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Local airline Blue Islands provided Jersey’s first ever “Freedom to Fly” course over the weekend (11th and 12th November) which saw 20 residents attempt to conquer their fear of flying.
Saturday saw the Blue Islands Training manager Chris Stubbs give a presentation about every aspect of aviation, from how aircraft stay in the air to the rigorous regulations which surround its operation, and everything and anything between. Then, Mo Harford Bury from Momentum Training taught everyone how to cope with, manager and ultimately overcome their fear.
Following a brief re-cap on Sunday morning, everyone checked in for the specially-provided experience flight. Extremely windy conditions meant it was far from the perfect day to fly, but that stopped no one.
Blue Islands CEO Rob Veron said the course had been a total success.
“Nearly 300 people applied, and unfortunately places were strictly limited. But I was extremely heartened to hear all the stories from everyone who took part. One lady hadn’t been in a plane for 14 years until the Sunday morning experience flight. Another moved over from America more than 30 years ago, and has been too scared to get on a plane to head back and visit her family – but now says she feels confident enough to go.
“These are incredible stories and are exactly the reasons why we have provided two of these courses this year, for free – the first in Guernsey in June. A lot of people take getting on a plane for granted, but for those scared of doing so, it severely limits their options when living on an island. Based on the feedback, it now seems as if real, significant changes have been made following the courses, and I am really looking forward to hearing about how they get on in the future. Everyone at Blue Islands wishes them the very best of luck.”
Tiegan Little was on the course and said: ““What a fantastic couple of days on the Freedom to Fly course. Mo Harford-Bury, Captain Stubbs and the Blue Islands team were brilliant and I cannot rate it highly enough. The course was really informative both from a technical and emotional perspective; Captain Stubbs was so knowledgeable and passionate about flying and was determined to get us into the skies without fear. No question was unanswerable (and there were about 600!) - being able to deal with everyone’s individual needs and fears and reassure them in a large group of people takes some serious doing! Mo really helped from a behavioral perspective and I shall be perfecting my power pose for all future flights!
The real test though was the very bumpy flight on day two. I was able to fly for the first time in six years medication free, and although I had one or two moments of anxiety all the information and panic reducing techniques we had learnt helped me (almost) enjoy the experience. I am going to New York in the next couple of weeks and for the first time that I can remember I am looking forward to the holiday instead of dreading the plane.”
Mr Veron added the airline would be looking to run similar courses in the future.
“A clear demand has been demonstrated across the islands, and as a 100% locally owned and totally committed provider of aviation to the Channel Islands, we want to do everything possible to help residents have every possible chance of taking holiday’s they both want and deserve.”
