From The Flight Deck

Dial A Pilot

Scared of flying? Overcome your fear of flying with two professional pilots who've had thousands of one-on-one conversations with nervous fliers just like you!
This podcast tackles flight anxiety head-on, explaining turbulence, decoding in-flight sounds, and addressing aviation safety concerns. No sugar-coating, just honest insights from the flight deck that transform flying phobia into confidence. Whether you avoid airplanes or need medication to board, discover why flying is safe from pilots who truly understand your fears.

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20 episodes
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#19
April 9 · 53 min
Aviation Headlines vs Incidents: The Reality Gap | From the Flight Deck Podcast
Aviation headlines often sound dramatic but the reality behind them is usually very different. In this episode of From the Flight Deck, we break down how media coverage can turn routine or well-handled situations into something far more alarming than they actually are. Using real examples, we explain what’s really going on behind the scenes and why context matters so much in aviation. We also talk about why clickbait exists, how it spreads, and how it can impact nervous flyers. A calm, factual look at aviation news and a live example of the same!
#18
March 12 · 48 min
Boeing 787 Engine Fire Leads to a Perfectly Safe Landing | From the Flight Deck Podcast
A United Airlines Boeing 787 departing Los Angeles experienced compressor stalls that quickly turned into an engine fire indication shortly after takeoff. The crew declared an emergency and returned to LAX.The incident quickly made its way through social media and news headlines but what actually happened in the cockpit?In this episode of From the Flight Deck, we listen to the air traffic control recordings and break down the event step by step. We explain what compressor stalls sound like, how an engine fire indication works on a modern airliner, and how pilots and air traffic controllers work together to manage situations like this.You’ll hear how the crew handled the situation, how the flight deck responsibilities are split during an emergency, and why the calm communication between pilots and controllers is a key part of aviation safety.We also talk about the decision-making process after landing including how crews determine whether to evacuate the aircraft or keep passengers on board.As always, this discussion is based on publicly available recordings and professional training, and is intended to help nervous flyers better understand what they’re hearing and seeing in aviation incidents.
#17
February 26 · 40 min
5 Nervous Flier Types | From the Flight Deck Podcast
Why do some people suddenly become afraid of flying, even after years of flying without a problem?In this episode of From the Flight Deck, we break down what we’ve learned from thousands of one-on-one calls with nervous flyers through Dial A Pilot. After reviewing years of data, clear patterns started to emerge and we identified what we now call the 5 Nervous Flier Types. We talk through how each type develops, why it happens, and how understanding your type can be the first step toward feeling more confident in the air. If you’ve ever felt hyper-vigilant on a flight, convinced yourself the worst-case scenario is the most likely, or found yourself influenced by viral aviation content, this episode will resonate with you. 🎧 Listen in and see which type you might be. 5 Nervous Flier Types Quiz Website Instagram TikTok
#16
February 12 · 1 hr 10 min
The DCA Midair Collision: Final Findings | From The Flight Deck Podcast
The NTSB has released key findings on the Washington DC mid-air collision between a CRJ-700 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. In this episode of From the Flight Deck, we break down the NTSB report in plain English explaining what happened, the contributing factors, and what it means for aviation safety today.We cover: • The Swiss Cheese Model and accident chain theory • Air traffic control procedures and visual separation • Normalization of deviance in high-risk systems • Communication breakdowns and expectation bias • Why TCAS did not prevent the collision • Immediate safety changes implemented at Reagan National (DCA) This episode is for nervous flyers who want facts over speculation. We explain the investigation process, avoid clickbait, and focus on what the data actually shows. Aviation remains the safest mode of transportation in human history and understanding how safety systems evolve after an accident is part of that story. Listen for a calm, factual breakdown of the Washington DC crash investigation and the NTSB’s probable cause findings with Captain Kyle and Christian Smith. NTSB documents and videos can be found here. Visit Dial A Pilot here.
#15
Sep 2, 2025 · 1 hr
Airline Pet Peeves | From The Flight Deck Podcast Ep.15
From the Flight Deck Podcast is finally back after 6 months! In Episode 15, Christian joins us to discuss airline pet peeves, straight from our community poll. We asked what bothers YOU most about flying, and now we’re breaking it down from a pilot’s perspective. Whether you’re a nervous flyer, a frequent traveler, or just love aviation stories, this episode will keep you entertained and informed.
Feb 14, 2025 · 17 min
5 Things Nervous Fliers Need to Know After the DC Accident
Kyle discusses the 5 things nervous fliers need to know following the Washington DC aircraft accident. Book a call with us here.
