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I am also available for interviews in person, by phone, and email.

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Survey Results -
(Poll results compiled from Fear of Flying Help Course students.)

Concerns that people have about flying
Not in Control/Panic Attacks 40.69%
Weather/Turbulence 34.56%
Terrorism/Hijackings 8.58%
Small Spaces/Crowds 4.41%
Flying Overwater/Night Flying 3.31%
Other Flying Unknowns 8.46%

Factors which help describe fearful flyers
Like to Feel in Control 92%
Having a Strong Imagination 63%
Moderate Caffeine User 45%
Had an Unpleasant Flight 20%
Recently Began a Family 9%

* Press Release #1

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* Fear of Flying Article

* Top Ten Fear of Flying Tips

* Q & A Interview

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Stacey Chance
Fear of Flying Help Course
Fear of Flying Book: Wings of Discovery
(925) 634-8622
Cell (925) 216-4454

www.fearofflyinghelp.com
www.fearofflyingbook.com

People from around the world are looking for answers as to how and why their fear of flying has materialized. Passengers who describe themselves as perfectly normal happy fliers are finding themselves facing new phobias and frightened to fly.

The findings are gleaned from feedback received on the website fearofflyinghelp.com. According to the website's developer, Captain Stacey L. Chance, people are desperate to understand where this irrational fear is coming from.

Even experienced fliers who once enjoyed flying can often develop new fears in their twenties, thirties, and beyond as they recognize just how fragile life is. The September 11th attacks are not the sole blame; this phenomenon was prevalent well before those disturbing events unfolded. Regardless of when fear develops, those who suffer experience many of the same reactions. They report feeling everything from mild discomfort to extreme terror, including panic attacks and general anxiety.

Even Captain Chance is surprised at the amount of fear."I was astonished by the volume of feedback from seasoned travelers who described an onset of fear as they matured." he said. "Every day I receive emails from rational folks everywhere pleading for help to understand how and why this fear has gripped them."

One of those messages from a fearful flier reads, "I've flown since I was barely able to walk, yet somehow experienced a tremendous onset of fear in my early twenties. There was no trigger for this irrational fear, and it was extremely frustrating for me to have to deal with something so ridiculously traumatic."

The problem is widespread. Estimates show that one out of every six adults has a fear of flying (aviophobia or aerophobia). Passengers often have trouble dealing with turbulence, bad weather, long over water flights, small spaces, crowds, heights, and not feeling in control. Many times, fears are caused by a lack of understanding about what to expect during a flight. Most fearful flyers can be helped through education, reassurance, and guidance.

Passengers who develop these fears also report embarrassment for allowing the fear to affect their lives. Some suffer professionally and personally as they put off vacations and business trips to avoid air travel. Assistance can be found at the Fear of Flying Help Course and through a new book, Fear of Flying: Wings of Discovery.

The Fear of Flying Help Course (www.fearofflyinghelp.com) is operated by an airline pilot to help fearful fliers. . This course even provides the opportunity to email Captain Chance with questions and concerns. The course is free and offers online interactive lessons, frequently asked questions, and a new book, Fear of Flying: Wings of Discovery (www.fearofflyingbook.com).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Stacey Chance
Fear of Flying Help Course
Fear of Flying Book: Wings of Discovery
(925) 634-8622
Cell (925) 216-4454

www.fearofflyinghelp.com
www.fearofflyingbook.com

Fear is a powerful emotion and often a significant obstacle preventing people from achieving many things. Fear frequently plays an important role in motivation and seems to be epidemic. We fear change, we fear stagnation. We fear dying, we fear living. We fear crowds, we fear loneliness.

The developer of a popular self help website inspires people to overcome their fear of flying and take positive steps to achieve personal accomplishment. Captain Stacey L. Chance is a 30 year veteran with a major national airline. He developed the Fear of Flying Help Course: a free online resource for people suffering from a fear of flying. The highly successful program is founded on the premise that most fearful fliers can be helped through education, reassurance, and guidance.

