There are more than 10,000 departures in the U.S. daily. Airlines are reluctant to mention safety records, but there have been no fatalities in the past two years for domestic U.S. carriers.
A quick comparison to the more than 40,000 fatalities every year in automobiles might make you consider chartering a helicopter to get to the airport for your next trip.
I think much of the fear associated with flying comes from not being in control. If passengers could at least see out the front window while flying, I know they'd feel much more secure. Imagine how nerve racking it would be to sit in a taxicab with only a one square foot window to see out the side.
So when this question comes up, these numbers go through my mind. But I realize that all the statistics in the world won't eliminate anxiety. So there are a couple of companies such as SOAR and the free service at fearofflyinghelp.com that specialize in helping people overcome their fear of flying. I've mentioned these two in the past, although I don't have any experience or feedback from any of the people who've participated in their courses. Anyone else out there who has some experience with fear of flying courses, let me know in the comments below what has helped you.
Do you have a question about something related to the pointy end of an airplane? Ask Kent and maybe he'll use it for next Monday's Plane Answers. Check out his other blog, Cockpit Chronicles and travel along with him at work.
What strange things have been found on planes?
Filed under: Plane Answers
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Malaycobra Jan 13th 2009 4:47PM
I fly too much to have any fear, but I know that its great to know what's going on.
United's audio channel that lets you hear the pilot/plane to plane/ATC chatter is great for anticipating turbulence, and I think all nervous fliers would do a lot better if they knew the bumps were coming and that the pilots were firmly in control.
James Jan 13th 2009 7:31PM
With respect to age and type aircraft used......2 things for me...I will never fly on any Md 80 series aircraft...and I will never fly Alaska Airlines. I studied ASA261 for months and that particular crash did it in for me. I love to fly...I fly as much as I possibly can and have my PPL....but for commercial....those two things are a no no. As for the age of the plane...it's just like Kent said, ya gotta just trust the maintenance guys. It's alot of work to become an A&P for the big boys...it's the people in suits that stare at excel spread sheets all day long that truley scare me. And not for nothing...but I personally that better training...better pilots....smarter crews all together along side with fantastic controllers are the main reasons we haven't had any major accidents. Minus the AirBus out of JFK just after 911. Full defelection with turbulance and you loose the tail.....I won't fly AirBus either. Thanks for the posts Kent....it's fantastic that you do this for all of us. Blue Skys!!
Kent Wien Jan 13th 2009 7:59PM
Thanks James,
I have at least one domestic airline that I avoid, but it certainly isn't Alaska.
Safety is built into the culture of an airline and Alaska has that in a big way. Their record is even more impressive considering their destinations.
It's actually one of the first choices for me when placing my family on an airline. That, and my own company of course.
I think technology has played a significant role in the safety records that are being set. GPWS (ground proximity warning systems) and TCAS (traffic collision and alerting system) and better weather radar and windshear alerting systems both on the ground and in the airplane are having an impact.
Richard Jan 15th 2009 1:04AM
I believe the accident you are referring to out f JFK was a 747, not an Airbus. As for planes that I prefer or avoid, I love the MD-80/DC-9 series. The McDonald Douglas planes are all pretty much designed to launch off the runway and I prefer to put as much distance between me and the ground as quickly as possible. Boeing, on the other hand, designs their planes to fly off the runway in a more gentle climb. Problems with the MD-80 have almost always been tied back to causes other than design or manufacture. I avoid the A-320. Its a "fly by wire" plane that seems to have an inordinate amount of problems. Whether those problems are cockpit, design or manufacture, I don't know, but I do avoid that particular model.
jettech86 Jan 15th 2009 1:08AM
You fly a lot but you say you wont fly an Airbus. I find that strange since just about every major airline uses Airbus aircraft and a few smaller carriers use them exclusively.
david Jan 13th 2009 11:05PM
Sometimes it is the fact that airplane crashes can be so dramatic and loose so may lives in one go that can make flying scary. But I completely agree with Kent that a lot more of the fear of flying has to do with not being in control and having to essentially put your life in the hands of a complete stranger and you can't even see what s/he is doing at the controls.
