Have you considered that they are not necessarily afraid of flying, but of
flying a private plane with someone who they are not familiar with, or not
totally comfortable with?

As a non pilot - I would NOT get into a private (cessna type, mooney type)
plane with ANYONE I currently know. At least when I fly commercial, I know
that they have at least had some kind of professional training (I hope)!

I know the chances are VERY small for an incident, even in private flight.

Just my non-pilot perspective Gerald. Perhaps your friends are trying to be
diplomatic?


"Gerald Sylvester" wrote in message
news
I recently got my PPL and find that most people are scared sh*tless to
go up. One friend came along and was just blown away and had a ton
of fun. Just about everyone else is "oh my god, I am so scared
of airplanes." This weekend I was going to go with my CFI to celebrate
my passing my checkride in a brand new SR-20 and people are still
shaking in their boots scared to hell and simply will not go.

Is this me or is it just the general public?

Any ideas? I hope this doesn't sound stupid but just my impression the
since passing my checkride.

Gerald