Stats show that up to 40% of people are afraid to fly, with many people experiencing mild anxiety and others stricken by serious aerophobia.

And we'd hate to let a little irrational fear of traveling through the air at 550 miles per hour in a 600-ton metal cylinder keep you from seeing the world.

So here's Dial a Pilot, a new service that's connecting flyers with pilots via one-on-one calls, so you can ask questions before your flight, hear from trusted experts, and hopefully feel better about getting on the plane.

Per the website:

Air travel can feel like a mystery, but we believe that knowledge is the key to boosting your confidence. Our team of professional airline pilots will guide you through every aspect of your flight, from takeoff to landing. Say goodbye to uncertainty and welcome a new understanding of what happens during your journey.

Use the site to book a 15-minute call with a pilot for a $50 fee. You can poke around the calendar to find an available day and time, and also input your departure date and any specifics you want to discuss. Once connected, the pilot can talk about your specific flight plan, the weather along your route, any turbulence you might encounter, system-wide delays and personal anxieties you're feeling about the flight.

According to the service: "Our pilots will patiently answer your questions, demystify aviation terminology, and ensure that you feel comfortable every step of the way. Empowerment comes from understanding, and we’re here to equip you with the knowledge you need."

So if you're feeling nervous, give the service a try. Because while there are other travel alternatives, flying is still the quickest way to get from point A to point B. And it's often the only way to get where you're going.