As a working pilot, Captain Chance's daily experience gives him unique insight into the struggles of fearful passengers and the best ways to help them. He has drawn on the feedback from his fear of flying students to help refine his program.

"I was astonished by the volume of feedback from seasoned travelers who developed fear as they matured.” Captain Chance said. “Every day I receive emails from rational folks everywhere pleading for help to understand how and why this fear has gripped them. I've been amazed at the profound effect fear has had on people who cannot travel to see family or meet business obligations. My website’s message board is jammed with similar stories of distress.”

One student writes, "I have only flown twice before and had an extreme fear of flying. I have to say that your course does help. There were still some butterflies, but it was very helpful in understanding some of my fears, and being able to deal with them. I am sure that I would not hesitate to fly again."

Building on the success of his online course, Captain Chance recently completed a book entitled Wings of Discovery. The book’s story provides a glimpse into the life of a "regular guy" who recognizes the effects of stagnation in his life and seeks to overcome his growing anxieties by pursuing his passion. Like the online help course, Wings of Discovery is full of valuable lessons and gives the reader a positive mindset while encouraging change. The book delivers a powerful message of optimism and perseverance, two key elements to enjoying a happy, productive life.

The book will appeal to those fascinated with flight as well as those seeking an inspirational story of hope and accomplishment. To learn more about this work or the fear of flying, please visit www.fearofflyingbook.com and www.fearofflyinghelp.com.

Have you ever felt a little nervous or worried on a jet airliner? Ever wondered what would happen if your plane had to glide because of an engine failure? Are you ever concerned about air pockets or how much turbulence a jetliner can withstand?

Before the September 11th attacks a survey done for the Boeing Corporation found that over 25 million Americans were afraid to fly. After the attacks 40 percent of people polled by Gallup said flying on an airplane worried them. Many won't even get on an airplane at all, holding themselves back personally and professionally. Images of planes hitting buildings certainly haven't made things any easier for those who fly.

Some people develop fears as they get older and life itself seems more precious and fragile. Others have lived with fear their entire lives. Regardless of when fear develops, those who suffer experience many of the same emotions including panic, anxiety, or generalized phobia. They report feeling everything from mild discomfort to extreme terror. Fearful flyers react to a lack of control, weather, turbulence, small spaces, crowds, heights, and a myriad of other triggers. Many times, fears are caused by a lack of understanding about what to expect during a flight. Most fearful flyers just need a little help in the form of education, reassurance, and guidance.

"My fear was constant, 'How long before it crashes?' I no longer have that fear and I'm looking forward to relaxing with a good book. I must admit, I was a little skeptical when I started reading, not believing for a minute that it would work."

The Fear of Flying Help Course can assist you in overcoming fear of flying anxieties, and it's free of charge. The online course fosters a positive mind set and inspires confidence as it coaches passengers on the mysteries of flying, the strange noises we hear, the motions we feel, and the associated fears.

"Dear Captain: I absolutely think this material should be in the pouch on the back of every seat, in every plane."

People often misunderstand turbulence. When encountering turbulence, nervous passengers feel the plane is falling out of the sky. It is natural for them to only feel the down bumps. But for every down there is an up bump. The downs are just more easily noticed. Have you ever driven fast over a bump in the road which caused you to come up off of your seat an inch or two? It feels fairly violent and the jolt would certainly spill any drinks you were holding. How large of a bump does it take to do this? Maybe one or two foot bumps in the road. But it feels pretty bad.

Airplane turbulence bad enough to spill drinks and cause you to come up off of your seat is very rare. But even if you do experience it, remember that the plane is not falling thousands of feet. It just hit a bump a couple of feet high. The altimeters in the cockpit would barely register the bump. So try not to let your imagination get out of hand.

Next time you are driving on a bumpy road, imagine you were a passenger on a plane and how you would consider it to be bad turbulence. Now take a look at the road. How big are the bumps on the roadway to create the rough ride? The air is usually very smooth. But sometimes some small ripples can make it feel like bad turbulence.

