People often ask who’s behind Fly Above Fear. They‘re interested in how and why I have created the site and what I’m trying to achieve. 

I thought the best way to answer was simply to respond to the questions I’m asked most often, so I’ve done that here. Let’s dive in…

Did you ever struggle with fear of flying yourself?

Yes, very much so. I experienced several traumatic flights and found that I was becoming anxious before flying. I did the things that lots of anxious flyers do to try and take back control: checking the weather, viewing turbulence forecasts, studying jet stream charts etc.

I was able to fly, but I never enjoyed it. I found that the fear was limiting me, leading me to actively avoid opportunities for travel so I decided to do something about it. I began by reading SOAR: Fear of flying (and several others, including Cockpit Confidential).

I can now fly with a greater degree of confidence and calm. I can’t pretend to love flying, but I was able to understand what caused my fear (a loss of control and anxiety exacerbated by busy airports) which have enabled me to develop tools and techniques to cope.

What made you realise fear of flying needed a different approach?

My reading, research and personal experiences have provided a gateway into fear of flying, including the causes, triggers, and potential treatments. From here, I began to look at the information that’s made available to people, which spurred me on to create Fly Above Fear. 

The information here is all well-researched, evidence-based and accurate. 

We don’t try to fuel anxiety or push people to pay for expensive courses or dubious downloads. The concept is to provide you with information and insights that give you the tools to tackle your own flight anxiety.

By making a change yourself, you can own it and take confidence from it. We’re here to help you find the confidence to fly, and that confidence is already inside you. 

What’s the biggest misconception people have about flight anxiety?

I think there’s a huge amount of shame that people feel about fear of flying. That comes from an understanding that flying is incredibly safe. This creates dissonance (“I know flying is safe, but I’m still afraid”), which can make this anxiety even worse. 

What we’re trying to do with Fly Above Fear is to show that fear of flying is normal, it’s OK to experience it, and – most importantly – you can find ways to fly with more confidence.

The solution doesn’t involve spending lots of money, but about understanding more about yourself. 

What experience or training do you bring to this?

I’ve worked as a journalist and writer on engineering, technology and healthcare for over 20 years. I currently run 42group, one of the UK’s most respected and successful content agencies that specialises in healthcare, science, technology and engineering. 

As a journalist, I’ve worked for a huge range of publications, writing about everything including aviation, engineering, automotive, space, science and healthcare. I’ve written articles for the Spectator, The Sun, Gulf News, Business Insider, Space Tech Expo, Space Comm Expo, Engineering and Technology magazine, Engineering Magazine, Energy Engineering, Future Propulsion, European Projects, International Innovation, Geekwire, and Cult of Mac. (And lots of other publications, too!)

The site provides best-in-class content on fear of flying, using the techniques and approaches we use for the world’s biggest and most trusted brands. Everything is well researched, evidence-based and written by trained professionals. 

In my spare time, I’m currently training to become a qualified counsellor. However, Fly Above Fear is not a medical resource and does not provide therapy or clinical advice.

How is Fly Above Fear different from generic fear-of-flying courses?

Firstly, we’re not here to sell a course that may not work for you. We don’t profess to be able to cure your fear of flying or to provide medical advice and guidance.

Instead, we’re giving you access to everything that enables you to create your own journey to tackle anxiety and increase your confidence. 

Some of the content here will resonate with you. Other parts may not be as relevant to you and your experience. That’s OK.

You can use this site as often as you like to learn more about flying and to access tools on breathing, mindfulness and grounding.

Fly Above Fear is free and will always remain free.

Can fear of flying really be overcome?

Before answering this, you need to define what overcome means. Do I still get a little nervous during turbulence? Yes. Does that fear lead to months of anticipatory anxiety and avoidance behaviours? No.

So, let’s focus our attention on an achievable aim: Being able to book a flight, board a plane and be present in the moment during your flight.

Instead of “what ifs” you’re able to deal with what’s happening now. That’s what I would consider being successful.

Some of us may never enjoy commercial flight (not many people do). But being able to experience it in the moment (the good and the bad) is what matters. 

Over time and with more successful flights, you can challenge your inner voice, reframe negative thoughts and regain the confidence you had as a child.

By understanding how safe aviation is, perhaps you’ll gain the confidence to look out of the window and reflect on just how incredible flying is. 

For thousands of years, humans have wanted the ability to fly. We can now book a ticket on a plane for a few pounds or dollars with 99.9% certainty we’ll arrive safely at our destination. 

That, to me, is incredible.

What do you say to people who feel “beyond help”?

Firstly, I would encourage you to reflect that your fear of flying isn’t innate. You weren’t born with it, you learned it – and that means you can unlearn it. 

Next, I’d look to manage expectations. As I’ve said above, you may never love flying but if your expectation is to fly and you manage to book a flight, board a plane and complete your journey, that to me is success.

That in itself demonstrates courage.

If you find that flying is affecting your life, then I would speak to a qualified expert like a therapist or counsellor that can help you work through your fears and find solutions. 

Never be afraid to ask for help, because travel is incredible and you deserve to experience it.

Who is Fly Above Fear for?

Fly Above Fear is for everyone! Specifically, we’re here to provide information and insights into flying and practical ways that you can take charge, increase confidence and reduce anxiety. 

The site is for people who want to learn more about flying and gain the confidence to fly above your fears. 

The site isn’t a medical site nor do we pretend to be qualified experts. As I’ve said above, if you feel stuck and that you need professional help, then get it. 

What’s the first step you recommend?

At Fly Above Fear we’re not here to sell you a plan or provide a structure for you to follow. We believe that you are the expert on your life and in charge of your journey. 

If I first landed here, I’d take a look at the Help Desk and the Fear of Flying pages and read what I felt comfortable with. Instead of trying to do too much, I’d bookmark the site and come back to it as often as needed. Little and often is probably the best approach.

We’re here to provide reality on the safety of flying and reassurance. As my flight got nearer, I’d look for some tools to help reduce anticipatory anxiety and download the Calm Flight Toolkit.

What’s the future for Fly Above Fear?

We’re working to expand the site, regularly adding content that provides value to our readers. 

In the future, we want to expand the site to include reviews of products and services that our readers might find useful. We’re also looking to create a series of resources and products to support anxious flyers. 

These things will support the site, helping us to generate revenue to grow the site and develop new things that can help anxious flyers.

Will Fly Above Fear always be free?

Yes. The core pages on Fly Above Fear will always be free to access.

We don’t believe in paywalling content or restricting access to information that can help people manage fear of flying. If you need the resources here, they’re available to you.

About the founder

I’m Lawrie Jones, a writer and journalist with over 20 years’ experience covering engineering, technology and healthcare.

You can view my professional background on LinkedIn.