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Fear Of Flying Courses - Historical Perspective

Fear of flying courses originated at Pan Am and USAir in 1975. The information on aviation was excellent. But, the methods to control feelings did not work. At the end of the course, those who flew as a group, accompanied by a constantly reassuring pilot, were counted in the course’s “success rate” even if they experienced panic. Later, when trying to fly without their group or the pilot, most were no better off.

A follow-up study showed the percentage able to fly six months later was the same as prior to the course. Similar courses are offered today by airlines, pilots, and therapists. As before, success is greatly exaggerated. Though research shows breathing exercises are useless, participants are led to believe they will control fear and panic.

Anxious fliers who rely on useless techniques are set up for failure, after which they believe nothing will work. As a volunteer at the Pan Am course, Captain Bunn recognized the need for effective control of in-flight fear, panic, and claustrophobia. To develop effective methods, he founded SOAR, became a licensed therapist, and spent years in study and research. His work has opened up the whole world to 10,000 formerly anxious fliers. Elsewhere, mental health professionals and other courses continue to offer the outdated and ineffective methods developed in the 1970s.