Steve Allright is a Boeing 747 captain with British Airways and in his spare time - supported by his employer - works for an organisation which helps passengers overcome their fear of flying
WHAT DOES YOUR ORGANISATION DO?
We run courses for people who have a fear of flying. We run courses for up to 100 people, a premium course for only four people, or private one-to-one courses. We also offer courses for teenagers at Heathrow. All the courses include presentations from British Airways pilots and a psychologist, and include a flight on a BA jet.
WHY AND HOW DID YOU START IT?
The courses started 25 years ago when two BA captains realised there was a real need to offer help to people who suffer from fear of flying. British Airways has supported the courses throughout, and we have recently rebranded as BA Flying with Confidence.
WHY DO YOU THINK SO MANY PEOPLE ARE NERVOUS FLIERS?
There are many reasons, including claustrophobia, lack of being in control, lack of knowledge or simply a dislike of turbulence. Others have experienced a perceived or actual incident that has triggered it. Some people were fine until they had offspring, and then it started.
WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE?
Extremely good - in the high 90s percentage-wise. Almost everyone who attends the course goes away having achieved some positive steps, and for most it is the start of the rest of their lives.
HOW DID YOU START IN AVIATION YOURSELF?
I always dreamt of being a pilot and was lucky enough to be selected by British Airways as a sponsored cadet in 1989. I started at Oxford Air Training School with nothing more than two hours of hang-gliding experience.
TELL US ABOUT THE DAY JOB AND HOW YOU FIT THIS ROLE AROUND IT
I love it. I am a captain on the iconic 747-400 and fly to 20 different destinations such as San Francisco, Las Vegas, Cape Town, Singapore and Sydney. I also train and check other pilots as a training captain - and in my spare time, I help people overcome their fear of flying.
Source: Flight International
