Newspapers / The Warren Record (Warrenton, … / Jan. 3, 1980, edition 1 / Page 7
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Fear Of Flying Is Common Among Some * • t There's no such thing as a friendly sky for those people who dread the thought of an airline flight. But-they can take comfort iii knowing they have plenty of company. At least 25 million Americans fear flying, according to Capt. Truman W. Cummings. A retired airline pilot, Cummings for the last five years has been giving a series of "Fearful Flyer" seminars around the coun try to help passengers get aloft without the aid of tran quilizers, liquid or other wise. White Knuckles Many of those who force themselves aboard a jet without some support • white knuckle" it all the way, with their hands grip ping the armrests of their seats. Others stare straight ahead, never daring to look out a window. Then there are the people who lock themselves in the restroom for the duration of a flight or who can't travel alone because they need someone to cling .to en route. Most of them have something in common, says Cummings. "They blame their anxiety on the air craft, but it's the future, it's what might happen that makes them miserable. That's why many fearful flyers will cancel a reserva tion on the day of a flight or even get as far as the airport and turn back." In his semmars, Cum mings stresses positive thinking and combines relaxation exercises, flight safety talks, and first-hand experiences to transform his earthworms into soaring hawks. As part of the course, students go to a nearby airport, visit air traffic control facilities, anc' tour a parked aircraft. "A few are so apprehen sive they're afraid to even touch the plane," said Cum mings "They circle warily around it. as if it were a horse about to kick out at them." Moment of Truth Rut the real moment of truth is the graduation flight, a round trip to a fairly distant city where diplomas are awarded. A fearful flyer in Washington, D. C., turned up for her journey wearing a lucky T-shirt and carrying a brief case stocked with various drinks, a Bible, and enough cash to take the train back home. She graduated with honors and made the return without any trouble. At least 90 percent of the people who attend all of Cummings' classes find the courage to make the graduation flight. "Wiggle your toes and join hands," he instructs them just before takeoff. The toe-wig gling routine is designed to relieve tension. So far more than 2,000 people have been coaxed aloft by the guru of flight. Wrote one satisfied custom er. "As long as 1 locked my fear up. it would threaten me and beat on the door. Finally, I opened the door and found a pussycat." But perhaps the biggest success story belongs to a Texas woman whose hus band complained that his wife, after taking Cum mings' course, always seemed to be going some where "Is there some way you could deprogram her?" he asked. Few fearful flyers ever become quite so enthusi astic. about leaving the ground. However, Cum mings does have specific suggestions on how to make a flight as painless as possible: Get to the airport early so you can relax instead of rush. Bring along a diverting magazine or book to take your mind off the flight Expect and accept some nervousness and excite ment. Counter with deep breathing exercises while in the boarding lounge and after being seated in the aircraft. Let the flight attendant know you are a fearful flyer when you board the plane. Ask to peek into tlie cockpit Say hello to the crew members '■ Sit near the front where it is usually quieter. Speak to the person seated next to you. Whether you are rebuffed or not, it's a distraction Better Still, convince a supportive friend to travel with you. Lean back comfortably on takeoff and wiggle your toes. As soon as the seat belt sign goes off, get up, stretch, move about. Talk with someone, read, or listen to a relaxation tape. Few people realize that the U.S. Supreme Court in 1978 banned all future acquisition of radio or television stations by newspapers in the same community. YOUR WEEK AHEAD By damis 1 ARIES . Mar 21 -Apr. 19 TAURUS Apr. 30-May 20 GEMINI May 21 -June 20 CANCER June 21-July 22 LEO July 23-Aug. 22 VIRGO Aug. 23-Sepf. 22 LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22 SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21 SAGITTARIUS Nov 22-Dec. 21 CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19 AQUARIUS Jon. 20-Feb. 18 PISCES Feb. 19-Mor 20 ForecaM Period: 1/7-1/13/80 Draw on past Experience in handling a difficult task on the job. , Initiate a physical fitness program of benefit to the whole family. Home becomes the base for some sort of crea tive expression, a beauty. It might be wise to look -into purchase of a new car, if there's a need. Business enterprise brings Financial rewards. You can do no wrong. Health and vitality shows in your confident, positive action. You glow. « A subconscious desire to delve into life's hid den facets overcomes you. Friends spur you into action and you ^re put in the position of leader \ Aggressive pursuit of professional advance ment increases income. * ' Attention to detail puts a new perspective oh philosophical studies. Stay clear of gatherings where emotions might rrarh the boiling point. One concerned for your well being prods you into action. Help yourself. Put a layer of gravel on the top of window boxes to prevent rain from spattering dirt on windows.
The Warren Record (Warrenton, N.C.)
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Jan. 3, 1980, edition 1
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