Are you among those reluctant air passengers who believe God would have made wings instead of arms if he had wanted humans to fly? Indeed, according to psychologist Reid H. Wilson, founder of American Airlines' fearful-fliers program, one of every six Americans is afraid of flying, the second-most-common fear in the U.S. after public speaking. Yet, the facts do not support a case for aviophobia.

Now, automobiles are high-risk: U.S. Department of Transportation figures indicate that motor vehicle accidents account for 95 percent of all transportation injuries and deaths, and are the leading cause of death for people ages 6 to 27. Compare those sobering figures to the risk of death on an American air carrier at 1 in 11 million. Wilson suggests that if you could live forever and take a commercial flight every day, you'd be likely to experience only one airline crash in 26,000 years. Flying is by any statistical measure the safest means of mass transport, after elevators and escalators, in the world.

But if you're aviophobic, no data and no logic will prevent rational thought from giving way to irrational reflex. Wilson said that "Fear of flying evokes basic, primitive, back-of-the-brain reactions. Flying is perceived as an inherently unnatural thing to be doing." This ingrained skepticism and fear translates into a deep reluctance to give up control in what phobics view as a potentially dangerous situation. And then, of course, a statistically improbable tragedy occurs, as on 9/11, and the astounding odds aren't so comforting anymore — to any of us.

Likely manifestations of the debilitating fear of flying, with 27 the average age of onset, could include sweaty palms, stomach upset, flushed face, trembling hands and tensed muscles. The heart may race, and hyperventilation often leads to a full-blown anxiety or panic attack.

If you're one of the nearly 50 million aviophobics in the U.S., fear of flying is certainly real and can result in serious ramifications and inconvenience in today's go-go world. Fortunately, there is lots of help to get you airborne, and much of it can be found on the Internet. Start your search at www.airsafe.com to examine its comprehensive data on airplane and airline safety records and to link to critically selected Web sites for clinics, self-help books, national and regional seminars, video and audiotape-based programs, and individual and group therapy providers.

Wilson's site, www.anxieties .com, provides targeted self-help for the two kinds of fearful fliers: those who lack confidence in the airline industry, and those who distrust their own reactions and behavior aboard a plane.

Established in the San Francisco area in 1976, the Fear of Flying Clinic — (650) 341-1595 or www.fofc.com — includes 24 hours of hands-on instruction provided by aviation professionals and licensed behavioral therapists. Their stated mission is to inform about all aspects of aviation and to replace fears with solid beliefs using a two-pronged approach, education plus behavioral change.

SOAR, or Seminars on Aeroanxiety Relief, founded in 1982, offers a 10-DVD video course that guarantees success in conquering your fear of flying. Its site, www.fearofflying .com, features facts, answers to questions, a bulletin board and live chat hosted by former airline pilot Tom Bunn. Or call (800) 332-7359.

Although you may be aware of industry safety facts and statistics, you may still need a little direction to make the difference between a scary flight experience and a pleasant one. Experts dealing with fearful fliers recommend: