The Fear of Flight

The emotional challenge that comes with the fear of losing contact with the ground can be overwhelming.

Friday, March 10, 2023 at 11:24 AM ET

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The Impossible Airplane simulator fuselage, loaded up and ready to ride through the Tucson Rodeo Parade. [Credit: Jessica Barbary]

Key Takeaways:

The author, a pilot born without arms, emphasizes that overcoming the emotional fear of losing ground contact was a greater challenge than mastering the physical act of flying.
Despite years of experience, the author still finds take-offs emotionally taxing, illustrating the continuous journey of confronting and managing deep-seated fears.
Through her nonprofit, Rightfooted Foundation International, the author leverages aviation to inspire children with disabilities to overcome their fears, build confidence, and embrace transformative experiences.

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As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I think about the women who made a dramatic impact on my aviation experiences. The first woman pilot to ever take me flying was one of my best friends, and there is nothing more encouraging than flying with a good friend. I knew that if she could do it, I could definitely do it.

My friend was a captain for a small airline but also flew her stepdad’s Grumman Tiger. One Saturday morning, she offered to take me up. We flew over a golf course, and she wagged the wings as we flew directly over her boyfriend who was golfing. It felt both so casual and surreal; just another day out with my friend—but we happened to be up in the air.