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TAA Fear of Flying Clinic

The TAA Fear of Flying Clinic was a pioneering 10-week program — a landmark collaboration with the Australian Women Pilots' Association.

TAA Fear of Flying Clinic logo
TAA Fear of Flying Clinic logo

Clinic Launched

TAA Fear of Flying Clinic: Why It Was Needed

In the early 1980s, the Australian Women Pilots’ Association (AWPA), working in partnership with Trans‑Australia Airlines, launched one of Australia’s most respected programs for helping people overcome a fear of flying.

Known as the Fear of Flying Clinic, the 10‑week course combined aviation education, psychological support, and hands‑on experience. It quickly earned a reputation as one of the most effective programs of its kind in the country.

The clinic was strongly supported by TAA, the Department of Aviation, and the Bureau of Meteorology — reflecting the airline’s long‑standing commitment to passenger wellbeing and public confidence in air travel.

TAA staff regularly volunteered their time to speak with participants, run demonstrations, and conduct behind‑the‑scenes tours of aircraft and facilities. For many attendees, these personal interactions were the turning point in overcoming their fear.

Adjusting Behaviour

Why the Clinic Was Needed

Fear of flying affects an estimated 10–25% of the population, with many more experiencing discomfort or anxiety during air travel. Even today, it remains one of the most common travel‑related phobias.

The clinic helped participants understand the roots of their fear — often linked to the universal human fear of falling — and provided practical tools to manage anxiety.

Behavioural counsellors worked closely with attendees, using relaxation techniques, guided discussion, and controlled exposure to aviation environments. The emphasis was always on reassurance, understanding, and building confidence.

Honest conversation was central to the program. Participants were encouraged to share their concerns openly, often discovering that many others felt the same way.

Learning to Adjust

What the Program Covered

Over 10 weeks, participants explored a wide range of aviation topics designed to demystify flying and build trust in the safety of modern air travel.

  • How aircraft generate lift and stay airborne
  • The rigorous training and qualifications of TAA pilots and crew
  • The high engineering standards behind aircraft maintenance
  • The role of Air Traffic Control in ensuring safe skies
  • How meteorologists forecast weather for aviation
  • Guided inspection tours of TAA jet airliners

For a detailed timetable from a 1986 clinic: View the 10‑Week Program Schedule

August 1986

Clinic No. 4

The success of the clinic relied heavily on the dedication of TAA staff who volunteered their time and expertise. During Clinic No. 4 in August 1986, the following personnel contributed:

  • Tony Moore — Chief Technical Support Engineer
  • Captain Ray Baker — Senior Training Flight Manager
  • Bob Harvey‑Hall — Line Maintenance
  • Doug McKenzie — Senior Flight Engineer
  • Jonelle Clarke — Flight Attendant Training Supervisor


Additional contributors included:

  • Geoff Bowen — Psychology, Counselling and Relaxation
  • Garry Bradley — Bureau of Meteorology
  • Rob Van den Dungen — Air Traffic Control and Flight Service

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