Up, Up And Away!

I nearly got choked on my food when I was told that my name was listed for the Merdeka Day 2004 helicopter ride. The purpose was to check the traffic condition on North-South Expressway on that day and prepare a report about it as soon as I got back to the office. It wasn't so much fun to me as it might be to some people.

I have height anxiety. Scientifically they call it as 'Hypsiphobia'. And to make things worse, I have also the fear for flying which they call it as 'Aviophobia'. The word phobia is Greek which means 'fear' and therefore any word that is connected to it should be Greek. Having a combination of both anxieties didn't give much help during my heli ride from Ipoh to Senawang and back to Kuala Lumpur. It was really a torment that I could not close my eyes during the take-off as I also suffered from 'motion sickness'. Closing my eyes would only make it worse. Afraid of throwing up on my shoes, I kept my eyes wide open and kept myself calm at all times. 

With camera in one hand and airsickness bag in the other, I did what I was supposed to do. Keeping close watch on the traffic, I continuously updated the log book and took few shots of the traffic at certain stretches. As those photos would have to go along with my report, I had to make sure those shots were taken with steady hands (so as to capture sharp and clear photos). The fear and sickness I had inside were soon forgotten as the behaviours of some road users catched my attention. From up above, I could see some of them speed like they were so in need of toilet. Some drove like they were being chased by mafias. The motorbikers tailgating the lorries for no solid reason. 

I was pleasantly entertained by the scenarios. But then, as I was about to get quite comfortable with the altitude and the whole situation, I heard the pilot radioed the Subang Terminal and I knew it was time to land. Supressing my frustration that the show was over, I laid back and tried to relax. The fear came back again but it was not as terrible as earlier.

Eventhough I did not find heli-riding overwhelming at first, at the end of it I did learn one important thing - it is absolutely a great satisfaction for being able to overcome your worst fear. So I'm gonna keep on watching you guys from above. Captain, I am ready for another take-off!