Bristol - Full!

When we first started the courses back in the 80's people found out about the course through friends, articles in the paper and by calling the airlines. Now 90% of our bookings come through the internet and increasingly are made at the last minute. Why? Two reasons, firstly it puts off the horror of overcoming a fear, secondly we are more comfortable booking last minute, the internet has given us that ability. We were really surprised when the Bristol course went full with three weeks to go to the actual course date! We have published another date, 5th July, so if you missed out on this course don't worry you have options before the summer holidays! If you are joining us tomorrow see you there.

Small world

Capt Gordon Black is one of British Airways training Captains on the Boeing 777. Operating one of the companies long haul aircraft and training pilots in the simulator and on the aircraft means he is often away. When he is not training pilots, or doing jobs round the house (he asked me to put that in) he is helping with the fear of flying course, something he has done for nearly 10 years. Recently one of his friends who is a Captain with British Airways, who had been staying at Gordon's house the night before, was on a flight from London Heathrow to Paris. He was sat on the aircraft next to a woman who was off for a business meeting. They started chatting and the woman explained that she has to do a fair amount of travelling with her business but use to dread it. She explained, "I use to have a terrible fear of flying and decided I needed to do something about it, so i booked myself on the Aviatours Fear of Flying course. You may never of heard of him but the reason I am here is because of a man called Capt Gordon Black." Small world!!!

Weather

Great course on Saturday at Heathrow with over 130 people on the aircraft. The crew did a great job of dodging the weather. This is done in two ways, by looking out the window (who needs technology) and with the weather radar (ok we do need technology). The course was a great success and once again we are so impressed with the steps people take to overcome their fear of flying.

Terminal 5

Poor old Terminal 5, what a start. We travelled to Abu Dhabi on its first day, but from Terminal 4. By the time we landed it seemed the whole thing was in melt down. We were lucky enough to be part of the tour for its testing programme. Things now seem to be calming down at last, although to be fair its only two weeks after it started. On Saturday we are running a fear of flying course at Heathrow and we will be using Terminal 1 for those who were worried! Hopefully no delays or lost luggage!!

Easter Holidays

The forecast is for snow. Anyone with any sense is heading South for some winter sun. Whatever you are doing over the Easter holiday I hope you have a pleasant break. If your driving I hope you don't get stuck in the jams which are being predicated. If you are flying and not looking forward to the flight don't forget there is a solution! Give us a call on 01252 793 250 or visit the website at http://www.aviatours.co.uk/ and we will show you the solution.

A great day at Gatwick

When you get letters like this, it makes it all worthwhile.

To All The Team,

I attended the course on Saturday the 8th of march and I'd just like to say it was amazing! I was pretty nervous but at the same time excited! When everyone filtered in you could feel the tension,everyone was scared! But as soon as everyone started talking amongst themselves it calmed down,the people i sat with were right characters and we were joking the whole time about our experiences which was funny but made me feel at ease!
Then we went into the conference room and Captain Andy Shaw gave us the most information pact, no-nonsense, fun, straight talking presentation that put so many doubts in my mind to rest and taught me alot of new info i never even dreamt of knowing! Just from the Captains talk it made me feel i could've got on plane there and then! it was something else and i cant forget to mention Tim Lloyds input too which made us all feel at ease due to the fact he had been in our shoes in the past!
Next put was Patricia Furness Smith the psychologist who made me laugh so much! She was funny, the way she explained all the technical brain stuff was told in a way anyone could have understood and it was funny which helped! Everything Patricia said touched everyone in one way or another, it covered all our fears and phobias! And I'm telling you what we learnt would help not just people who are scared of flying but anyone who gets scared or worries themselves into a state! She also knew how we felt because she had a fear when she was younger of flying so when Patricia was explaining everything it felt heartfelt not just going through the motions or preaching!
My girlfriend wanted to come on the flight with me to help me get used to it and I'm so glad she did! Every one's mood changed alittle at the boarding gate,it was back to the nervous tension but once again most of the people i sat with earlier started joking and gee-ing each other up! trying to build each others confidence! People were all doing our breathing techniques twanging our elastic bands (if you go on the course you'll find out!) as we walked down the jetty and boarded the plane it hit me this is for real! i got a seat by the wing which i found comforting,always have done! i saw few tears on people and i think one or two actually left the plane and just as it looked like we were ready to go a huge feeling of dread came over me and i freaked out and went off! my girlfriend must have been having flashbacks, I'd done this before! but as a stood on the jetty by the plane door a young lady (i didn't catch her name,but you know who you are)spoke to me and asked me who i was with and things like that and i felt like an idiot and a failure but all of a sudden i wiped my tears away and listened to what the lady said "you've come so far, you've done so well,give it another go! You'll end up hating yourself,even if you don't like it at least try?" and with that i started to remember all the technical bits Captain Andy Shaw told us and the Patricia's techniques and i just felt better and got back in my seat! The young lady sat with me and girlfriend who had been crying too (poor girl,the things i put her through!) and one of the people i sat with earlier was on the row opposite, his name was Dick, (he was making me laugh the whole day and had an extraordinary reason to be there and if he reads this, i hope he gets to Johannesburg okay and i take my hat off too you!) he looked over and gave me abit of encouragement and finally we was off! I did it! I couldnt believe it,the weather was rainy and dull but it did nothing to dampen the planes spirit! a packed plane of scared fearful flyers where suddenly up in the air laughing,joking,hugging,shaking hands and clapping! it was amazing! i even got up2 get a drink,i've never moved when ive been on a plane before so i conquered that as an added bonus! one the people i sat with in the day was behind me and was going Australia in april and he looked like he really enjoyed it, he was up and down, it was quality! The flight itself was abit bumpy and on the landing there was abit of crosswind but i was glad, i didnt want a smooth flight it puts me in good stead now and with the inflight commentary it helped like you would'nt believe! Once again than you ever so much it was brilliant exhausting but something else! If ANYONE is scared or has doubts,dont leave it like i did,just do it! its the best thing ive done! The team and staff on the day thank you for being so welcoming,understanding and for helping us all get up in the air with a newfound confidence!

Sunday Times

It was a phone call late last night that alerted me to the article. We have several journalist requests for features on the course but its always pleasing when you get a mention. Attached is a link to the article.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article3458693.ece