Afraid of flying? Just download an app

A NEW app claims to help ease stress in people who have a  fear of flying.

Flying fear

WANT to overcome a deep-seated fear of flying? Easy - just download the app.

A Dutch company has launched the first scientifically-developed, web-based treatment for people who suffer from mild to moderate fear of flying.

The Flight App, which can be downloaded to iPads, iPhones and androids, provides information to help allay your stress if you are nervous before or during your flight.

It informs users about aerodynamics, flight safety and turbulence, sounds and sensations during departure, flight and landing.

There are also practical audio exercises to help lower flight stress.

When the passenger gets particularly worked up, they can push the special ``panic button'', which provides audio and written aid to decrease the stress level immediately.

Launched in New York by the VALK Foundation, the app can be used during the flight in the airplane mode.

Once it has been downloaded, the program does not require internet connection in the air.

Already in use in Europe, the app is available in English for the first time.

Flight App a mobile tool for iPhone, iPad, and Android users will be available for the first time in English.

VALK Foundation director Dr. Lucas van Gerwen said around 30 per cent of people in the western world have a fear of flying.

"Fear of flying can have many causes, including a bad experience with turbulence, vertigo, a compulsion to remain in control, and claustrophobia,'' he said.

"Consequently, the fear expresses itself differently for each person.

"The fear of flying application we have created, aims to transfer all of the knowledge we have developed through our therapy program over the last two decades into a mobile application that will help ease travellers fears.''

For more information go to www.valk.org