Feedback from Dublin

Good morning Peter,
having attended the course on Sat 1/11/08 I felt I had to send you a message this morning.The presentation was first class across the board from Pilots to Psychologist.Being a little nervous of course at first I was reasonably relaxed enough to get on the aircraft and actually enjoy the flight.I hope to fly fairly soon thanks to the efforts of your team.
I would recomend that anyone like me should go on the course.Once again thanks for all the encouragement and trust from you and your team.
Kind regards Seamus

The only airline run course

Looking at a rivals website I notice they advertise themselves as the only airline run course. I wonder if that is factually accurate. There is one thing that is guaranteed, we were the first and by far the most experienced fear of flying course in the UK. At a time when money is tight it is important that you book with a company that has helped more people than all the other courses put together.

Sweden via Gatwick

Dear Peter,

I attended your Gatwick fear of flying course last Saturday. I had no great hope of overcoming my phobia as I hadn't flown for seven years and had failed to board the two flights I'd booked since then.

As the morning progressed, however, I began to gain confidence from the presentations of the two pilots. Seeing their relaxed and confident approach to something they actually enjoyed doing started to make me realise that my perceptions weren't based on reality. This was something my rational mind had always known of course but my phobia had always made sure that rationality was nowhere to be found when I'd tried to fly!

Meeting the pilot who was to take us up in the afternoon helped enormously too. There was no question that here was a very capable person in whom to put my trust.

By lunchtime I felt ready to fly but the afternoon session was helpful in providing techniques to help deal with any panic I might experience.

Knowing that Andy would be on the flight deck to give a running commentary was a crucial part of the day for me. If he was happy with the situation then I could be sure that everything was fine and there was absolutely nothing to worry about. My hope was that this would be the key to enable me to actually enjoy the experience.

I could scarcely believe how easy it was to board the plane after my previous attempts to do so. I remained relaxed throughout the flight, listening to Andy's superb commentary, and, to my amazement, all my fears had evaporated! I could just sit back and enjoy the luxury of flying!

Now I have to do it on my own and I'll be flying to Sweden in August. I still feel confident I can do it and will be playing the course back in my mind as the day approaches.

Thanks to everyone who made this transformation possible!

BBC Radio Interview

Did an interview with BBC radio Devon this weekend. If you want to listen to the interview click here Listen

Had a phone call into the office from a chap thinking of coming on the Gatwick fear of flying course on 28th June. He asked, "why should I book your course at Gatwick over your competitor." So I told him that:

We have been running courses longer than all the other courses put together
Flown more people than the other courses put together
Experienced team with at least 12 years of helping on the course
Use BA aircraft and don't charter from small airlines
And finally, get results and help people overcome their fears

Then he booked, so if you are wondering why book with us, give us a call on 01252 793 250 and I will answer you questions.

Look forward to seeing you on our next course
Capt Peter Hughes

All change at Glasgow

Just sometimes the best laid plans and all that. Saturday proved in this business you hope for the best and plan for the unexpected. Our Saturday Fear of Flying course at Glasgow was a great success and everyone who turned up got on the flight, and this was after a bit of a delay. The aircraft a BAE146 was already to depart at 3pm when the Captain announced a slight delay due to the aircraft having a technical issue with one of the instruments heating systems. We explained this to the passengers and mentioned that engineering would be looking at the problem and would try to fix it. Unfortunately they couldn't, but the benefit of being associated with BA is that they have spare aircraft available and after a quick stand change, some fuel and catering we were on our way. These things don't happen very often, but rather, unlike some of our competitors, that charter aircraft from airlines with few available options, if something goes wrong, we only use operators who have back up plans. Well done to all those who attended. Our next Fear of Flying course is 14th June at Dublin.

Bristol - Full!

When we first started the courses back in the 80's people found out about the course through friends, articles in the paper and by calling the airlines. Now 90% of our bookings come through the internet and increasingly are made at the last minute. Why? Two reasons, firstly it puts off the horror of overcoming a fear, secondly we are more comfortable booking last minute, the internet has given us that ability. We were really surprised when the Bristol course went full with three weeks to go to the actual course date! We have published another date, 5th July, so if you missed out on this course don't worry you have options before the summer holidays! If you are joining us tomorrow see you there.