There is no such thing as an air pocket. You can think of flying like being on a lake in a boat. Sometimes the lake waters are smooth, and sometimes they get stirred up from the wind or other boats. Riding on a choppy lake may be a bumpy ride. Sometimes you might encounter a big wave that jolts the boat. Riding the down side of a wave may give you the feeling you're dropping. But there are no holes or pockets in the water where the boat (or plane) is going to fall into. Air pockets are a myth because planes don't just fall out of the sky. There is always air there to support them.

What makes a plane fly?

Basically, wings and some speed through the air is all that is required. The plane is moving through the air, a fluid, kind of like swimming or surfing. Air is similar to water, a fluid. Air is just a little thinner than water, but is still a significant mass. In fact, at this moment, you are experiencing about 15 pounds per square inch of pressure from our atmosphere. You don't notice it because it has always been there, and it acts on your body equally from all angles.

Many people have a hard time believing that something as big as a jet can stay up in the air. What is holding it up there?

Have you ever stuck your hand out the car window at 30 mph, then again at 60 mph? Now multiply the force your hand feels at 60 mph times five (Actually, the force increases with the square of velocity, so it would be even greater! But I don't want to get too technical here.) That is the force your hand would feel flying at the speed of a jetliner.

The faster you go, the thicker the air feels. To the plane it feels like a thick watery fluid capable of substantial support.

1. Turbulence may feel uncomfortable, but it is normal.
People often misunderstand turbulence. When encountering turbulence, nervous passengers feel the plane is "falling" out of the sky. It is natural for them to only feel the "down" bumps. But for every "down" there is an "up" bump. The "downs" are just more easily noticed. Next time you are driving on a bumpy road, imagine you are a passenger on a plane and how you would consider it to be "bad" turbulence. Now take a look at the road. How big are the bumps on the roadway to create the rough ride? The air is usually very smooth. But sometimes some small ripples can make it feel like "bad" turbulence!

2. The plane is strong, stable, reliable, and well maintained.
The FAA mandates that modern jet aircraft are designed and built with large safety margins. All aircraft and their equipment are built from FAA approved designs and manufactured under FAA approved systems. Coming out of the factory, the planes are thoroughly flight tested before certification by the FAA. Structurally, these aircraft can withstand many times the stresses and forces which can be imposed upon them in flight. Remember, airplanes are MEANT to be in the air. That’s where they’re happiest!

3. Trust the well trained and experienced crew.
When you board the plane mention to the flight attendants that sometimes you get a little nervous about flying, and ask if you may visit with the pilots. This is very important! The pilots are happy to have visitors, the flight attendants know this. You might be surprised at how receptive the pilots will be. Ask questions and mention your nervousness, they will understand and reassure you. The pilot's confidence is contagious. Now you have a friend up front who knows and cares about you! But remember, visits to the cockpit can ONLY be made on the ground, not during taxi or in flight. From FAA Personnel, to Air Traffic Controllers, to Aircraft Mechanics, to the Flight Crew, there is no industry in the world with better trained, tested, skilled, and motivated professionals than the people in the airline industry.

4. You can trust the airline industry.
The FAA insures your safe and secure flying experience by monitoring, inspecting, testing, and certifying the people who work in safety related areas of aviation. Aviation is "black and white". There are no "maybes". Either it is 100% safe, or we don't do it. You may have heard the saying, "Safety is no accident". Each worker takes pride in his or her own work and keeps an eye on others. Because we understand the importance of our work on the safety of others, we will not tolerate anything less than perfection!

5. Flying is routine, here's proof.
Many people take comfort in going to the local airport to watch all the planes takeoff and land. After a while you begin to see that the flight operations are indeed routine. Others like to study the ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE monitors in the airport terminal to see just how many flights operate safely. Did you know that worldwide nearly 3 million passengers fly every day?

