34.28 Flight Anxiety

34.28.2 Explain the causes of flight anxiety.

Flight anxiety is nervousness or fear associated with flying.

Possible causes include:

• turbulence;

• unusual aircraft noises;

• unfamiliar sensations or aircraft movements;

• fear of heights;

• lack of understanding of what is happening;

• concern about aircraft safety; and

• previous unpleasant or frightening flying experiences.

Anxiety may be increased when the person does not understand that many aircraft noises, movements and sensations are a normal part of flight.

Key point

Flight anxiety is often made worse by unfamiliar noises, sensations, turbulence and a lack of understanding of what is happening.

34.28.4 Recognise the signs of flight anxiety in passengers.

Passengers experiencing flight anxiety may appear:

• worried;

• nervous;

• tense;

• restless;

• pale; or

• unusually quiet or talkative.

They may also show physical signs such as:

• rapid breathing;

• sweating;

• nausea;

• trembling; or

• hyperventilation.

As anxiety increases, the passenger may become increasingly distressed and have difficulty communicating or following instructions.

Key point

A nervous passenger may become increasingly stressed and may begin to hyperventilate.