Tackling fear of flying during fear of flying weekend at Aviodrome

Aviodrome, in cooperation with the VALK Foundation, is holding a fear of flying weekend on Saturday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Sept. 30 to help people overcome their fear of flying. Every day, six million people worldwide take a flight. Yet not everyone travels effortlessly by plane. In the Western world, 30% of the adult population is afraid of flying. The Netherlands has nearly three million fearful air travelers.

Fear of flying is a typical stress complaint that in most cases involves one or more stressors or anxiety disorders. The most common are claustrophobia, fear of heights, social anxiety, control anxiety and fear of losing control. "The anxiety reveals itself differently for everyone, but fortunately it is perfectly treatable," explains Dr. Lucas van Gerwen, psychologist, aviator and director of the VALK Foundation.

Method based on scientific research
Stichting VALK - a partnership between Leiden University, KLM, Transavia.com, Arkefly, Martinair and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - developed a method based on scientific research to help people get rid of their fear of flying. Of the 10,000 people who have followed a therapeutic training course there so far, 98% board an airplane without fear.

Workshops against fear of flying
During the fear of flying weekend, visitors to Aviodrome can participate free of charge in workshops given by fear of flying therapists. Participants will learn what causes fear of flying, what it does to their bodies and how best to deal with it. This will be followed by a relaxation training session in the Boeing 747. A KLM pilot explains how an airplane flies, what turbulence is and the requirements for air safety.

Between workshops, participants can "speed-date" with former clients in a specially set up area. "Many people with fear of flying think they are the only one with fear of flying or that their fear is too great to treat. Mutual recognition and support from fellow sufferers is then often an important first step in overcoming the fear," said Dr. Lucas van Gerwen.

Program fear of flying weekend
Aviodrome will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fear of flying weekend. The free workshops start at 11:30 am and end at 5:00 pm. Pre-registration is not necessary. Curious about the full program?