Comments on: Conquering My Fear of Flying – a personal story by Bill Brower

By: Ruth

Ruth — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 17:25:42 +0000

Thanks Greg. I know what you mean…fortunately, 95% of the pilots I’ve met are amazing, it’s too bad that there’s always a few bad apples out there.

By: Greg

Greg — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 09:01:19 +0000

That was one of the best flying stories I’ve read! Its extremely disappointing to read about some of these ‘instructors’ that abuse their priviledges. We GA pilots have enough negative views from the media, government, etc. – and its all based upon lack of understanding. The worst is when you have someone considered a “professional” such as a CFI, and they have little understanding of what they’ve learned in the concept of flight and human behavior. The last thing we need is such a negative introduction as you received. As an aviation professional myself (A&P, comm ASEL/AMEL/RH, military pilot) I’ve seen my share of irresponsible idiots in this field – and that includes “high timers” that fly like its their 1st day of out of training. With the uphill barriers you faced, congratulations for sticking it out, and glad you’re one of us now!

By: Ruth

Ruth — Fri, 24 May 2013 02:23:17 +0000

Hi Donna,
Thanks for reading. Bill is one of the most intelligent gentlemen I’ve met, but as you just read, for those that are confronting a fear, courage and perseverance is what is necessary, more so than intellect. Congratulations on the challenge that you’re conquering. I can’t wait to hear back from you when you finish up!

Ruth

By: Donna

Donna — Fri, 24 May 2013 02:12:43 +0000

I can relate to much of Bill’s story, and enjoyed reading about his experience. Last November, at age 49, I decided to do the thing that scares me the most, and challenge myself to earn my PPL. Although I previously prided myself on my intellect, flying has challenged those beliefs about myself. I am currently at about 40 flight hours, and anticipate I will be closer to the 100 mark before I earn my license, but try to remind myself that I’m not in a race or competition with anyone else, and when I finally have that ticket, I will have the confidence and experience I need. Fortunately, I have a very patient CFI, who reminds me frequently that I am progressing, even if I don’t see it, to be patient with myself and the process, and that I cannot compare myself to any other pilot, in terms of hours I need to become proficient. It really does help though, to read about others’ journeys, and to not focus on the board messages from people who soloed at 8 hours. Thank you!

By: admin

admin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 02:29:00 +0000

Hi Lucas, I'm sure you too will be able to get through your flight training with the courage that is within you, as we all have it. It's just a matter of tapping into it and then nurturing it. Bill has taken the time to reply to your comment and I made it into a separate post: Conquering My Fear Of Flying - Part 2 - Look for it in the BLOG. Keep flying! Ruth

By: Lucas Baler

Lucas Baler — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:50:30 +0000

Hi Bill,

I cannot get over how this story is the life I am currently living down to a tee always expecting the statistical near impossible. Currently on my 5th our of flying lessons hopefully I can get through it with some courage.

Great read.

By: Ruth Morlas

Ruth Morlas — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 00:29:33 +0000

You’re very welcome. Bill was a student of mine and his courage was very admirable. I can’t believe what he told me about his first “21 year old adrenalin junky CFI”, what an irresponsible way to introduce someone to flying. Luckily, Bill never gave up and he’s now a very proud certificated Private Pilot.

By: Cary Grimm

Cary Grimm — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 05:10:07 +0000

Hello,
What a wonderful and heartfelt recollection, I thank you for sharing and having the depth and courage to let others know they are not alone.