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.

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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.

Kyle discusses the 5 things nervous fliers need to know following the Washington DC aircraft accident.

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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.

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.

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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?

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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

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.

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Air Traffic Control YouTube

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.

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.