This columnist is very good at getting the fearful traveler to be at ease about flying as she has been a commercial pilot for many years.
I am not a fan of flying. In fact, you might even say I am a little afraid of it. However, what I have discovered is if I just distract myself during landings and takeoffs, I am fine.
The reason for my fear of landing and takeoffs is the vast majority of accidents occur either while landing or taking off. Between the two, the majority are taking off. If you are going to have equipment problems, you usually discover this as part of the takeoff attempt and then crash.
So, I don't, generally get scared or nervous with turbulence. When I flew to NYC the week before last, it was stormy on the way and we had a good bit of turbulence. I almost became sick because of the motion, but I wasn't scared -- except of embarrassing myself by becoming sick.
To tell you the truth, I have never flied and I'm pretty nervous if I think that sometime I will need to do it. On the other hand I kind of like roller-coasters, so I guess flying can't be worth.
I love flying, myself. I've been on a dozen flights in my life, and it's always exciting. I do get a little queasy when there is turbulence, but I have never been worried about my actual safety. The only complaint I have is the seats and space getting smaller and smaller over the years. Plus, I can't sit still, so I'm always wiggling, which makes me feel bad for my seat neighbors.