The terrors of flying are as old as the dreams of it. The first flight of man, reported in Greek mythology, ended with the crashing down of Icarus. Today, planes have become indispensable. Air transport companies boast the fact that travel by air is the safest, despite the fact that fear is ever present. There is little knowledge about fears and passenger behavior. Accident statistics turn terrifying events into “cases”. Tribute is paid to “technical progress” and to “more quality of life.” Measures must be taken to reduce the reasons for apprehension to achieve some kind of rationally based safety to relate to behavior. One should, however, not aim to abolish fear to an irrational and unrealistic degree. Such induced behavior cannot be firm in a real crisis. Fears are founded upon social and personal reasons: (1) Predominantly sociological aspects: the fact of airplane disasters; obscurity of the causes and effects of such disasters; inadequate knowledge of technical facts; doubts about disaster prevention; and “technology trauma.” (2) Predominantly socio-psychological aspects: alien surroundings; isolation; don't know what to do; inescapability; and “Mogadishou-effect.” Anthropological and socio-cultural factors also have an impact.

Fear of flying of pilot and crew: Their reasons for fear are related to the exact knowledge of dangers and risks, which are involved in economic and job efficiency oriented requirements and obligations. We recommend: improving information and explanation of risks and the related behavioral safety; improving technical means and management of disaster prevention along with appropriate mediation; courses to decrease fears of flying, including safety training; and decreasing potential conflict with airline personnel.