6. Positive Thinking.
Always try to keep your thoughts in the present. Keep your thoughts positive. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, stop, and concentrate on the positive. Many people dwell on what might happen instead of what is happening. It can be easy to play a "disaster movie" in your mind and you are the in the starring role! When you catch yourself starting the production of one of these imaginary "disaster movies" turn off the projector. Try to occupy your mind with something more constructive. Read, do a puzzle, strike up a conversation.

7. Tense Your Muscles.
Be aware of your body. When you feel muscles that are tense or tight, you can relax them. Instead of fighting the tightness, show your muscles whose boss! You tense your muscles! You take control! Go ahead and tighten your stomach muscles or your leg muscles. Then pause and let go. You will be surprised at how your muscles feel warm and relaxed, and you once again feel in control.

8. Overactive Imagination.
Quite often people who have a fear of flying also have a strong or overactive imagination. For example, they might hear an unfamiliar noise during the flight, and begin imagining what might be wrong with the plane to cause this noise. Or, they may believe in "signs" or "premonitions" that their plane will crash. For example, they might have a dream, or hear a song on the radio about a plane crash. Odds are, you are not psychic! Remind yourself of this fact, and focus on reality.

9. How to deal with nervous feelings.
When you feel afraid, your breathing quickens and your heart races. To calm yourself, first push your stomach outward. Take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Try to fill your lungs from the bottom up. Pause, and then exhale slowly. Do this a couple of times and you'll feel much better. Practice your controlled breathing whenever you can. Try it whenever you feel tense. Slow, deep breathing is the easiest and most effective method for calming yourself.

10. Even if you feel panicky, it cannot hurt you or cause you to lose control.
Remember that fear is a normal reaction to a perceived threat. Once you learn the threat really isn't dangerous, the fear naturally goes away. Fear itself is not harmful, it is meant to protect us. A panic attack will not make you have a heart attack, faint, or lose control. That is how we are programmed. Fear acts as our defense mechanism. It prepares us to fight or flee.

More information is provided on the free online Fear of Flying Help Course (www.fearofflyinghelp.com) and in the fear of flying book "Wings of Discovery".

Q. “What is the Fear of Flying Help Course?”

A. “It’s a free online interactive course intended to help folks overcome their fear of flying. It fosters a positive mindset by educating and reassuring the student about the safety of air travel.”

Q. “What makes it different?”

A. “The Fear of Flying Help Course is the only online program with videos, photos, animations, charts, drawings, and interactive feedback. A person can enroll anonymously anytime from anywhere. Often people have to take a flight the same day they seek help. For example, I’ve had people distressed about their upcoming honeymoon. They write me proclaiming what a difference the program has made in their lives. Now that’s rewarding!”

Q. “Why is it free?”

A. “When I first designed the course back in the summer of 2001, I didn’t know how many people would find it beneficial. I sought to get a number of people to complete the course to provide me with feedback. I used this feedback to improve the lessons. I set up the course so it would be available to everyone; if they found it helpful, they could choose submit a donation online.”

Q. “Do people make voluntarily donations?”

A. “Yes, they do. Enough to help pay for administering the website, and in return I provide a link to a Bonus Web Page in appreciation of their contribution. The Bonus Web Page provides supplementary information along with interesting and useful links. I was surprised at how generous people are when you offer them something which really helps them. This fear of flying problem is more prevalent and severe than most realize.”

Q. “Now you’re following up with a book?”

A. “Yes, Wings of Discovery. The tremendous feedback I received from my course encouraged me to write a book to encapsulate fear of flying lessons into a fictional story. The main character displays many of the same concerns my students face. The reader first identifies with the character and through some fun learning experiences and exciting adventures the reader learns about weather, turbulence, flying, and proven methods on how to deal with fears. The idea is to get the reader to learn on both an intellectual and emotional level. Aviophobia, the fear of flying, can be both a rational as well as an irrational fear.”