As human beings, it is normal for us to feel fear. Some are afraid of spiders, snakes or the dark, while others fear heights, being confined in small space or even flying. Just like any other fear, the fear of flying can be caused by an irrational belief that the person will die from a plane crash. Even when statistics showed that a person is at greater risk of dying from a car accident than a plane crash. You simply can not rationalize a persons fear of flying.
People who are afraid of flying are usually also afraid of heights, crowded conditions, mechanical things and enclosed spaces. All these can cause a person much anxiety. Aside from visible apprehension, a person would experience difficulties in breathing, abdominal discomfort, muscle tension, sweating, dizziness, pale face and heart palpitations.
An irrational fear of flying can be treated depending on the cause. If it is caused due to a personal trauma, the person should see a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist would help these people overcome such unfortunate incidents. On the other hand if it is caused by lack of information, especially for first time flyers, the person will simply have to educate himself...