Flying can feel really scary, especially in light of recent events. If you are someone who “white knuckles” all your flights - or you have NEVER taken a flight - this episode is for you. Take a peak behind the cockpit door and join me as I talk to Captain Kyle Koukol, a commercial airline pilot who additionally provides education and support for anxious travelers.

Even if you are NOT anxious, our conversation is an interesting window into the aviation industry. We cover all your burning questions…

* How do pilots train and prepare for rare emergencies?

* Is flying still safe? (Spoiler: Yes! It’s by far the safest mode of transportation)

* What causes turbulence? Should I freak out? (No!)

* How do pilots handle bad weather? Or mechanical issues?

* Tips and strategies for handling the flight anxiety that persists even after you know the facts about flying

Maybe you want to take that vacation, see new places, dip your toes in the ocean or fly with more joy and less dread. You can do it! I loved this conversation, and I hope it can help.

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

How to Listen:

* Listen here at practicalpsychpod.substack.com. If you subscribe (it’s free!), you will get new episodes delivered to your email.

* Listen on Apple.

* Listen on Spotify.

About my guest:

Captain Kyle Koukol is an airline pilot and the founder of Dial A Pilot, a service that connects nervous fliers with U.S.-based airline pilots to help them overcome their fear of flying. With more than 6,000 hours of flight time covering both domestic and international routes, he has had countless conversations with anxious passengers. These experiences fueled his passion for helping people view aviation through a pilot’s perspective. Recognizing a public need for such support, Kyle launched Dial A Pilot in May 2023.

Links:

Curious to learn more about Dial A Pilot? Find the website here.

Book a call with the Dial A Pilot team

Join the Dial A Pilot community

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend, share on your social media, or leave a rating or review on Apple or Spotify. Please and thank you! Feel free to leave a comment or question about the episode here on Substack, but to comment you must first become a free subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit practicalpsychpod.substack.com