TTT - // I don't subscribe to the general belittling of those afraid of flying, it's not "irrational", planes do crash and when they do everyone normally dies. //
I would not suggest that a phobia about flying is not based on reality, but it is out of proportion to the mathematical risk involved, and that is because it is a phobia, so rational argument about statistical chances are redundant for the sufferer.
// I have no real practical advice fruitsalad but just have some drinks and forget about it, the maths has already decreed that you are pretty close to certain to survive. Do not miss these opportunities because of a small mathematical chance. //
But as we agree TTT, this is an irrational fear, and it is unlikely to be lessened by an intake of alcohol.
Fruitsalad is not missing opportunities because of a 'small mathematical chance', but because of a very large irrational fear.
I repeat, a visit to the GP and a small dose of a tranquiliser is, in my view, the best way to overcome this phobia.