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!
