Fear Of Flying - Serious Thread

[Largest of Als]

I know I've joked about this before, but Horizon on BBC2 last night was all about 'How to Survive A Plane Crash'

The Horizon website has some good info, tips to help you feel a little safer.

Might help those of you with a nervous disposition to stay calmer..

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/prog...nd/index.shtml



Al

[hotblonde]

I didn't watch this..I couldn't. A question I do have though, are these crashes from 30,000ft drop out the sky or are they landing type crashes or even controlled landing crashes (if there is such a thing, I don't know)? The advice about not medicating (from what I've managed not to avoid on the radio) seems sound and a reaons why I've not taken drugs (other than alcohol) for flying...maybe beta blockers would be an option. How long do you think it would take to get to Asia by boat?

[djtoast]

MOST crashes happen at take off or landing, right? I don't think all that many break up in the sky, even when there's engine failures that lead to the plane "falling" it's essentially a "landing" style accident.

In one famous incident a 767 ran out of fuel at 40,000 feet (losing not just the obvious thrust but also electrical and hydraulic power to just about everything) and still landed safely.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gimli_Glider

Asia by boat would be a long trip and a very expensive one I'd think.

Train might well be a more realistic option; the Orient Express goes past my local station in London and looks very glamorous indeed!

[Pink punk]

My understanding is that a big plane can glide for up to 50 miles (after a fashion). Still, don't fancy it much.