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I'm finally taking my first vacation with my new job and my friend and I decided to go to Jackson, WY to do some white-water rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding, hiking, camping, etc. Should be a fun trip.
But I'm starting to psych myself out when it comes to getting on the airplane. I just start thinking about life in general and thinking about all the stuff I don't want to lose just for a vacation. I'm scared of heights and being suspended in air by two engines that could possibly blow just makes me really nervous. Plus you have terrorist and people that go completely insane these days doesn't help either. I'm actually stressing more about the vacation than looking forward to it.
Anyone that has been in my shoes, how did you get over your fear and anxiety?
You'll make a tight turn in the valley right next to the Tetons then descend to the airport.
Cross winds, can make for a bumpy ride.
Enjoy they haven't had a crash in a long long time.
Sometimes they send a guy out in a truck to run off the deer or elk off of the runway just before you land.
Think of it as part of the adventure.
Not sure where your coming from but the small regional jets that land in Jackson are a small target for a terrorist.
And they do a good job of screening at Jackson.
I was pulled out of line and tested for explosives, I tested positive.
Met some nervous but nice folks from tsa and homeland .
As it turns out the chalk we use for climbing can also be used in the making of C4.(an explosive)
You're going to go white water rafting...and you're afraid of a commercial airplane?
I think a comparison of relative accident rates is in order.
Good point!
You are thinking completely unrationally given that you want to do a dangerous activity yet you are scared of the safest part of your trip.
Are you afraid to drive to the airport? Do you get afraid of losing everything just for a dinner at a resturant as few miles away?
Relax, I can understand how flying at 35,000 ft in a metal tube that can weigh over 100,000lbs can seem scary but it shouldn't. Air travel in the United States is ridiculously safe. When you are flying I am sure you will be thinking about what I'd etc.. But just remember its fine, the planes are safe, the pilots are trained well. There hasn't been a fatal major airline accident in the US in 11 years. There have been a few regional airline accidents but I still wouldn't be worried about flying a regional airline either. If you are really worried then make sure to fly a major airline. Relax and try not to think about it because there are many more things you do in your life that are more dangerous than flying in a commercial plane.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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There are some things you best deal with in life... Statistically flying is VERY safe (and US industry is highly regulated). It would be interesting to know the daily passenger count in WORLD air travel. When I am in places like Singapore, Hong Kong and Amsterdam and see the thousands of planes / day coming and going I am re-assured (these are not always to 'western' stds). A few flights in the Alaska / Canada bush also brought me comfort to know of the skill and quality of maint in the industry.
Have a great vacation, I frequented Jackson weekly via motorcycle / commercial trucking for many ys. Enjoy the experience and 'Leave-the-driving- (flying)' to the pros. I spend ~ 1000 hrs / yr in the hands of various pilots. I sleep like a baby so I am RESTED when I arrive!. For the lighter / smaller aircraft and winds into Jackson, you will experience bounce and weaving, but rest assured, the crew does this daily (many times) and have abort proceedures well understood.
I would have a serious talk with yourself and get this 'fear-of-demise' handled. I am well at peace, and you can be too (spiritually / emotionally / relationally... it takes about 5 minutes and a CLEAR mind). I volunteer for hospice to help families through death. It is part of life, and can be understood / reconciled, and actually very victorious.
We can all exit in the next breath. Enjoy THIS current breath, and certainly the amazing beautiful water sports / viewing / adventure. My BEST vacation in 40 yrs (circa 1982.. 2 month pre-kids) was an early morning float from Jackson Dam to Jackson in a borrowed 8 man raft. I'm telling you, this is the cahnce / experience of a lifetime.
Enjoy EVERY moment. life will get along. GET at peace with it. Do well for others, and your life will count.
I'm finally taking my first vacation with my new job and my friend and I decided to go to Jackson, WY to do some white-water rafting, fly-fishing, horseback riding, hiking, camping, etc. Should be a fun trip.
But I'm starting to psych myself out when it comes to getting on the airplane. I just start thinking about life in general and thinking about all the stuff I don't want to lose just for a vacation. I'm scared of heights and being suspended in air by two engines that could possibly blow just makes me really nervous. Plus you have terrorist and people that go completely insane these days doesn't help either. I'm actually stressing more about the vacation than looking forward to it.
Anyone that has been in my shoes, how did you get over your fear and anxiety?
You are going to have a great trip, sounds like so much fun...
I'm a nervous flyer to be sure - what has helped me isn't going to be much use to you, LOL. I've got a 2yo that I take wit me when I travel. Keeping her occupied and happy for several hours while on a plane leaves me no time for worrying!
My folks took us on that same rafting trip when we were kids.
It was a fairly tame ride more of a site seeing trip.
Great views and you can get very close to some if the wild life
It lead to a 4 day trip down the Colorado river the next year.
that was exciting.
I blame them for giving my the adventurous travel bug.
Have fun.
Quote:
Originally Posted by StealthRabbit
My BEST vacation in 40 yrs (circa 1982.. 2 month pre-kids) was an early morning float from Jackson Dam to Jackson in a borrowed 8 man raft. I'm telling you, this is the cahnce / experience of a lifetime.
Enjoy EVERY moment..
Last edited by snofarmer; 08-16-2012 at 11:09 AM..
Book a seat over the wing - it's supposedly the strongest and therefore most stable part of the plane. And get an aisle seat, that way you can't look out of the window. Make sure you have plenty of reading material with you or music or a DVD you catch watch on your laptop. Something to take your mind off things for the length of the trip.
These incidents of people losing it on board have been very publicised BUT they are extremely rare. A handful of these compared to the 100s of flights that take off and land safely every day! If you're still really worried, perhaps a trip to your doctor is in order? He/she might be able to prescribe or recommend something that will help you relax and stay calm.
If heaven is really heaven it will look like Jackson Hole.
Go and have a great time. You're going to be in one of the most beautiful places in our country.
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