Jan 29, 2025 · 42 min
How Aircraft Accidents of Years Past Further Aviation Safety Today
In this episode, Kyle breaks down a massive moment in aviation when John K. Lauber, a member of the U.S National Transportation Safety Board recognized that although an aircraft accident in 1987 was pilot error, systemic issues led to the error. This became a groundbreaking moment in aviation leading to the development of new approaches to pilot training, systems design, and ushering in the safest years in aviation history. This episode was inspired by our community members sharing their take-aways in aircraft accident analysis within our digital community. Want to learn more about our community?⁠ Click here for a video walk through with Kyle⁠. Ready to book a one-on-one call with our pilot team? ⁠You can do so here.
Jan 15, 2025 · 42 min
What is a Go Around? Landing at Airports with Short Runways (LGA, SAN, OGG)
Today, on the From The Flight Deck podcast, we take listener questions from nervous fliers about go-around and whether some airports are more challenging than others to land at. Dial A Pilot is here to help the nervous flier community understand aviation and overcome their fear of flying through knowledge and empowerment. Ready to book your call? Click here. Want to subscribe to updates and receive our free ebook from the Dial A Pilot team? Drop us your email here.
Jan 1, 2025 · 1 hr 21 min
Chicago O'Hare Air Traffic Controller, Mike McCabe
Today's episode is an amazing one. Chicago O'Hare Air Traffic Controller Mike McCabe joins us to explain how he and his colleagues keep us safe in the skies above Chicago. We dive into questions from nervous fliers such as: 1. How do you keep airplanes separated? 2. Is being an air traffic controller stressful? What is the most stressful part of the job? 3. What do you do if you have to have an airplane do a go-around? Where do they go? All of these and much more. This episode lasts well over an hour and Mike and I could have gone another two hours I am sure. Helpful links: How does air traffic control training work? Want to join the No Fear Flight Club?
Dec 18, 2024 · 42 min
Boeing 737 First Officer Lisa, Depressurizations, Career Paths to the Flight Deck
In today's episode, Kyle is joined by Boeing 737 First Officer, and Dial A Pilot member, Lisa! We take questions from our audience regarding depressurizations, what that means, how they happen, and how we handle them in the flight deck to ensure we safely land the airplane. Ready to overcome your fear of flying? Book a call with our pilot team and join the No Fear Flight Club! More info at www.dialapilot.com
Dec 4, 2024 · 43 min
Questions from Our Listeners: Turbulence, Takeoff, and more!
In this episode, we tackle these questions from listener Dawn: 1). Sometimes during turbulence, the plane drops rather than bumps. Why is that happening? What is the most drop you have felt and when should I worry? 2). Take us through a take off and landing and what we are feeling in our seats and why. 3). Why when flights are partway to 10,000 feet, the plane feels like it levels off and then starts to climb again? Is that new? It seems like that just started to happen in the last couple of years. 4). Top 3 things that actually make you worry or have stress when flying. Please don’t say spilling your coffee :-). 5). I am sure this is not possible but I think it would help nervous flyers such as myself to be able to hear inside the cockpit. Book a call with our pilot team here! Air Traffic Control YouTube
Nov 20, 2024 · 51 min
Scandinavian Turbulence, How Airport Infrastructure Furthers Aviation Safety
In this episode, Joey and Kyle discuss the recent severe turbulence encounter on a Scandinavian flight that led to a diversion back to Copenhagen. Joey and Kyle also discuss airport infrastructure and how airports are designed to ensure aviation safety. Tune in to hear more! Ready to book a Dial A Pilot call? You can do so here.
Nov 6, 2024 · 42 min
Our Best Flights, Our Worst Flights
In this episode, Kyle and Joey simply tell stories of their time in aviation. We find that our clients often feel significantly better after hearing that neither Kyle nor Joey has ever experienced any of the significant events that keep nervous travelers up at night. Ready to book your call? You can do so here.
Oct 23, 2024 · 33 min
Fear of Flying with Dr. Holly Batchelder
In this episode of Dial A Pilot, we sit down with Dr. Holly Batchelder, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in Anxiety, OCD, and Couples therapy. Dr. Batchelder shares her personal journey of overcoming flight anxiety, which she first experienced as a PhD student nearly a decade ago. Now, based in Seattle, WA, she integrates nature with self-care and is passionate about helping others conquer their travel fears. Tune in as we explore practical strategies for managing flight anxiety and building confidence in the skies. Connect with Dr. Holly Batchelder: Website: hollyphd.com Instagram: @holly.phd Facebook: @hollyphd YouTube: @dr.hollybatchelder Ready to book a call with Dial A Pilot? You can do so here!
