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Published 12 Oct '09
Dear Capt Hughes & Team
Last October '09 I took the workshop course at Heathrow not having flown for 28 years then a follow up top up at Gatwick. I finally took courage and book a holiday with a friend in March.....enjoyed the flight to Malta and coped very well and enjoyed the views from the air.
Before taking that flight I even booked my next flight to Nice for the April and travelled on my own, all went well, on my return I did have slight apprehension at the start of the flight but all went well. Did not really want time to lapse and wanted so much to keep going and scared to lose this new found confidence in flying.
Time did lapse and 8 months later I have the opportunity to Travel to Madagascar, this time it means taking two flights and a much longer journey. Up till now have not had the courage to book the flight for 12 November. But what an achievement if and when I book and travel and returning to tell the tale would be so wonderful.
Thank you so much for giving me the courage in booking and taking those flights in March and April. Now I just have to take the plunge for the next one.
Keep up the good work! Best Wishes to You All D Evon
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Published 17 Apr '09
Some clients liked the day so much they want to work for us!
Published 26 Feb '09
Dear Captain Hughes
I participated in the Aviatours 'fear of flying' course this Saturday (Feb 14th) and I would just like to say how /brilliant/ the course was! I shall complete and post the written questionnaire, but felt moved to email my feedback too.
Just a little bit about my background: as a child and teenager, I loved flying, loved aeroplanes, built lots of Airfix models, loved Biggles etc. and even thought about becoming an air cadet. And then, for various reasons didn't get the opportunity to fly from the age of 16 to 39! Therefore both the lack of familiarity and knowledge were my greatest problems when I flew on a couple of short flights last year and had panic attacks on both occasions.
The morning session with Captains Andy and Richard /really /reassured me and allowed me to get excited (and /not/ scared) about flying again, and Dr Stoll's session and exercises were extremely useful - not just for flying, either.
By the time we got to Terminal 5, I couldn't wait to get on the aeroplane! The flight was /fantastic/ and I felt really privelledged to be on it - I was almost moved to tears as we took off - but they were tears of joy and excitement (because I was reminded of how I used to feel) - NOT fear!
I totally appreciate that the attitude of this course is to enable people to simply 'tolerate' flying, However, you have totally failed in this respect re: me - because I /love/ flying again! My first thought after the flight was 'when can I get on a plane again!?"
Fantastic job!
kind regards
Tracey Stewart
The competition - feedback
Published 3 Oct '08
Interesting week this one, five phone calls from people who had been on a rival course. Here is a few things that we have heard:
Staff looked bored and left us in groups to talk about our fears, made me feel worse!
Hot meal when I didn't feel like eating. (Ok we do a sandwich but when you are feeling nervous do you want a luke warm lasagne?)
Psychologist got us tapping parts of our body (did you see the Channel 4 documentary on fear of flying!!!)
Lack or organisation at the airport.
Ok, we might not get it right every time but we have helped more people tackle their fear of flying than all the other courses combined with a team who have at least 15 years experience. If you want help overcoming your fear give us a call and we will help the process of making you feel more comfortable about flying.
From the heart!
Published 10 Sep '08
Hi to all
I attended the course at Heathrow yesterday, and even though I said thank you to everyone yesterday, I felt like I needed to put in words my gratitude.
First of all, I didn't meet you Peter, but you were the person that got me booked on the course in the first place. I called at the beginning of August and I wasn't sure. Your knowledge, support and passion just in that one phone call made me do it and I can't thank you enough.
Gordon and Andy's technical talk was birlliant. Who'd have thought that phsyics could be interesting!! The way you were able to use humour it was obvious that you knew exactly how we were all feeling. Your passion for your jobs and this course was incredible, and really came across. Just knowing that a plane cant physically plummet was very reassuring! I knowthat sounds such an obvious thing to you, but to us that was what we genuinly believed.
Kieth's bit was overwhelming for me. An awful lot of what he spoke about related to me and made me realise that I have issues with anxiety in an awful lot of areas of my life - not just flying. It made me realise that I spend so much time worrying about what might happen, that I don't enjoy what actually is happening. Keith's passion and experience put my complete faith in him and what he was saying. It was such an inspirational and empowerng talk, for which I will always be grateful.
To Gordon and his wife, I can't extend ehough thanks for your patience and support in that Jet Bridge (yep I've since learnt its not called a 'tunnel thing'). When i had that panic attack, you are what got me on the plane. I was always certain I would be on the flight, there was never any doubt of that, it was about how I would do it. That panic attack normally lasts for the duration of the flight, and thats with 3 diazapam! But you guys talked to me, breathed with me, and gave me all the support I needed. So before I knew it i was on a plane talking to this very tall guy named Craig who does air traffic control.
Craig, you made jokes that you were boring me, but at that time, it was the best conversation I'd ever had. I never knew talking about my home town could be so therapeutic!!! You were with me the whole way through the flight, without you I wouldn't have got up, walked along a plane and gone to the loo!!! You talked me through the whole thing, and even helped me sit by the window and look at London. I will never forget your support, it will always stay with me. Even through to walking me through the airport back to the bus. You said you got a lot out of it, but it can't compare to the impact that your support had on me.
Andy, your voice never got boring throughout the flight!! I can't remember what you said to be honest, but to know what was going on made all the difference. Thank you.
Also to Tim and the cabin crew who were brilliant and the support of all the other guys, thank you.
I know I still had a panic attack getting on, but then my tears dried and I actually enjoyed it. What a strange thing for me to say. I'm going to Turkey on Sunday, and I'm prepared to feel anxious, but I'll picture the beach I'm going to and remember the support you all gave me yesterday. I'll email when I get back to let you know how I get on. Then I'll see you on the 22nd November at Gatwick for the top up because I'm determined to keep this up and get to a point where I can enjoy flying.
Finally, is there any chance someone can email me the slides???!! Or as that a bit cheeky?? Only it'd be great to take them on the plane with me on Sunday as I'll then remember what you said around each slide. I've already forgotten what the flaps and the slats are!!! Also, there were three things we were told to take away - one was to breathe and squeeze, and I'm afraid I've forgotten the other two! So if you could refresh my memory that would be brilliant.
There was a chap called Darren that I believe Gordon knows. He sat with me on the bus and offered so much support, but I didn't get to thank him. If Gordon could please pass on my thanks and my best wishes for his stag do in Magaluf. He's welcome to email me his flying progress!!
Thank you once again, it would be good to hear from you to know you recieved this (very long) email. Thank you - this hashad such a profound effect on me, I've been talking about it all day and been feeling myself welling up with the emotion of it all, as I have been while I've been writing this. I can honestly say this has changed my life.
Tracey Calton
PS - I will never forget about the fear monster!
