Kyle Koukol
From The Flight Deck presented by Dial A Pilot
From the Flight Deck is a podcast for nervous flyers, by airline pilots. One of the hosts, Kyle, is the Founder of Dial A Pilot, a service that connects nervous passengers with airline pilots to help them overcome their fear of flying. From the Flight Deck is aimed at helping people feel engaged and empowered on their next travel day.
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Aviation Headlines vs Incidents: The Reality Gap | From the Flight Deck Podcast 09.04.2026 53:20
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 tal...
Boeing 787 Engine Fire Leads to a Perfectly Safe Landing | From the Flight Deck Podcast 12.03.2026 48:40
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...
5 Nervous Flier Types | From the Flight Deck Podcast 26.02.2026 40:55
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...
The DCA Midair Collision: Final Findings | From The Flight Deck Podcast 12.02.2026 1:10:22
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 p...
Airline Pet Peeves | From The Flight Deck Podcast Ep.15 02.09.2025 1:00:58
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.
5 Things Nervous Fliers Need to Know After the DC Accident 14.02.2025 17:53
Kyle discusses the 5 things nervous fliers need to know following the Washington DC aircraft accident. Book a call with us here.
How Aircraft Accidents of Years Past Further Aviation Safety Today 29.01.2025 42:59
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...
What is a Go Around? Landing at Airports with Short Runways (LGA, SAN, OGG) 15.01.2025 42:33
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 receiv...
Chicago O'Hare Air Traffic Controller, Mike McCabe 01.01.2025 1:21:14
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 ai...
Boeing 737 First Officer Lisa, Depressurizations, Career Paths to the Flight Deck 18.12.2024 42:30
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.dia...
Questions from Our Listeners: Turbulence, Takeoff, and more! 04.12.2024 43:44
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 sta...
Scandinavian Turbulence, How Airport Infrastructure Furthers Aviation Safety 20.11.2024 51:12
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 .
Our Best Flights, Our Worst Flights 06.11.2024 42:41
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 .
Fear of Flying with Dr. Holly Batchelder 23.10.2024 33:05
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 other...
Captain Brett Cookston, Fear of Flying Questions, and How Captain Brett Built His Career 09.10.2024 47:23
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 proto...
Navigating Fear: How Parenthood and Media Shaped Britt's Fear of Flying 25.09.2024 41:46
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...
From Flap Failure to Flight School: How Kristin Overcame Her Fear of Flying 11.09.2024 45:55
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-...
Turbulence... Specifically Denver, Why So Much? 28.08.2024 34:34
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 YouTub...
Will Airplanes Always Need Pilots? Here's What We Think 14.08.2024 26:40
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...
How Can You Trust Someone You've Never Met? 31.07.2024 28:41
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...
Episode 10: Flying to China, Risk Management 08.02.2024 49:05
On this episode, Kyle and Joey discuss their recent flights, risk management, and the future of the Dial A Pilot service.
Episode 9: Crew Rest, Alaska, Japan 22.01.2024 56:45
In this episode, Kyle and Joey discuss FAQ's about how the flight crew gets rest on long flights. We also discuss the recent incidents from Alaska Airlines on their loss of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 door, as well as the runway incursion in Japan. Instagram: @dialapilot TikTok: @dial_a_pilot
Episode 8: Q & A, Part 2 20.12.2023 56:19
Kyle and Joey are back with another Q & A episode from our fantastic followers on our social media channels. Follow us on TikTok @dial_a_pilot and Instagram @dialapilot.
All About Turbulence 11.12.2023 44:44
On todays episode, Kyle and Joey talk about turbulence! What types, what causes it, and what the pilots can do to avoid it. Check us out on TikTok at @dial_a_pilot and Instagram at @dialapilot
Episode 6: The People Involved 05.12.2023 47:09
On todays episode, we talk about the amazing team that the airlines have put together to ensure safe flight operations throughout the process. Like, comment, and subscribe and don't forget to check us out on social media. Instagram: @dialapilot TikTok: @dial_a_pilot and online at https://www.dialapilot.com/
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