Small world

Capt Gordon Black is one of British Airways training Captains on the Boeing 777. Operating one of the companies long haul aircraft and training pilots in the simulator and on the aircraft means he is often away. When he is not training pilots, or doing jobs round the house (he asked me to put that in) he is helping with the fear of flying course, something he has done for nearly 10 years. Recently one of his friends who is a Captain with British Airways, who had been staying at Gordon's house the night before, was on a flight from London Heathrow to Paris. He was sat on the aircraft next to a woman who was off for a business meeting. They started chatting and the woman explained that she has to do a fair amount of travelling with her business but use to dread it. She explained, "I use to have a terrible fear of flying and decided I needed to do something about it, so i booked myself on the Aviatours Fear of Flying course. You may never of heard of him but the reason I am here is because of a man called Capt Gordon Black." Small world!!!

Weather

Great course on Saturday at Heathrow with over 130 people on the aircraft. The crew did a great job of dodging the weather. This is done in two ways, by looking out the window (who needs technology) and with the weather radar (ok we do need technology). The course was a great success and once again we are so impressed with the steps people take to overcome their fear of flying.

Terminal 5

Poor old Terminal 5, what a start. We travelled to Abu Dhabi on its first day, but from Terminal 4. By the time we landed it seemed the whole thing was in melt down. We were lucky enough to be part of the tour for its testing programme. Things now seem to be calming down at last, although to be fair its only two weeks after it started. On Saturday we are running a fear of flying course at Heathrow and we will be using Terminal 1 for those who were worried! Hopefully no delays or lost luggage!!

Easter Holidays

The forecast is for snow. Anyone with any sense is heading South for some winter sun. Whatever you are doing over the Easter holiday I hope you have a pleasant break. If your driving I hope you don't get stuck in the jams which are being predicated. If you are flying and not looking forward to the flight don't forget there is a solution! Give us a call on 01252 793 250 or visit the website at http://www.aviatours.co.uk/ and we will show you the solution.

A great day at Gatwick

When you get letters like this, it makes it all worthwhile.

To All The Team,

I attended the course on Saturday the 8th of march and I'd just like to say it was amazing! I was pretty nervous but at the same time excited! When everyone filtered in you could feel the tension,everyone was scared! But as soon as everyone started talking amongst themselves it calmed down,the people i sat with were right characters and we were joking the whole time about our experiences which was funny but made me feel at ease!
Then we went into the conference room and Captain Andy Shaw gave us the most information pact, no-nonsense, fun, straight talking presentation that put so many doubts in my mind to rest and taught me alot of new info i never even dreamt of knowing! Just from the Captains talk it made me feel i could've got on plane there and then! it was something else and i cant forget to mention Tim Lloyds input too which made us all feel at ease due to the fact he had been in our shoes in the past!
Next put was Patricia Furness Smith the psychologist who made me laugh so much! She was funny, the way she explained all the technical brain stuff was told in a way anyone could have understood and it was funny which helped! Everything Patricia said touched everyone in one way or another, it covered all our fears and phobias! And I'm telling you what we learnt would help not just people who are scared of flying but anyone who gets scared or worries themselves into a state! She also knew how we felt because she had a fear when she was younger of flying so when Patricia was explaining everything it felt heartfelt not just going through the motions or preaching!
My girlfriend wanted to come on the flight with me to help me get used to it and I'm so glad she did! Every one's mood changed alittle at the boarding gate,it was back to the nervous tension but once again most of the people i sat with earlier started joking and gee-ing each other up! trying to build each others confidence! People were all doing our breathing techniques twanging our elastic bands (if you go on the course you'll find out!) as we walked down the jetty and boarded the plane it hit me this is for real! i got a seat by the wing which i found comforting,always have done! i saw few tears on people and i think one or two actually left the plane and just as it looked like we were ready to go a huge feeling of dread came over me and i freaked out and went off! my girlfriend must have been having flashbacks, I'd done this before! but as a stood on the jetty by the plane door a young lady (i didn't catch her name,but you know who you are)spoke to me and asked me who i was with and things like that and i felt like an idiot and a failure but all of a sudden i wiped my tears away and listened to what the lady said "you've come so far, you've done so well,give it another go! You'll end up hating yourself,even if you don't like it at least try?" and with that i started to remember all the technical bits Captain Andy Shaw told us and the Patricia's techniques and i just felt better and got back in my seat! The young lady sat with me and girlfriend who had been crying too (poor girl,the things i put her through!) and one of the people i sat with earlier was on the row opposite, his name was Dick, (he was making me laugh the whole day and had an extraordinary reason to be there and if he reads this, i hope he gets to Johannesburg okay and i take my hat off too you!) he looked over and gave me abit of encouragement and finally we was off! I did it! I couldnt believe it,the weather was rainy and dull but it did nothing to dampen the planes spirit! a packed plane of scared fearful flyers where suddenly up in the air laughing,joking,hugging,shaking hands and clapping! it was amazing! i even got up2 get a drink,i've never moved when ive been on a plane before so i conquered that as an added bonus! one the people i sat with in the day was behind me and was going Australia in april and he looked like he really enjoyed it, he was up and down, it was quality! The flight itself was abit bumpy and on the landing there was abit of crosswind but i was glad, i didnt want a smooth flight it puts me in good stead now and with the inflight commentary it helped like you would'nt believe! Once again than you ever so much it was brilliant exhausting but something else! If ANYONE is scared or has doubts,dont leave it like i did,just do it! its the best thing ive done! The team and staff on the day thank you for being so welcoming,understanding and for helping us all get up in the air with a newfound confidence!

