One of the most unnecessarily terrifying elements of flight is the stall. The concept is quite simple: normally, as you pull back on the yoke, the plane pitches up, oncoming air hits the wings at steeper angles, and you get increased lift. Eventually, the angle becomes too steep, the airflow separates from the wings, and the bird forgets how to fly.

The whole concept seems frightening but really isn't (assuming you have altitude to spare). Lift may have decreased, but it hasn't become zero. Most importantly, the plane will naturally pitch forward as it begins to fall, decreasing that problematic angle of attack and restoring lift. If you simply let go of the yoke, the plane will probably do a good job of righting itself. There are a few more details, such as avoiding altitude loss and spins, but it isn't that bad if you respond appropriately.

The truly frightening aspect, for those of us who hate roller coasters, is the sensation. Of course, seeing my obvious discomfort, the instructor feels we will keep coming back to stalls until I am no longer bothered by them. The thing is, for that second or two while in stall, you briefly experience negative g's. It's just like cresting the top of a roller coaster, a crazy roller coaster without rails carrying several hundred pounds of gasoline.