Why flying is so safe (and how to overcome fear of flying)
The numbers, the layers of protection, what aviation learned from accidents and how to deal with turbulence and fear of flying.
The drive to the airport is usually the riskiest part of the trip. Aviation has become safer every decade, because every accident is investigated in depth and the lessons become rules for the whole world.
Air safety is often explained with the Swiss cheese model, by psychologist James Reason. Each layer of protection has small holes, and an accident only happens when the holes in every layer line up at the same time.
Two pilots
One flies and the other monitors. Both train in a simulator several times a year.
Checklists
Every phase of flight has a checklist read out loud. Nothing depends on memory alone.
Redundant systems
Two or three hydraulic systems, several generators and flight computers. If one fails, another takes over.
Scheduled maintenance
Besides the inspection before every flight, there are heavy checks in which the plane is practically taken apart.
Air traffic control
Controllers keep a minimum distance between planes, horizontally and vertically.
Automatic alerts
TCAS warns about other planes nearby. EGPWS warns if the plane gets too close to the ground or mountains.
Each tragedy below cost lives, and each one left a lesson that protects millions of passengers today.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
1977Two Boeing 747s collided on the runway in fog, after a radio misunderstanding. 583 people died, the deadliest accident in history.
What changedStandard radio phraseology. The word “takeoff” is only used when takeoff is actually cleared.
United 173, Portland (US)
1978The crew focused on a landing gear problem and ran out of fuel before landing.
What changedCRM was born: everyone in the cockpit is trained to speak up when something seems wrong, including the first officer to the captain.
Air Canada 797, Cincinnati (US)
1983A fire started in the restroom during the flight, and the smoke made it hard to get out after landing.
What changedSmoke detectors in restrooms and floor lights along the aisle pointing to the exits.
Delta 191, Dallas (US)
1985A violent downdraft brought the plane down on approach.
What changedWeather radars at airports and wind shear alerts on board.
Aloha 243, Hawaii (US)
1988Part of the roof of an old 737 tore off in flight because of metal fatigue and corrosion. The plane managed to land.
What changedSpecial inspection programs for older aircraft.
Gol 1907, Mato Grosso (Brazil)
2006A Boeing 737 and a business jet collided in the air. The business jet's transponder was off without the pilots noticing. 154 people died.
What changedMore attention to the transponder and TCAS, and changes to Brazilian air traffic control.
TAM 3054, Congonhas (São Paulo)
2007An Airbus A320 couldn't stop on the wet runway and hit a building. 199 people died, Brazil's deadliest air accident.
What changedStricter rules for landing at Congonhas on a wet runway and more training on thrust lever position during landing.
Air France 447, Rio–Paris
2009Airspeed sensors iced up over the Atlantic, the autopilot disconnected and the plane went into a stall. 228 people died.
What changedPitot tubes were replaced, with much more training in manual flying and high-altitude stall recovery.
US Airways 1549, Hudson River (US)
2009Geese shut down both engines right after takeoff. Captain Sullenberger landed on the river and all 155 people survived.
What it showedTraining and calm save lives. The case became an example of CRM done right.
Boeing 737 MAX
2018–19Two accidents, in Indonesia and Ethiopia, were caused by an automatic system (MCAS) that pushed the nose down based on a single faulty sensor.
What changedThe model was grounded for about 20 months. The system now uses two sensors and certification became stricter.
Turbulence is moving air, like waves on water or bumps on a dirt road. It's uncomfortable, but the plane is designed for it.
The wing can take much more
The structure withstands at least 1.5 times the highest load expected in the plane's entire life. In tests, the wings bend several meters upward without breaking.
It feels bigger than it is
A “drop” that feels like hundreds of meters is usually just a few meters. The body exaggerates the sensation.
Where it comes from
Rain clouds, wind flowing over mountains, jet streams at high altitude and warm air rising on sunny days.
Pilots know where it is
They get forecasts, see clouds on radar and exchange reports with other planes. They often change altitude to avoid it.
Fear of flying, called aerophobia, is very common. Understanding what is happening and having techniques to calm your body helps a lot.
Box breathing
Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 and hold for 4. Repeat a few times. This rhythm slows your heart and reduces anxiety.
Tap the button and follow the circle.
Sit over the wing
It's the part of the plane that moves the least. An aisle seat helps if you feel trapped.
Tell the crew
Flight attendants deal with this every day and can explain noises and give you extra attention.
Avoid coffee and alcohol
Caffeine increases anxiety, and alcohol hits harder at altitude. Have water instead.
Keep your mind busy
Movies, music or a book take your focus off every sound and movement.
Watch the flight attendants
If they're calmly serving coffee, everything is normal.
Get specialized help
There are courses to overcome fear of flying, and cognitive behavioral therapy has excellent results.
Most scares come from normal noises. Here's what you hear in each phase, in the order it happens.
| Phase | What you hear or feel | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| On the ground | A growl like a barking dog, on some Airbus jets | The PTU, a pump that balances pressure between the hydraulic systems. |
| Takeoff | Very loud engines and your body pushed back into the seat | Takeoff power. The plane needs to reach about 280 km/h. |
| Right after liftoff | A loud “thud” under the floor | The landing gear retracting and its doors closing. |
| 1 to 3 min later | The engines get quieter and it feels like the plane is falling | Power is reduced to climb power. The plane keeps climbing. |
| Climb | An electric whine from the wings | The flaps being retracted little by little. |
| In flight | “Ding” chimes | Communication between pilots and flight attendants, or the seat belt sign. It's not an alarm. |
| Descent | Vibration and more wind noise | The spoilers raised on the wing to descend faster. |
| Approach | Another “thud” and more wind noise | The landing gear coming down, minutes before touchdown. |
| Landing | A loud roar after touching down | Thrust reversers, which direct engine air forward and help slow down. |
Emergencies are extremely rare and most end without injuries. These steps greatly improve your chances, and you can do several of them before you even take off.
Pay attention to the briefing
Every model is different. Read the safety card in your seat pocket.
Count the rows to the exit
In smoke or darkness, you may need to find the exit by touch.
Wear closed shoes
They make it easier to go down the slide and protect your feet.
Your mask first
Put yours on before helping someone else, even a child.
Brace position
When the crew tells you, lean forward, rest your head on the seat in front and plant your feet on the floor.
Leave your bags
Grabbing your bag delays everyone behind you. In an evacuation, every second counts.
