I am terribly afraid of flying and have managed to avoid it for all but 3 trips I have taken in my life. My first experience was when I was about 4 years old and my other took me with her to see relatives.

I probably wouldn't have developed this fear if a couple of planes hadn't collided and fallen into a city street within 4 days of our boarding our plane.

Each time I flew after that, my fear grew, so I have given up trying to get rid of it.

Taggart wrote:
I'm probably most nervous when I'm taking off or landing.

I assume that when something goes wrong on a flight, it's usually at these times?

Yes. That is most of the time when the pilot takes over. The rest of the time, usually is automatic pilot and they are there to supervise that everything goes smoothly. But landing and taking off, is a human thing.

I find that a few good drinks in the bar before take off generally calms my nerves

gaiamycat wrote:
I find that a few good drinks in the bar before take off generally calms my nerves
I totally agree with you... until I suggested that to a friend who is in AA... so evidently some people have to deal with their fears in other ways!

My husband is actually terrified, or was, of flying. Over the last year he has been able to conquer his fear, for the most part. When he first started flying, he would have to leave for the airport about 4 hours earlier than he should have just so that he could "work up the nerve" to board the plane! I felt horrible for him! He has to fly monthly now, and I'd say he's much better than he used to be but he hasn't yet gotten completely over his fear.