Sunday Times

It was a phone call late last night that alerted me to the article. We have several journalist requests for features on the course but its always pleasing when you get a mention. Attached is a link to the article.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article3458693.ece

Holding

Saturday was the Dublin fear of flying course and it was a great day, despite the best attempts of the wind! On the way back to Heathrow most flights were delayed. Thankfully ours wasn't and we actually boarded on time and departed on time! So far so good. We knew we had a tail wind and we would have a quick flight and actually arrived at one of the Heathrow holds in 30mins! The Captain warned us we might have to hold with the line, "ATC are telling us we have a 15min delay." This is certainly not unusal, Heathrow and the skies above it are very busy. 40mins later we started our approach, strong winds were causing the aircraft to fly down the approach a lot slower and that means a reduced landing rate. It just goes to prove best laid plans. And if you want to know what the hold looks like, attached is a pic.

Dublin here we come

The day before a course is often busy, passengers ring up becuase they have lost their joining instructions and last minute bookers realise they can't put it off and need to overcome their fear. Capt Andy Shaw and Air Traffic Controller Tony Brown are heading over today and Patricia Furness-Smith and Tim Lloyd will be up early to get the Aer Lingus flight that leaves at a very unsociable hour! Dublin is a great fear of flying course, the people are always friendly and willing to overcome their fears and the crew at Aer Arran do a great job of looking after us. Hopefully the weather will be lovely and the day a great success. The thing I love about these days is you never know what is going to happen! Roll on that first pint of guiness when they day is over. Happy weekend.

The Sim

As I sit in my office at the start of the week, I have just spoken to Capt Gordon Black. Gordon is a training captain with British Airways on the Boeing 777. Today he starts his 2 days in the simulator. Pilots are put through their paces every six months for their entire career! Gordon has run several of these as a trainer and has sat through many as a pilot but he still feels the pressure everytime he goes into the sim! There are very few jobs where continual training is so religiously maintained, but as passengers we should feel resassured that the pilots flying us are perhaps the most checked and highly trained of any profession.

Count down to Dublin

Just over a week to go to our first Dublin course of 2008. We have been running courses at Dublin for over two years and it must be something to do with the "luck of the Irish" because every course we have run we have managed to get everyone on the aircraft. On the day we use an Aer Arran ATR72. The last aircraft we used was only about a month old and still had that new car smell! The final week always seems to be the busiert for bookings, lastminute.com seems to have impacted all our decision making!

Aviatours - Fear of Flying

Welcome to our first blog. We have been running fear of flying courses for over 23 years and in that time we have helped over 45,000 people overcome their fear of flying. Most recently we have added a new venue and on 21st June we will be at Plymouth and we will be using a Air Southwest Dash-8. I would never have imagined when I started our first course at Manchester back in the 1980's that we would now run our courses at 10 airports around the UK and Ireland!

Capt Peter Hughes