I travel often for work and do not have a fear of flying. But I have noticed that when I am tired and just want to go to sleep, it never even crosses my mind whether the pilot of the day is competent. Also, when I was going through some tests and was convinced I had terminal cancer, even heavy turbulence never made me blink. The thought was that I was going to die anyway so what does it matter how. Thank God, I came through fine. Sorry guys for being a bit macabre with this explanation.
Myosotis Jan 14th 2009 9:13AM
Thanks for your posts Kent, I love to read them!
Right after I've booked a flight recently with Air Canada, I could see what was the model of the plane, and the year it was delivered along with the seat plan, so we could choose our seats.
I thought it was very neat to know which plane we were going to fly with! But of course, I dont know if that was really the plane we had.. but it looked like it!
Ryan Jan 14th 2009 9:54AM
www.flightaware.com is pretty good for determining the type aircraft that is to be used on your route. Just enter the airline and flight number and you'll see a history of aircraft that were used for the flight.
John M Jan 14th 2009 12:51PM
I flew a lot when I was young, of course when you are young there are very little fears. I did not fly a lot until recently when I was traveling for work and purchased some property abroad. Initially my anxiety level was pretty high, every bump or noise would send me into a panic. The more I flew, the easier it got, and the realization that you really are NOT in control and that whatever happens is gonna happen. For the most part, airlines are safe, I do check on airlines and choose carefully, but other than that, I sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.
Michelle Jan 14th 2009 2:47PM
What has helped me incredibly in my fear is reading these posts. I also started to look into the science of flying, which is at this point an obsession. I listen to ATC channels a lot and try to listen and understand what's being said. I read a book by Patrick Smith called "Ask the Pilot" which was interesting as well. The websites that Kent notes were helpful too, they were my first stop when I decided that I simply HAD to get over this. My husband's family is in New Hampshire, and we live in San Francisco. Quite a few cross country trips are required every year for us!
My ultimate goal now is to take an introductory flight lesson. Who knows, maybe the flying bug will really bite me!
Evan Jan 14th 2009 3:01PM
I actually suffer from anxiety when flying which is basically not being in control of the situation. When have the problem of if something was to happen their is nothing I can do, which causes me to worry.
I flew with my parents a lot during my childhood, but when I turned 16 it became a problem. Last time a flew a couple years ago I had to take medication that made me lethargic and look drunk (this did not even help). Since then I have stayed away from flying because the stress it puts on me knowing I will be going on a flight is to much.
I want to find away to help me fly because I really want to travel overseas at some point. I have yet to try and programs but I will look into them.
Kelsey Jan 15th 2009 4:59AM
Evan,
I pretty much had the same story as you. I flew quite a bit as a kid and it never bothered me and then right around 15 or 16 I just developed this intense fear. I actually refused to go on a skiing trip out west with my family even though they had already purchased the tickets. I stayed at a friend's while they went.
After that I started getting prescription anti-anxiety medication to take every time I flew. It helped for the most part. It wasn't until I was stranded with no other option and no way of filling this prescription that I was forced to fly alone and without it.
Since then, for the most part I've been OK without it. The only time I'm really scared is during the takeoff until we reach cruising altitude. (I've heard this is when most crashes occur, but I could be wrong)
I guess you just have to face your fears and live your life. I still hate flying but I've been on about 18 flights (that's counting connections) in the past two years.
It will get easier! kinda like practice makes perfect.
Good luck to you!
Donna Jan 14th 2009 3:02PM
Ok all I have to say is get on the plane and enjoy the ride and wherever your destination takes you have fun!
Michael Jan 14th 2009 3:54PM
I used to fly a LOT when I was younger. My parents are divorced, and my dad lives in Florida (I live in NJ), so I flew a lot back and forth to see him. I also flew a lot with my step-dad, who owned a Piper Arrow. There were a couple of years when I didn't fly, and then I took a trip to Israel, which is 11 hours there and 16 hours back (with a stop in Dublin). I was nervous about the flight because it was so long, and I hadn't been on a plane in a while. Not being in control got to me, but I just decided that there was one thing I had control over: whether or not I got on the plane. I chose to get on the plane, so whatever was going to happen was going to happen because of that. It was the best trip I've ever been on.
