Meet Captain Dan Tolkmit, your go-to expert in the Dial A Pilot program. Known for his personable approach and unmatched passion for helping others conquer their fear of flying, Dan prefers connecting through face-to-face video sessions on Google Meet. While he’s happy to accommodate phone calls, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the visuals he shares during a video chat.

From the moment we connected, Captain Dan dove right in, asking about my biggest fears about flying. When I mentioned my anxiety around takeoffs and turbulence, he delivered a reassuring perspective: planes want to be in the air, and for pilots, takeoffs and landings are the best part of any flight. His words immediately made me feel more at ease.

Dan’s experience with fearful flyers is extensive. He has a curriculum specifically designed to address concerns like turbulence, and this is where the video chat really shines. He provided a clear visual of how planes move during turbulence, helping me see it from a pilot’s perspective. It made all the difference in calming my nerves. Plus, he followed up our session with a TikTok video explaining turbulence—a little extra touch that goes a long way. Curious about his background, I asked Dan how he got into aviation. His story is unique. Initially set on a medical career at UC Irvine, he realized after tackling organic chemistry that it wasn’t for him. A career assessment test pointed him toward a different path that promised both a solid income and plenty of time off: becoming an airline pilot. With the military not hiring then, Dan opted for civilian training at a flight school in Orange County. The minute he took his first flight, he knew he’d found his passion.

Captain Dan’s career is impressive. He’s clocked over 28,000 flying hours and completed 13,000 flights over 42 years, with time flying overseas and for a jet charter company in Long Beach before landing his dream job with Delta Air Lines. Traveling the world as a Delta pilot, Dan loved the freedom of a job that didn’t come home with him. Though retired now, he fondly recalls his incredible career and the thrill of being in the cockpit. If you’re a visual learner like me and want to overcome your fear of flying, Captain Dan is the person to work with. He combines deep expertise with a warm, approachable style, and he’s committed to helping you feel at ease—during and after your session. With Captain Dan, you’ll get more than just a conversation—you’ll gain a true understanding of flying and tools to keep your anxiety at bay.

Don’t let anxiety keep you grounded—schedule your session with Captain Dan today!