Is it possible for someone with a fear of heights to become a pilot?

Question

I love planes. the idea of flying, taking off and landing, but i still have an initial fear of flying, is there a way of getting over this

Answer 1

Fear of heights seems to usually be associated with the ground being 'relatively' near:  ladder, roof, skyscraper, cliff, 10m diving platform.  I know people afraid of heights that jump out of planes on a regular basis, and others that fly them.  Some of these same people won't even jump off a high board into water.  

So, go fly.  See if it is a fear of heights type thing, or a fear of flying

Answer 2

Yes, you are more likly do get into a car crash then a plane crash.

Answer 3

Personally, I am afraid of heights but I also fly alot and I love it, not as a pilot but I would enjoy that too.

Answer 4

My knees start shaking on a 6 ft. ladder. I have been flying like the 2 above for 30 plus yrs. So the answer to your question is YES.

Go to the local airport and take a demo (intro) flight to see if it's right for you. Have fun.

Answer 5

I'm in the same group as John B. I can't look over the tops of tall structures, but I've been flying for over 45 years.

The difference is that you are surrounded by the aircraft, and you won't fall out.

Answer 6

Even though you may have fear of heights but in plane you feel you are perfectly safe. I have noticed it as a passenger of course and not as a pilot. But that should not make a difference.

Answer 7

whene your on the plane just imagin that ur on a bus or train and close your eyes and picture yourself driving the bus/train. then u will feel incontrol!

Answer 8

I've had a fear of heights all my life. Been a pilot for forty years.

Answer 9

I think by facing it you could overcome it and even enjoy it. Try it out go to the airport and most schools have an intoductary flight take it see what you can see. You might like it.

Answer 10

when your in the air i don't think it would be a problem, but when landing and taking off (when you can see things below you) it might affect you.

The best thing you can do is find out how you feel on the plane it self, as a passenger of course. (try sitting near the front).

Answer 11

My flight instructor always told me, "If you're not afraid of heights, you don't belong up here."

I think its an old climbers saying.

Answer 12

Being in an airplane usually doesn't trigger a fear of heights, so it shouldn't be a factor.  You're fully enclosed and strapped in and safe in an airplane, and perhaps that is why no fear of heights is experienced.

Answer 13

ya dude, after the first few flight training flights you will over come it just like i did