Introducing Bumble - A lay view of those things in the sky

His master's voice

I like flying. I like aeroplanes. I like sitting by the window and being forced to be still, tune in and zone out. And I even like airports. Love them, actually.

What I don't like is not knowing what's going on.

So when my plane started to bounce and roll last Friday, the normal zen state I adopt in the air evaporated. I do what everyone does, hold the armrests a little tighter and discretely look around, hoping not to give away the internal panic. But panicked I was and quickly thoughts spun into what the last things I said to my nearest and dearest were - would Laura remember the grave I picked out in a cemetery in Colombia? Who take my washing down? Who would pay off my overdraft?

Pilots, you laugh, but these are the thoughts of the passengers you carry everyday. And we look to you for comfort in these times of fear. As the cabin crew run for their own seats and belt in, we passengers are left wondering whether this is just another day in the air, or if this is it.

I was gearing up to ask the man next to me if I could hold his hand (really, I was) - which would have been quite an effort as we bagged the only row with a spare seat in the middle - when the captain came across the intercom.

A soothing, smiling and confident voice came through the cabin. You don't remember the exact words when you think you're about to die, but his voice said "You're safe in my hands".

Captain, I hear you. Loud and clear.