Since its invention in the USA, the airplane has been an expert in passenger transport. Even with very low rates of accidents and fatalities, there are still a huge number of people with aviophobia or fear of flying. A very common phobia affecting an estimated one in three people, Francisco Faraco has found an interesting way to make this fear a strength in his life. Francisco Faraco recounts a terrifically horrifying flight, in which he feared for his life. He vividly takes you through much of his anxiety and fear during the flight from Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The departure did not begin well, the pilot had to return to the gate for repairs. Once the repairs were complete, the takeoff was bumpy, as was the plane once it leveled off. The pilot tries to reassure, but his comments come across as more than alarming, and Francisco Faraco knew that this was getting serious. He was afraid, but kept his poker face and reverted back to his childhood comfort of counting to 261 numerous times, but even this could not silence the loud aeronautical engines that were clearly struggling to perform.
What Francisco Faraco realized is that at thirty thousand feet, there was not much that he could physically do in the way of solving the engine issue. A bumpy ride with a plane that is jumping up and down clearly is not a smooth flight. Flight attendants were not allowed to serve and all bathrooms were closed, the fear was growing as he continued to contemplate his next move. Faraco had an epiphany. He concluded that the most fearful moment in his life could be managed. He did a fair amount of self-talk to get himself through the ordeal, and he had faced an incredible fear in his life that disappeared when he landed, safely. His true courage to stand in the face of his fear triumphantly is paramount to who he is and why he is successful today.