I can tell you that when I started flying I wasn't very fond of
turbulence either. What made it even worse was the fact that I
started in a very small plane (Micro-light) in the summer in FL and we
had to really watch on climb outs especially if we had been flying for
very long or the engine temps would shoot through the roof so we were
stuck trying to cool the engine at very low altitudes so we could
climb some more to get to cooler temps. I think I added quite a few
new finger grips to the stick.

Since then I have bought my own experimental and started doing a lot
more afternoon flying if for no other reason to help me get used to
the "Speed Bumps". (Most of my flight training was done during the
winter so I had very smooth air almost all the time.) I can tell you
that it has helped a lot, I have gotten to the point that turbulence
doesn't bother me no where near as much now. I have even noticed that
rather than putting new finger grips in the stick now I have quite a
loose comfortable grip on it. I've also learned to ride it out and go
with it more rather than fight the whole time to keep the wings
perfectly level.

Hope this helps some.

Gary


On Thu, 10 Jun 2004 05:09:14 GMT, Doug wrote:

Hey all..

New pilot with about 15 hours, excellent instructor...141 school and top
quality aircraft....I have complete faith in my instruction and aircraft
and a sincere lifeong desire to learn to fly.

However....Turbulence locks me up!

I can 'play' pilot on MS Sim 2004 in any weather, condition or emergency
and meet the requirements for all the things I have learned so far, but the
moment I'm in the air and start feeling the bumps everything gets thrown
off and in my mind I "get behind" and feel like im playing catch-up with
simple manuvers thus making it a frighting experience. Instructor says
besides the death grip on the wheel I do fine but in the melon things are
chaotic. Put me in 'clear air' and I do well and am in full command of all
my responsibilities and enjoy the time in the sky.

My Instructor continues to find ways to help me and I want to punch myself
in the face for being such a punk but I wanted to ask if anyone had any
tips on how they may have gotten over the anxiety?