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Introduction
being safety dependent on unknown mechanical things, being dependent on an unknown
pilot’s judgment, not feeling in “control”, and the possibility of terrorism.
The experience of a past trauma or accident or an unpleasant flight experiences are also
considered as major causes of fear of flying (Wilhelm and Roth, 1997). Listening to other
people stories and problems can affect the mind, and ones can start imagining the same
experience will happen (vicarious learning) to them. If the mind is repeatedly imagining a
traumatic event, the body will react, and anxiety feeling will appear. In most cases, people
develop such an intense feeling of fear and distress. This feeling become overwhelming so
that they want to avoid the situation completely.
The fear of flying is not really about the risk in aviation. It is based on the uncomfortable
awareness that life is fragile and vulnerable, and that none of us has any real control over it,
whether in the air or on the ground.
1.2.3 Symptoms
In general, people who have fear of flying show two basic kinds of symptoms (Richmond,
2003), physiological reactions and psychological symptoms. Some of psychological
reactions that trigger fear and stress are muscle tension, tremors, heavy, labored breathing,
heart palpitations, chest pain, abdominal and intestinal discomfort, sweating, weakness,
dizziness, prickly sensations, dry mouth and flushed pale face. Psychological symptoms can
be in forms of impaired memory, narrowed perceptions, poor or clouded judgment, negative
life expectancy and preservative thinking.
1.2.4 Treatment for “Fear of Flying”
There are several forms of treatments for the fear of flying (Richmond, 2003). One might
simply need factual information about flight and flight safety principles, such as turbulence.
If simple information is not enough, one might treat the fear of flying by eliminating all
negative thinking or by learning a relaxation technique. If a basic symptomatic treatment is
not sufficient, then one should try to explore the psychodynamic aspects of the anxiety. A
clinical approach, self-help treatment, consulting with a psychologist for phobia treatment or
spiritual healing can be considered for treatments of this phobia.
There are also group programs (run in conjunction with airlines), individual treatment,
clinics that offer therapy and hypnosis, and courses by mail. Most of these programs have
similar theory and treatment processes. These include explanations of airplane mechanics,
stress management, deep breathing exercises, and other relaxation techniques.
One example of this clinical therapy is performed in VALK foundation, Leiden, the
Netherlands in collaboration with University of Leiden and KLM. The therapy includes
several stages; diagnostic stage, training program that includes training in Leiden (inside the
clinic), training in Schiphol (in the airport) and a follow up program (VALK, 2003). What
makes it difficult for fear of flying treatment is there might be some fears which appears on
the same time and confronting each other. Repeated practices will be needed but costly.
1.3 Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy
Decreasing the level of anxiety can treat phobias. Traditionally by presenting the patient with
actual physical situation (In Vivo) or by letting the patient imagine the stimulus (In Vitro).
As a third option (Schuemie, 2003), there is Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET). In
VRET, the virtual environment is displayed in such a fearful situation using Head-Mounted
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