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    Panic Attacks

    The 'No Chance to Survive' Thinking Error

    Written by Alex Gervash, commercial pilot (31 years) and fear of flying specialist (18 years, 16,000+ cases treated)

    Why the need to always be able to save yourself comes from believing in other people's inability to protect you—usually learned in early childhood.

    The 'No Chance to Survive' Thinking Error

    First, this is simply not true. Statistically, the total death rate in air accidents is about 18%, in incidents with complete decommission of the aircraft it is about 30%.

    But the problem has deeper roots. Think about it—why is it so important for you to have a possibility to save yourself?

    A healthy mind does not analyze the possibility of surviving. It analyzes the probability of a negative event. The hyper-need to "survive" comes from a lack of trust in life. If the world is dangerous, you need to think constantly about how to escape and survive in it.

    The need to always be able to save yourself also comes from believing in other people's inability to protect you and take care of you. We usually get such a mindset in early childhood.

    In Short

    Why the need to always be able to save yourself comes from believing in other people's inability to protect you—usually learned in early childhood.

    About this resource

    phobia.aero Expert Team

    Aviation & Psychology Specialists

    • Psychology and trauma therapy professionals
    • Commercial Aviation Professionals
    • Fear of Flying Treatment Specialists

    The phobia.aero expert team bridges the gap between technical cockpit knowledge and specialized psychology expertise, having helped more than 16,000 individuals overcome fear of flying. By integrating evidence-based aerophobia therapy with trauma-informed tools like Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and CBT, our specialists provide a comprehensive flight fear treatment that addresses the root of takeoff anxiety and turbulence fear. Whether you are struggling with a persistent flying phobia or seeking a professional flight companion for in-person support, our decades of combined experience ensure you have the psychological resources necessary to regulate your nervous system and silence the fear of flying for good.

    16,000+treated
    UN Recognitionmethodology
    18+ Yearsexperience
    Provenapproach