Former Airline Pilot Helps Woman Overcome Aerophobia

Thirty-six-year-old Tiffany Schmermund is so scared to fly she's only done it twice in her life. It's clinically known as aerophobia and symptoms can range from extreme anxiety, dizziness and nausea. Experts say the best way to overcome the fear of flying is to address it head-on. Schmermund flew from Florida to Texas to meet with Captain Ron Nielsen. He's a former airline pilot who now helps fearful fliers overcome their anxiety.

[KD-]

I find its really nice that a pilot has helped her so much. Good Job Ron! you'r off the list.

[notsorichrico]

Similar situation, I just so happen to be sitting next to an airplane engineer, he knew everything would be fine, he told me all the sounds and sensations as we flew. He explained the mechanics etc. I was so grateful for that and him

[fernanmontevista]

I can relate.
I've traveled by plane twice only in my whole life.
I hope she can overcome her fear.

[ronaldcharan]

I hope they overcome their fear. Don't let fear stop you from traveling the world and seeing loved ones.

[doctorjay]

Even the pilot was shook by the landing 💀

[EndTheplusequals]

When I visited Colorado for a wedding, it was my 3rd time flying and I am extremely scared to fly. This couple sitting across the aisle noticed I was quietly hyperventilating, they came next to me in the open seats and the man told me he was a pilot then began explaining what the plane was doing, what the pilot was doing etc His wife took my hand and held it until I had calmed down quite a bit. That helped me so much, it was one of the kindest things I’ve ever experienced. I am still terrified of flying and I absolutely don’t want my son flying either but I can’t say that to him, it’s my fear, not his.

[LosAngeles-lebf]

I totally understand this woman. I used to get horrible panic attacks and one time I had one as I was flying and the person in front of me switched seats with the person next to me to calm me down. He was so calm and really helped me! I got on Zoloft and have not experienced any panic attacks in a while. I feel much better with my anxiety, I helped someone recently on a fight to Portland— the woman said she’s terrified of flying and I talked to her in a relaxing manner.

[TwistedAngleGarage]

I have been on probably 100+ flights in my life starting at 4 months old. I always feel bad when someone is scared flying. It is one of the greatest experiences you can have that is extremely safe.

[kensuke]

I flew a lot when I was younger and never felt fearful. Only getting older and watching too many plane crash vids and becoming hypochondriac did that change.

So the recent flights I took got me more nervous but focusing on breathing slowly really does help as does distracting yourself with counting and writing as shown in this video. I ended up writing on my phone how everything was gonna be fine and detailed why that is.

Eventually, I got over the jitters and my flights back home a couple of days ago were smooth sailing. Exposure therapy really is the best medicine.

[NHJDT]

I am scared too. I boarded a plane in Mexico when I was pregnant and between the hot weather, air conditioning not on yet, and feeling like the baby was on top of my lungs I went into a panic attack. Since then I became claustrophobic and scared to ride planes

[allinotte]

I hate flying too I’ve never got over it. I hold on to the seat like it’s going to save me.

[staceypierson]

Capt. Ron is the best. His course has helped me with my fear of flying.

[KingstonAddict]

I hated flying as a kid. I’m autistic, but my mom didn’t know back then and we would fly a few times a year. We always flew with Southwest, but I do remember one time a flight attendant helped me calm down. She carried me throughout the plane and was so sweet. I will always remember that. Nowadays I absolutely love flying! I still love flying with Southwest.

[johngambon]

I don’t fly a lot, so whenever I get in a plane I do get anxiety. Fortunately about 15 minutes in, I remember that I can do what I’m doing and my fear goes away.

[Droid]

A big reason why I haven't traveled to other countries yet is because I'm scared of flying, I've had countless nightmares about plane crashes it's insane

[projeckt]

I can relate to her. Ive only flown twice in my life. I get extreme anxiety in the airport and ive cancelled so many fun trips because of this. :/

[ryanclark]

I sat next to a woman who was scared to death of flying. I told her to talk to me! Let’s talk! And we talked the whole time during takeoff, flying and landing.

You notice when they were landing in this video, everyone is just dead silent. Like they’re all anxiously waiting for something to happen.

When we were coming in for a landing, I told her just look at me and keep talking! And I would keep talking back to her and just hold a normal conversation. There’s no sense in getting all strung up and dead silent just because the plane is about to land. We held our conversation during landing, and it was wonderful! No issues.

[Hbush]

He helped me!!! And now I still don’t love flying but I no longer have panic attacks! Thank you Capt. Ron!

[TaylorMMontgomery]

It's so weird for me. I used to love flying, was always a little nervous but nothing crazy and i loved the views - but on one trip, for no reason that i can tell, i got really scared. And I've been petrified since. One time i even had to get off the plane right before they closed the door. It was so embarrassing. If i had 3 wishes it would definitely be one of my wishes to not be afraid to fly. Flying opens the door to the world and it's so frustrating that i can't make myself fly. I've pushed so hard but i guess not hard enough.

[AFloridaSon]

I don't like to fly, but I watch a lot of "Mentour Pilot", and he really explains safety issues and procedures in a way that takes a lot of the stress out of it.