Fear of flying
Specific phobia · situational subtype (flying)
Intense fear of flying. Often a mix of claustrophobia, height, and loss of control. High demand in private practice from work and family travel.
Why VR for this phobia?
In-vivo exposure is prohibitively expensive (a practice flight). VR lets you repeat the critical sequences — takeoff, turbulence — as many times as needed with full control of the stimulus.
VR hierarchy · 5 graded levels
Each level should be completed with SUDS in the target range across at least two consecutive sessions before advancing. The most common mistake is moving up levels too fast because the scenario is so easy to change.
- 1
Airport terminal: check-in and boarding gate, no aircraft in sight
SUDS target: ≤4
- 2
Boarding and settling into the cabin, door still open
SUDS target: ≤5
- 3
Takeoff with simulated mild turbulence
SUDS target: ≤5
- 4
Cruise with moderate turbulence and cabin announcements
SUDS target: ≤4
- 5
Landing in variable weather conditions
SUDS target: ≤3
Clinical notes
Fear of flying is highly comorbid with claustrophobia (the cabin) and agoraphobia (the public airport spaces). Treat the components in sequence. The airport scenario is on the roadmap and is validated with our clinical advisor before release.
Specific contraindications
- Active peripheral vertigo
- Severe baseline cybersickness (run an SSQ before treatment)
Is Fear of flying a scenario you need?
Book a demo and tell us — your input weighs on the quarterly roadmap. On Enterprise we can build a custom scenario for you.
VRET is professional clinical-support software, not a certified medical device. Supervision, indication, and application remain the responsibility of the licensed clinician in charge.