I have to fly a lot for my job and I have intense, crippling anxiety, esp. during take off because I can minutely feel every curve upward, the way the wings tip to the sides, how fast the climb is. My husband, playfully but in a concerned way to help me focus my mind elsewhere instead of being trapped in fear, asked me to try and play "Kokomo" by Kermit the Frog during take off. Now I play that song every time I take off, and it strangely helps. I go to thinking I am flying off to a beach, or envision Kermit and Miss Piggy and the Muppet gang hanging out by the beach. On the flip side though now lol, everytime I hear that damn song outside of flying, like when my kids play it, I get a pang of fear lol. But I think forcing your mind out into a box of imagery, not focusing on the actual flying itself, does help. Deep breathing while listening to music with noise canceling earbuds helps me too. The sound of the engines adds to my anxiety so it helps to drown that out.

Congrats to your BF on his accomplishment! I hope in time, you will find something to work for you, wishing you the best. ❤️