JamiLou Jan 14th 2009 5:04PM
the thing that helped me get over my fear of flying was a pilot. i happened to be seated beside him and he explained the different noises...knowing what the different sounds meant really helped. he also talked about crashing and how unlikely it is (especially a catastrophic crash) and although talking about crashing a couple thousand feet in the air was unnerving it helped me to relax and enjoy the flight!
Leesa Jan 14th 2009 5:10PM
Hi Kent,
I was wondering if you would share which domestic carriers that you avoid??? Just curious.
Thanks,
Leesa
kat Jan 14th 2009 5:42PM
drinking helps...on the smaller jets with alaska they provide complimentary beer and wine...i always tell the flight attendant i hate flying and she fills up my glass..i dont get toasted but feeling warm and fuzzy helps...even a flight at 8 in the morning.
robby Jan 14th 2009 6:02PM
DING...you're now free to move about the country .
Steve Richardson Jan 14th 2009 6:04PM
I am 57 and first flew when I was in my early 20's. Until that and many subsequent business-related and later personal flights, I never had any reason to fly because my three post h-s schools all were within a day's drive from my parents' house.
The takeoff on that first flight was not only memorable for being my first, but because it was unlike any that ever came after. The plane took off and immediately made a sharp ascent while making what seemed like a sharp turn as well. This canted ascent continued for several minutes. It was disorienting within the cabin, not to mention outside.
That said, despite some rough take-offs and landings in the following years, I never experienced much of any flying anxiety for perhaps nine years.
Then for no discernible reason -- no bad take-offs, landings, alarming Hollywood films, newspaper or magazine articles, alcohol or drug use, whatever -- out of the blue, so to speak, I began to experience a good deal of flying anxiety. After this began, the North Koreans shot down a commercial airliner and that perceived risk of intentional attack amped up my concern, even within the continental US.
While my baseline level of anxiety on any flight from that point on wasn't unmanageable, sometimes while we were cruising during the long portion of the flight I would feel that some catastrophe was looming and that the plane would suddenly lose control and crash. A drink or two didn't either precipitate this or squelch it. I would grit my teeth and endure until the plane finally landed.
This situation continued for several years. At one point when I had to change planes in Pittsburgh for the final leg of my flight home, I became convinced beforehand that the plane would take off and crash land. I spent forty-five minutes considering alternatives including renting a car to drive the remaining 600 miles. Finally I decided that being stuck in Pittsburgh was worse than what seemed to me to be an 50-50 chance of not surviving. Of course the flight was unremarkable.
About five years after this mysterious flying anxiety appeared, to my great relief and astonishment, my anxiety vanished as suddenly and mysteriously as it had materialized.
Subsequently I've flown from the US to Australia and back, and countless times across the continent and to Europe or South America without a hint of the horrific fright than used to overtake me. I mentioned this strange sequence of events once to a retired psychiatrist friend and after asking a few questions he had no explanation or comment beyond saying that he was glad for me that the problem had evaporated.
I've met a number of folks fearful of flying, but they all were terrified from Day One. I've met people who underwent therapy to cure their fear with mixed results. But I've never met anyone who was fine for years, terrified for years and then suddenly just fine again. But it can happen; it happened to me.
Leonard Jan 14th 2009 7:54PM
Hello Steve,
Once upon a time I loved flying. But, after several years of business travel, and vacations, I became deathly afraid to fly.
As a young person, I could not wait to get on a plane. I even thought about becoming a pilot at one time during my youth. Then all of a sudden (just like you), I developed this total and complete fear of flying.
My wife and I made a midlife career change and have been teachers for the past eleven years. As such there are no more business trips, but we like to travel during our vacations. It has gotten to the point where we only go on cruise ship vacations. That way we can drive from our northern California home, to San Pedro, Ca., and board a ship.
Hopefully, I will be as lucky as you, and this unexplained fear will leave as suddenly as it arrived.
Take Care,
Leonard