JOHNSTOWN, PA — Aviophobia is the clinical definition for the fear of flying. And as the ground rushes up to meet the little Cessna that’s carried me out of Dulles International and over the Allegheny Mountains, I’m exhibiting all the symptoms.

The end will come, I’m convinced, in this tiny 9-seat turbo-prop. What’s worse, I’ll be all alone when it happens. I am the only passenger on this federally subsidized flight.

Recommended Stories

How Britain can fix its drunk flying problem

Travel industry warns of rising airport strain amid partial shutdown

Dulles-to-National flights allowed as of today