Oct 9, 2024 · 47 min
Captain Brett Cookston, Fear of Flying Questions, and How Captain Brett Built His Career
In this episode, we’re joined by Captain Brett Cookston, an experienced pilot from the Dial A Pilot team, who is here to help nervous flyers overcome their fear of flying. Captain Brett answers listener questions and shares his career journey, shedding light on the reassuring facts about aviation that can ease common flying anxieties. He discusses turbulence, takeoff, and the rigorous safety protocols that pilots follow, all with the goal of helping you feel more comfortable and confident in the air. Listen now to discover: How Captain Brett became a pilot and the lessons he’s learned along the way Answers to common concerns from nervous flyers, straight from an expert Insights into the airline industry that reveal why flying is safer than you might think This episode is perfect for anyone looking to conquer their fear of flying and learn more about the world of aviation from a seasoned professional. Don’t miss it! Want to book your call with Dial A Pilot? Click here!
Sep 25, 2024 · 41 min
Navigating Fear: How Parenthood and Media Shaped Britt's Fear of Flying
In this episode, we sit down with Britt, who opens up about how becoming a parent changed her relationship with flying. After having kids, she developed a fear of flying fueled by the constant negative media reports that painted air travel as unsafe. Britt shares her journey of navigating these fears, the impact it had on her life, and the steps she's taking to overcome it. We also discuss how the media can shape our perceptions and what every nervous flyer should know about the true safety of air travel. Want to book a call with our team? You can book here!
Sep 11, 2024 · 45 min
From Flap Failure to Flight School: How Kristin Overcame Her Fear of Flying
In this episode, we sit down with Kristin, who transformed her fear of flying into a passion for aviation. Kristin shares her experience of a flap failure on an airliner, an event that shook her confidence in air travel and led her to run off an airplane before it even left the gate. But Kristin's story doesn't end there. With the help of our Dial A Pilot service, she faced her fears head-on and not only conquered them but also discovered a newfound love for flying. Now, Kristin is taking to the skies in a whole new way—by learning to fly! Join us as we discuss the journey from anxiety to empowerment, the role of Dial A Pilot in helping nervous fliers, and what it takes to turn a traumatic experience into a life-changing adventure. Whether you're a nervous flier or an aviation enthusiast, this episode offers inspiration and practical advice on overcoming fear and embracing the skies. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, the power of support, and the thrill of flying! Special Offer from Our Sponsor: We're proud to partner with SafetyWing Insurance for this episode! If you're a traveler looking for peace of mind, SafetyWing offers flexible, reliable insurance designed for digital nomads and frequent travelers. Whether you're on a short trip or a long-term adventure, SafetyWing has you covered. Support the podcast and protect yourself on your next journey by signing up with our ambassador link. Not only will you be securing top-notch travel insurance, but you'll also be helping us continue to bring you inspiring stories like Kristin's. Want to book a call with our pilot team? You can do that here.
Aug 28, 2024 · 34 min
Turbulence... Specifically Denver, Why So Much?
From the Flight Deck is back with another episode in our podcast! This time, we are answering YOUR questions. Today, we answer this from Kerry: "Go over turbulence and how it’s not dangerous - again! I can’t hear it enough", as well as "What is wrong with the Denver airport and why is it ALWAYS so turbulent on takeoff and approach?" from Alison! You can find our favorite YouTube videos about crosswind landings here. And the video of the Airbus A350 wing flex test here. Want to have your questions answered? ⁠Click here to submit!⁠ Want to book a call with the Dial A Pilot team? ⁠Click here to book!⁠ Don't forget to rate and review our show! We always appreciate 5 star reviews!
Aug 14, 2024 · 26 min
Will Airplanes Always Need Pilots? Here's What We Think
This question comes to us from listener, Kara: "Looking into the future of the airline industry, do you ever foresee pilot-less planes ever being consideration? As we move to driver-less cars such as waymo, do you think this could happen in the aviation industry? Why or why not?" Want to have your questions answered? ⁠Click here to submit!⁠ Want to book a call with the Dial A Pilot team? ⁠Click here to book!⁠ Don't forget to rate and review our show! We always appreciate 5 star reviews!
Jul 31, 2024 · 28 min
How Can You Trust Someone You've Never Met?
From the Flight Deck is back with another episode in our podcast! This time, we are answering YOUR questions. Today, we answer this from Danielle: "How do I trust the pilots when I don’t know them, know their training, know if they are having a good/bad day, know if they’re extra tired, mentally stable, etc. (this might just be my own trust issues!) What is happening in the cockpit during the flight? Playing chess? lol! If the pilot uses the restroom, the FA switches places until pilot returns? What do the chimes indicate? What about the mechanics and maintenance crew? We have to trust them too? My anxiety is increasing by asking these questions! lol! I’d love to see your dog in your videos…she’s therapeutic and calming. 🐾" Want to have your questions answered? Click here to submit! Want to book a call with the Dial A Pilot team? Click here to book! Don't forget to rate and review our show! We always appreciate 5 star reviews!

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