Overcoming Fear Of Flying Is Just A Matter Of Course

Sun., Oct. 29, 1995

From Wire Reports

Fearful flyers, note. USAir offers a five-session program at Philadelphia International Airport for those with a fear of flying. It begins with classroom instruction and ends with a one-hour graduation.

The course is aimed at people who are afraid to fly at all, as well as those who do fly, but with great trepidation. The sessions are led by a psychiatric social worker who focuses on phobias and relaxation techniques. Other instructors are pilots who explain the operational and technical elements of flying, how the aircraft is maintained, and weather conditions.

Participants can bring a companion to each of the classes - and on the graduation flight - at no additional charge.

USAir says the program has a success rate of nearly 95 percent. For information call 412-366-8112 or 800-428-4322.

Aloha: Hawaii’s largest helicopter touring company has shut down, blaming government safety regulations.

Papillon Hawaiian Helicopters said an FAA rule imposed in October that kept flights above 1,500 feet hurt business badly. The altitude restriction meant that on cloudy days, tours were canceled.

A spokesman for the state’s helicopter trade group said its 21 members had lost up to 40 percent of their revenue since the FAA rule took hold.

L.A. link: Los Angeles’ light rail system has a new link, the Green Line, that for the first time offers a metro connection to Los Angeles International Airport, albeit one that requires a shuttle.

The east-west train line runs down the middle of the new Interstate 105 between Norwalk and El Segundo. The shuttle makes regular passes between the airport and the Green Line. Passengers bound for downtown can transfer to the existing Blue Line from the new Green Line.

Japan costs: Believe it or not - given what you hear about $200 taxi rides in Japan - a survey of Americans departing the country showed that they spent an average $213 per day during their stay, including local transportation, lodging, meals, entertainment and shopping.

The survey conducted by the Japan National Tourist Organization included a total of 836 Americans waiting in departure lounges at Narita, Kansai and Haneda International Airports. Tops on the shopping list: arts and crafts, clothing, food and stationery.

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