Comic Strips

That's a very normal reaction. You're putting your life in the hands of technicians and engineers, to build, maintain and service the aircraft so it functions, qualified inspectors to certify that the plane is safe to fly, and pilots to fly the aircraft, and you, safely to your destination. Pretty much everyone you're putting your life in the hands of, you've never met, never will, and it's unlikely you'll even know their names.

It's a lot of trust to put into people you don't even know, to keep you alive in your chair in the sky.

If that reality doesn't at least give you pause, or some concern, then I'd be worried there's something seriously wrong with you.

Rest assured that statistics are on your side. It's far more likely for you to get to your destination without any significant complications then it is for any complications to happen, including any that might lead to a crash or a fatality. Statistically, it's comfortably one of the safest, if not the safest, method of travel.

There's nothing wrong with having some apprehension, fear, or worry, over placing your life in the hands of complete strangers; despite how qualified each and every one of them might be, they're still strangers.

All I can say is, if you're bothered by it, learn how to parachute solo. It'll take a while, but learn it. Then just pack your own parachute any time you fly. Problem solved. If you lose confidence in the pilots to keep you alive, bail.