On Sun, 10 Feb 2008 17:55:30 -0600, Dallas
wrote:

From what you wrote, I'd say that the instructor accidentally triggered an
anxiety attack in you. I'd give him credit for recognizing it, but it
sounds like he didn't respond with an effective way to deal with it.

As others have said, try it again with another instructor, if you can. And
discuss with him what happened on that first flight while you're still on
the ground.

First of all. THANK YOU to everyone for taking the time to respond.
Needless to say it made me feel a lot better to hear that others at
least had similar experiences and that I wasn't just going nuts.

After many of the replies in here, I've decided to at least give it
another go, however I'm still undecided as to whether or not I will
stick with the same instructor. To be honest, I was scared enough to
where today I don't really even remember much about the whole thing,
so maybe I'm being too hard on the role the instructor played in the
event.

I am actually fearful that I had an anxiety attack...actually. I'm a
musician (used to be a professional one) and I can play in front of
2,000+ people and never feel nervous, however I've never experienced
the sort of white knuckle fear I felt yesterday. It was really scary
and also really unexpected. However, from talking to my family
(especially my dad who, even as a tough guy had to admit he'd been
pooping his pants as well) and listening to others in this group I've
got to at least give it another try. If I get that wigged out again,
I may reconsider. Somehow I have a feeling that knowing more what to
expect may make it a more pleasurable experience.

The REAL doubt that the experience gave me though, is making me wonder
how I will react when I have that first issue...the first failure, the
first cross wind landing, even the first time I'm lost and can't
figure out how to taxi to the correct runway. I do know that I have
to stay cool...so that's where yesterday's experience has turned me
into a doubter. Before yesterday, I figured this was a done deal.

I have an even greater respect for pilots now.