Free help holidaymakers with fear of flying at Aviodrome

Many people have already booked their flight vacations for this year, but are hardly looking forward to it anymore. After the recent aviation incidents, they don't really want to get on a plane anymore. The VALK Foundation is going to help them during the weekend of May 30 and 31 at Aviation Theme Park Aviodrome in Lelystad.

'We understand the feeling. Fear of flying can be so overpowering, but fortunately it is perfectly treatable and we are happy to do so,' said Dr. Lucas van Gerwen, clinical psychologist, pilot and director of the VALK Foundation.

Fear of flying

Fear of flying is a typical stress complaint that can arise when a person has been uncomfortable in his or her own skin for some time. It is usually caused by one or more stress factors or anxiety disorders. The most common are: claustrophobia, fear of heights, social anxiety, control anxiety and fear of losing control. When aviation accidents occur, the media is full of unpleasant images and stories. These work deeply, and if you are sensitive to them, they can feed your anxiety tremendously.

Free workshops

On May 30 and 31, there will be an opportunity to talk with therapists and learn about self-help methods. During the free workshops, therapists will teach participants what causes fear of flying, what it does to their bodies and how to overcome fear of flying, among other things. Relaxation exercises take place in a parked KLM Boeing 747-300 and a KLM pilot explains how an airplane flies, what turbulence is and what requirements air traffic safety must meet.

VALK Foundation

Stichting VALK, a partnership between Leiden University, KLM, Transavia.com, Arkefly, Martinair and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, developed a method based on scientific research to help people get rid of their fear of flying. Of the people who followed therapeutic training there, 98% get on a plane without fear.

National Fear of Flying Weekend

The National Fear of Flying Weekend will take place on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 at Aviation Theme Park Aviodrome in Lelystad from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A ticket must be purchased to enter the museum; visitors pay the regular entrance fee. The free workshops start at noon and end at 5 pm. Registration for the workshops is not required. The program is the same on both days. More info? Check outwww.valk.org or call 071 - 527 37 33.