Persistent anxiety about air travel, despite safety statistics, and strategies to overcome it
In the realm of public transportation, commercial air travel is renowned for its safety, as confirmed by the 2024 International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual safety report. However, for a significant number of passengers worldwide, the fear of flying, or aviophobia, remains a prevalent issue. This condition, classified as a situational-specific phobia according to the DSM-5, is receiving increased attention, particularly from airline captain and flight instructor Alon Pereg.
With over 40 years of experience in both military and civilian aircraft, Pereg has made it his mission to help anxious travelers conquer their fear of flying. In 2021, he developed an app called SimpliFly, designed to help passengers understand the flight process and manage their anxiety.
The app includes a video course explaining flight mechanics, audio clips for relaxation, and an online chat with pilots (though the chat feature has been discontinued). Pereg's program begins by helping passengers understand that the main problem is trying to avoid being in a state of fear. The solution, he believes, is to train the brain to be in that state.
Aviophobia is a complex condition that can affect between 2.5% and 40% of individuals in industrialized countries, according to existing studies. Pereg categorizes fearful flyers into three main groups: those who have experienced a traumatic flight, those who inherit their anxiety from others, and those whose pre-existing anxieties show up while flying, such as claustrophobia.
Despite the safety of commercial air travel, dealing with fear, particularly after high-profile aviation accidents, can be challenging. Pereg believes that research into the fear of flying has lagged behind for years, and the aviation industry has yet to fully recognize its prevalence. However, he is optimistic about the future, predicting that once the industry fully acknowledges the widespread fear of flying, research and solutions will emerge more quickly.
Pereg's innovative approach to addressing fear of flying emphasizes understanding and acceptance of fear as a natural mechanism. His work is a testament to the power of education and empathy in overcoming common phobias, and his app, SimpliFly, is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to conquer their fear of flying.
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