From The Flight Deck

Latest Episodes:

Aviation Headlines vs Incidents: The Reality Gap | From the Flight Deck Podcast Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

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!

Boeing 787 Engine Fire Leads to a Perfectly Safe Landing | From the Flight Deck Podcast Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

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.

5 Nervous Flier Types | From the Flight Deck Podcast Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

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

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The DCA Midair Collision: Final Findings | From The Flight Deck Podcast Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

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.

Airline Pet Peeves | From The Flight Deck Podcast Ep.15 Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

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 Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

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 Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

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.

What is a Go Around? Landing at Airports with Short Runways (LGA, SAN, OGG) Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

Chicago O'Hare Air Traffic Controller, Mike McCabe Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

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?

Boeing 737 First Officer Lisa, Depressurizations, Career Paths to the Flight Deck Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

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

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