Fear of Flying Course - Why are we unique?
Approximately 1 in 6 people have a fear of flying – or aviophobia. We have developed a unique course to combat this debilitating fear.
"Fear of flying is a simple phobia but with many complex factors" - Captain Andy Wilkins
1:1 Support and Coaching
- Coaching and supporting individuals on a 1:1 basis.
- We do not run generic group sessions like most other airline companies.
- Every client will receive 100% focus and attention.
- Offering psychological techniques and advice.
- A realistic experience of flying but in a relaxed and nurturing setting.
How can we help you?
The Virtual Jet Centre's dedicated and experienced team can help you triumph over your fears, whether it be with the ultimate goal of visiting a loved one overseas, attending an international business meeting or even enjoying that exotic holiday you have always yearned for but never felt confident enough to book.
We have spent many years talking to passengers that suffer from this debilitating fear. It can affect many aspects of an individual's life including relationships and the ability to travel. Fear of flying is a simple phobia but with many complex factors. There are millions of reasons why the fear develops in the first place and so we treat each of our clients with understanding and sensitivity.
Our approach is to empower each individual with knowledge and a major part of the course is training our clients to actually fly the jet simulator on their own. Our experienced pilots will demonstrate how an aircraft flies, what happens when you raise and lower the gear and flaps and which noises accompany this process.
In order to help combat your fears, we have installed a realistic aircraft cabin which uses all the noises and interior fittings you would expect to find in a regular aircraft cabin. Together we discuss and challenge your fears in a safe setting where you feel totally in control.
The course is a 3 hour session with the Virtual Jet Centre Owner and Lead Trainer - Captain Andy Wilkins. The course is individually tailored to your specific fears. Andy has spent many years researching this debilitating phobia and has over time, developed a variety of techniques to help you combat your fears.
Anything discussed during the course is completely confidential and there is a strict do-not-disturb policy whilst the course is running. We would therefore advise that no one else is present during the course. There is however, a comfortable waiting area with refreshments available.
You will eventually be offered a flight in a real airliner with Captain Andy Wilkins accompanying you 1:1 - but only when you are ready.
We have the ability to arrange a flight with our local airline Flybe. The chosen flight is usually from Exeter to London. (Other flight options are available upon request).
The airline will offer pre-boarding, giving the client an opportunity to meet the crew and receive a tour of the flight deck prior to all other passengers boarding.
We will then either fly back or use alternative transport for the return journey. This will allow an in depth discussion about the client's flight experience.
For years Captain Andy Wilkins has taken a special interest in passengers flying on his aircraft who suffer from this debilitating problem. By talking to them in person Andy has come up with a unique way to try and help overcome this problem.
What to expect
- Course duration is 3 hours in total.
- In-depth discussions about the individual's history and background.
- Short break.
- 737 Cabin Experience.
- We'll keep the cabin environment quiet until you are fully accustomed.
- Short break.
- Full motion 737-800 Simulator Experience.
- Explore procedures associated with systems on the 737-800 flight deck.
- You will take the controls and fly the simulator.
- Short break.
- Final 737 Cabin Experience.
- You'll experience the sounds you are likely to encounter during a real flight.
- Various psychological techniques are explored to combat your fear of flying.
- Debriefing and departure.
Book Now!
Money Back Guarantee!
If you complete our course and don't feel any calmer on your first flight with us or on your own, then we will offer to refund the course fee. We believe our course is the best, don't take our word for it, just watch the video below.
Fear of Flying - Client Video
(Above) Award Winning Chef and Restauranteur Mitch Tonks attends the Virtual Jet Centre for his Fear of Flying course.
Our latest blog posts
Are you scared of flying?
Being scared of flying affects one in six people. This is no laughing matter if you are surrounded by family who have no idea how it makes you feel. Even contemplating going near an airport, let alone an actual aircraft, can give you sleepless nights for weeks before the dre ...
Success Stories - Fear of Flying
Here at the Virtual Jet Centre, we are always excited to read your reviews! We would like to extend our thanks to such a supportive community who have enabled us to become an award-winning company in the South West.
The transformation was amazing
At the beginning of the month I visited the Virtual Jet Centre terrified of flying (even though I fly twice a year and have done since the age of three). I’m now 19 years old and just the mere thought of getting on a plane would set me into a frenzy filled with sheer panic.
