Are you frightened of flying? Fear no more. A British Airways captain with one of those pleasingly reassuring voices that aeroplane captains have, is coming to Dubai in February to deliver a talk that aims to conquer your phobia.

The aptly-named Steve Allright has 24 years of experience as a pilot and more than 11,000 hours in the air. He delivers his Flying With Confidence talk on February 17, in which he’ll explain the mechanics of how an aircraft operates and explore other topics such as turbulence.

The course, which arrives in the UAE for the first time, has helped more than 45,000 people over the last 25 years. As well as Captain Allright’s calming words, the session also features expert advice from a counsellor on relaxation techniques and how to deal with anxiety.

The course is aimed at people with all levels of fear, from those who are worried about flying to those who can’t even board a plane.

“A fear of flying can have a huge impact on a person’s quality of life,” says Captain Allright.

Anybody who enrolls on the course gets a 10 per cent discount on any British Airways flight, in any cabin class.

Here, Captain Allright gives us his top tips on how to fly without fear.

– Remember that turbulence is uncomfortable but never dangerous. It is a perfectly normal part of flying caused by nature.
– Learn to control your breathing.  When you feel anxious, hold your breath, take a long deep breath in, followed by a long deep breath out. Continue long deep breathing.
– Aircraft like to be in the air. They are designed to be in the air. Pilots and cabin crew like to be in the air also. It is a very normal, safe environment for them to be in.
– Understand lift. The wings enable the aircraft to fly, not the engines. A commercial aircraft flying at 30,000ft can glide for 100 miles even if all the engines fail.
– Split a long flight up into half hour sections. Go with a plan of things to do. Write a letter, watch a film, read a book, eat a meal.
– Pilots undergo a rigorous selection procedure and are the most highly trained and tested profession on earth. They are subjected to simulator tests every six months.
– Commercial aircraft are incredibly well maintained, and are checked before every flight by pilots and engineers. Routine maintenance is conducted at regular, specified intervals by licensed engineers.
– Air traffic controllers are trained and licensed professionals operating under a very strict set of rules. All pilots have to abide by the rules of the air.
– Visualise yourself stepping off the aircraft into the arms of loved ones, or into a lovely warm climate, or into a successful business meeting.

To find out more and to enroll, go to flyingwithconfidence.com