When I first started Dial A Pilot in May of 2023, my goal was to create an accurate turbulence forecasting service specifically designed for nervous fliers. Over time, however, we’ve grown into so much more than that. We’ve become a one-stop-shop for anyone coping with a fear of flying.
I recognize that in the wake of any aircraft accident, people turn to Dial A Pilot for reliable, fact-based information. As you may know, one of our founding principles is that we do not speculate on the cause of any accident. Aircraft incidents are incredibly complex, and determining what happened, who was at fault, and what changes might be needed is the responsibility of the relevant investigative authorities in each country.
Our presence on social media has helped us reach a wide audience, but it also brings unique challenges. Of course, viral content can boost our visibility; yet our purpose remains constant: to help you develop a personal connection with the pilots responsible for your safety. I keep this front of mind whenever I respond to accidents and incidents. This is why you don’t see a large social media response from me following accidents, it doesn’t match my priorities as well as other mediums do.
The moment news of an accident reaches me, I gather all the factual data I can and try to piece together a big-picture understanding of the situation. Then I communicate with our digital community, sharing what I know and offering support in whatever way possible. After that, I write.
Writing has become an important outlet for me. I put myself in your shoes and think of the questions you might have—often informed by the countless hours I’ve spent talking with our customers. Finally, I switch back to my role as an airline pilot and craft an email.
Below is what I sent in the immediate aftermath of the recent aircraft accident in Toronto:
A Message from Kyle
I am writing to you today in the wake of an aircraft incident involving a U.S. carrier in Toronto, Canada. As a nervous flier, it’s perfectly natural for you to have questions, concerns, and anxiety—especially when events like this occur. Thankfully, as of this writing, news reports indicate that all 80 people on board have evacuated and treated by first responders, which is wonderful news.
It is natural for humans to seek the most information when we have the least. I will urge caution in the content you consume online about this event, as I have already seen multiple occurrences of speculation and incorrect details being distributed.
I understand that Dial A Pilot has become a trusted source of information whenever an incident occurs. I’m honored to hold this responsibility, and my team and I take it very seriously. I’d like to take a moment to reflect on our vision for this role, our guidelines, and our approach to helping you make well-informed decisions about your travels.
Let me be clear: this message is not about downplaying your fears.
Everything we do in life carries risk—driving your car, walking your dog, even eating a meal. Aviation is no different. The “what if” scenarios that come to mind—mechanical issues, turbulence, human factors—are real possibilities. My fellow pilots and I have spent our entire professional careers training and preparing for these issues to occur at any moment, on any flight.
The dispatchers who sign off on a flight’s safety spend their careers identifying risk factors, such as bad weather or turbulence, and deciding whether each risk can be mitigated to an acceptable level. The flight attendants I have the pleasure of working with are prepared to guide the aircraft cabin through emergency evacuations, help with medical situations, or simply assist a passenger in need.
The maintenance professionals who care for our jets have the daunting task of ensuring the aircraft is operating at peak performance at all times, so that you, and indeed our own families, board planes that are meticulously maintained to the highest standards.
I could go on for pages about air traffic controllers, ramp agents, gate agents, operations personnel, aircraft cleaners, and the many other professionals who touch our aircraft before departure. Suffice it to say, they’re all committed to safe operations every single day.
My point is this: everything in life involves risk, and aviation is no different. Our job as airline professionals is to reduce that risk to the lowest acceptable level before any aircraft takes flight. Everyone plays a role in this process.
At Dial A Pilot, our team consists of the pilots who are the final authority responsible for making the go/no-go decision after these many professionals have done their part. We stand ready to help you understand how that process works. As a nervous flier, aviation can feel overwhelmingly complex and intimidating, which is why our role at Dial A Pilot is straightforward: to give you relevant, personalized information, straight from the very people you trust when you board an airplane. It’s a responsibility we take to heart, and our goal is to give you a sense of ownership in your journey.
We recognize that poor word choice or phrasing in news articles, inflammatory remarks, and speculation can add to a nervous flier’s distress. Our role is to help you navigate the sea of information that comes your way daily, giving you the knowledge to take ownership of your travel experiences.
I want to close by saying how much we appreciate the trust you place in us. It’s an honor we don’t take lightly. All of us at Dial A Pilot are passionate about flying airplanes and helping people, and we hold your trust in the highest respect.
As a reminder, we offer two key resources:
1. One-on-one calls with our team (which can be booked here).
2. Our online community, which has grown into something truly special. If you’d like more information about joining, please reply to this email.
Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to earn your trust and guide your flying journey.
Sincerely,
Kyle
Founder, Dial A Pilot
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Beyond our email list, I enjoy sharing information from creators that I personally know and trust. Juan Browne of the Blancolirio channel is one of those people. Juan is an airline pilot and speaks to an aviation enthusiast audience but his analysis is thorough, fact based, and unbiased. Below is his YouTube response.
That’s all for now. Thank you again for your trust. It is not something I take lightly.
Kyle
