OT: Up Up and Away..... Update on my fear of flying

Reminder:: MY fear of flying has kept me grounded for the better part of 10 years....(taken 1 flight in that time).  I drive or take the train across the county to avoid flying.  I've been trying to face my fear so I can comfortably get on a plane and fly home to see my family and friends (have not seen them in 18 months).  I've been watching videos on how to get over the fear and reading lots of information.   I decided I needed to do something radical....

Call me Peter Pan......I'm Flying..........

I took an introductory flying class and I actually was in the "drivers seat"!

I faced it head on.

Holy Cow what an experience. 

I actually "drove" the plane down the runway and then gave it full throttle, pulled the hand wheel thingy and we took off....it was the most amazing feeling having my hands on the controls and pulling the plane up. Amazing, Excilerating! Then I told the pilot to take control and he flew it. The hardest part, which I never knew, is you steer the plane with foot pedals...not the "steering wheel thingy".  It was hard to get the hang of doing that.    From the time we started to taxi till we landed was 30 mins.....At about 5 or 10 mins in the air I though about saying Ok I had enough but I didn't.  There were some bumps and the pilot could tell I was not comfortable so he took us higher....all in all I have to say it was pretty fun.  I asked a lot of questions...... and learned a lot..... like the best time to fly is the morning by 9am and after 4 or 5pm because there is not as much heat....hot air rises and causes the bumping.....I was up there at almost the worst time.  Little planes feel the bumps more than the bigger planes (good to know)   I am SO PROUD of myself for doing this.  At time during the flight I even enjoyed it. Matthew could not believe I did.
  Matthew got sick to his stomach in the back of the plane.  He LOVES flying....the turbulence doesn't bother him at all....but the small plane made him feel sick.  The pilot said it's a lot worse for the passengers in the back because they can't see as well as us in the front. 

I'd like to try it one more time but Matthew's not so keen on the idea....lol Now the big decision...will I fly for 3 hours to NY........I can't believe I'm saying this but probably........   Truly amazing! Here are the pictures Matthew took...   http://picasaweb.google.com/moosie0123/Flying?authkey=Gv1sRg COn7w6rcw4jWHA&feat=directlink

Thanks again for all the support and encouragement.  I'll let you know if I do book tickets to fly home.

WOW!  What an experience for you and I'm impressed that you faced  your fears head on in a major big way.  Have a great time in NY and enjoy that flight!

Wanda

I've never done things 1/2 way....if I put my mind to something and get determined I do it big and whole hearted.

Good for you!!! My sister is a pilot & I was in the back seat. Not much fun. But how wonderful you got to do that!!!
Nan

Thanks Nan!
What kind of plane does your sister fly?

She flies small private planes. Her DH is also an instructor. Right now they live in California. She has let my DH & all my kids take the controls, she always keeps her hands on them though. She and a friend had flown across country in a small plane & her DH & friends DH drove. They met every night at a hotel!
Nan

That is  so brave of you facing your fear. I also had trouble flying. I wasn't going to let my fear keep me from going places I needed to go. Now it is much better. I also take a small dose of anti anxiety medicine. That is what got me over the hump. Now I enjoy flying. Mona

I will probably take some xanax with me just in case I need it....good reminder...thanks!

ruthie! i am at work so can't open pics now but i am so tickled for you!!!!!!!!
whooooo hooooooooooooooooooo

Thanks Margo....I'm still riding high on the whole experience...