I'm thinking some people board a flight generally feeling uneasy. Perhaps because it is a new experience that is out of their control. In reality it is no different than riding carpool, except that you are a few miles off the ground. Fortunately, the pilot is much better trained to operate an aircraft than your average soccer mom is to operate an automobile. Pilots experience thousands of training hours.
I consider myself pretty courageous when flying. As far as I recall, there has never been an intense fear associated with flying. If there was, the excitement likely outweighed the fear. Mostly the excitement stems from the beautiful views anticipated prior to takeoff. Views from the air can be some of the most breathtaking. There are some amazing views from 35,000 feet, including the Grand Canyon.
When you see the Grand Canyon from the ground, it is one of the most amazing spectacles. The depth and scale are challenging to imagine unless you have been there. Even though the size and depth are amazing from the ground, seeing the Grand Canyon from approximately 35,000 feet adds something special. From the ground, only one or two arms are visible. The canyon spans many miles, many of which are visible from the air. There are many small channels branching off of larger channels.
Unfortunately, the memory of the Grand Canyon is just that, a memory. Even so, the following photo taken over Southwest U.S. during a flight from Phoenix, Arizona and Chicago, Illinois will serve as a good example of breathtaking in-flight views. This one was taken at dusk, so the orange light appears to flow over the horizon.