For the duration of flights, I would cuddle into my Dad while crying and shaking. I’d cause myself to feel very light headed due to hyperventilating - sometimes for as long as 3 hours. People around me would try and encourage me to keep my mind off the flight but I could not speak to anyone, concentrate on anything (such as games) or even have general chit chat.
I was very distressed arriving at the Virtual Jet Centre for my Fear of Flying course because I knew I would be faced with my fear head on, especially with the simulator!
At the beginning of the course Andy took me through to sit in what looked like the inside of a plane and asked me how I felt...with this I burst into tears and told him that I really wanted to just get out of that room! However, by the end of the course, the transformation was amazing. It really is incredible what 3 hours can do to transform your fears.
To read the full review: Click Here.
I actually enjoyed the view
A trip to Lanzarote was my first flight after going on the simulator. For the outward flight, I chose not to sit in the windows seat, although I had planned to. I let my wife Jill have the window seat as she likes it but, instead, I took my normal middle seat and talked quietly though the roll and take off out of Exeter. Rather than concentrate on me I sat and watched in awe out of the windows at the lovely sight of Devon. For the first time since 1985, I actually enjoyed the view and sensation.
After a good holiday, I actually looked forward to the flight back. I was almost itching to board the 'plane back! I was ahead of Jill on the air bridge and immediately made my way to the window seat to settle in. Whilst I know Jill was happy for me to take the seat, I know she was also miffed as she enjoys the window seat when we go away.
I thought my way through the procedures prior to take off and, as we picked up speed, I tried to imagine the point where V1 was called. I got them wrong on both the outward and return flights.
As we took off I was glued to the window but, also my camcorder screen to record the moment. I concentrated on the window but found myself sat a little upright in the seat. When I settled back into the seat, I fell backwards a bit more than I expected as the seat back was no longer vertical. This threw me for a moment and I nearly panicked. I realised what had happened and settled into the seat back, comfortable again. I watched the ground fall away all the way up to the point where we went through the clouds.
You can probably tell that I enjoyed both flights from beginning to end. That session on the simulator made a big difference so, thank you for your help in the process.
Tony O'Brien (Fear of Flying Client)
Confidence that I have never had before
What can I say... I am not afraid to say that I am afraid of flying, a fear which has got worse over the years and stops me from looking forward to my holidays. After a wonderful afternoon with Andy and his warm, friendly and knowledgeable team, I feel a confidence that I have never had before. Armed with the knowledge of how and what makes a plane tick and actually getting to take over the controls,I feel far better equipped to laugh in the face of my anxiety. Thank you to all at the Virtual Jet Centre for this afternoon.
Emily Charlotte Kaye (Fear of Flying Client)
It's a life changer
Just a line to let you know that I flew home yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was quite apprehensive beforehand, but once on board I was fine and as I said in my text I did it without drink or drugs. I can't thank you enough, it's a life changer and as a celebration we're going to Turkey later this month business class and we shall be raising our glasses to you. Thank you again and it's very reassuring to have your phone number in case.
Henrietta (Fear of Flying Client)
This is a unique course as it's one-to-one
The team here are so welcoming & put me at ease. Andy talked through my worries and fears & then let me experience the fantastic simulator they have. I learnt everything they do on everyday flights, all the noises, bumps & even turbulence which is my biggest fear. I got to take off, fly and land the plane which really helped me understand what goes on. They also have a real cabin area with all the announcements & sounds you would hear and its all explained. Because I began to understand it all, I felt more in control. This is a unique course as its one-to-one basis rather than lots of people sat in a classroom. After 3 hours, I felt so much better about flying and I'm not dreading my flight next week anymore.
Miss Nina B (Fear of Flying Client)
I am contemplating going further afield now
I completed a Fear of Flying course a couple of weeks ago as I was fed up with being scared of flying as it was ruining my enjoyment of holidays. I work with people helping them to get over phobias but couldn't cure myself. I have just returned from my holiday and feel it was money well spent. I was a little bit anxious at the airport that this would work but once on the plane, I felt a lot calmer. I experienced some turbulence which would normally freak me out but I was fine. On the way home I was really relaxed. I am even contemplating being able to go further afield now. Highly recommended.
Nikki Martin-nee Faulkner (Fear of Flying Client)
