PHX Perspective

Overcoming the Fear of Flying

Travelers take to the sky each and every day whether it be for work or vacation. For many, flying is a part of life. For others, flying is something that is very scary – so scary that they avoid it.

If you're one of those people who put off flying due to fear, local pilot Captain Ron Nielsen can help. He teaches classes at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and his program Cleared 4 Takeoff has already helped hundreds of individuals who in the past were afraid to fly.

Captain Nielsen has been holding classes since 1987. In the basic two-hour class, students are introduced to coping strategies, the fear process and become educated on the parts of flying that make some people nervous – takeoffs and turbulence. Students benefit from sharing their fears with each other and learn from others who share similar stories. Classes are free to attend and occur at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on a regular basis. Visit the Fear of Flying website for dates of upcoming courses.

Updated: October 5, 2011