'This Is Your Captain Speaking' Helps Fearful Fliers Take Off

CAREFREE, Ariz., July 12, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- More than seven million Americans are overcome by a fear of flying that prevents them from pursuing business opportunities and keeps them grounded when going on vacation or family reunions.

Southwest Airlines Captain Ray Stark helps fearful fliers in his book "This Is Your Captain Speaking" (202 pp, $18.50). Stark, a veteran pilot with Southwest Airlines and a former United States Air Force pilot, wrote this book after helping a fearful flier he met as a passenger. He was able to use his knowledge of airplanes to calm her nerves, as she flew to see her ill father. The passenger was so appreciative that she urged Stark to write this book.

Written in a layman's easy-to-understand style, the book provides comfort through knowledge. "I think that if passengers understand all that happens behind the scenes of each flight and of all the safety redundancies built into commercial airliners, they can begin to feel comfortable with flying," Stark says. Through ten chapters, the book covers topics such as:

 -- What's that noise

 -- Making sure things go right

 -- When things go wrong

 -- Aviation weather and security

Lucinda Bassett, founder of the Midwest Center For Stress and Anxiety, says, "Imagine sitting next to a seasoned airline pilot during your next flight and being able to ask . . . questions about flying . . . that is exactly what this book offers. An abundant resource of reassurance that should put any fearful flyer more at ease."

In addition to writing this book in his spare time, Stark also provides answers to fearful flier's questions on a free forum at www.takingflight.us.

ISBN 0-9705621-0-1

To place orders for the book, contact:

 Carefree LLC Book Publishers
 Box 3518
 Carefree, AZ 85377
 Phone: 602/ 920-6395
 Fax: 480/ 488-8649
 E-mail: captainstark@earthlink.net
 URL: www.thisisyourcaptainspeaking.com

To arrange for an interview, contact Captain Stark by phone or e-mail.

CONTACT:  Aubrey & Associates, Inc.
          Bill Bagnall
          714-917-1444, Ext. 107 
          bbagnall@aubreyco.com
          www.aubreyco.com