AIPA ‘Stick With It’

AIPA
  • 0.0 (0)
  • AVIATION

Presented by the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), Stick With It is a podcast for pilots who want to learn, reflect, and grow in their profession. Each episode features conversations with experienced guests from current to former pilots and aviation experts, sharing stories, practical skills, and timeless advice for navigating a career in aviation. Fly safe and stick with it.

  1. Anthony Mangan

    26 SEPT

    Anthony Mangan

    Send us a text Welcome back to Stick With It. In this episode, we are joined by AIPA’s rostering and scheduling expert, Anthony Mangan. Anthony’s aviation career began with Qantas in 1996, where he gained experience across a range of operational roles before moving into the Integrated Operations Centre. There, he worked at the heart of airline logistics, managing the complex and ever-changing movement of pilots across the network. This hands-on experience gave him a deep understanding of the pressures and priorities that shape rostering and scheduling in a 24/7 global airline environment. In 2024, Anthony brought this knowledge to AIPA, where he now leads the association’s rostering and scheduling service. His team provides support around the clock, seven days a week, helping members navigate the intricate and often confusing systems that govern rosters. It is no surprise that this service has quickly become one of the most valued benefits among AIPA members. In our conversation, Anthony shares his perspective on current trends in rostering, explains common challenges faced by pilots, and offers practical tips on how to get the most out of AIPA’s rostering support.  This episode is a must-listen for any pilot wanting to make sense of the complexities of scheduling. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 04:23 - Pattern Protection 17:08 - Commuting 31:06 - Sick Leave 39:36 - Consultative Meetings 42:40 - Open Time Allocation 45:20 - Quick Fire Questions 46:54 - Closing Remarks Fly safe and stick with it.

    47 min
  2. Carolyn Vaughan

    12 SEPT

    Carolyn Vaughan

    Send us a text Welcome back to Stick with It! In this episode, we’re joined by Carolyn Vaughan, Principal Human Factors Specialist in Aviation Psychology and Human Factors. We explore the mental and emotional challenges pilots face throughout their training journeys, and how to better prepare for them from the very beginning. Carolyn shares why adopting a “novice mindset” can be so powerful, even for experienced pilots in recurrent training, and offers practical ways to build resilience and bounce back from setbacks like failed sim sessions or difficult feedback. We also discuss how pilots can strengthen study habits, use deliberate practice to retain technical knowledge long-term, and how instructors can support learners through plateaus while creating a psychologically safe environment in high-stakes training. Whether you’re starting out or returning for recurrent checks, this conversation is packed with insights to help you train smarter, stay resilient, and grow as a pilot. 🎧 Fly safe and stick with it! Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:31 - History of Human Factors in Aviation 05:51 - Carolyn's Career Path 07:00 - New Training Guides 08:58 - Training Pathways & Shifting Mindset 15:11 - Retaining Information & Learning 22:02 - Learning as Adults 29:00 - Training Tips for Pilots 34:23 - Help Available to Pilots 36:13 - Outro Fly safe and stick with it.

    37 min
  3. Captain Ben Holland & Chris Mulholland

    18 AUG

    Captain Ben Holland & Chris Mulholland

    Send us a text 🎙 Stick With It – Inside the IOC: Real-Time Decisions, Real-World Pressure Welcome back to Stick With It. In this episode, we're going behind the scenes of Qantas operations with Captain Ben Holland, A330 pilot and Manager IOC, and Chris Mulholland, Manager IOC Operations, who brings over 47 years of experience to the table. We dive deep into the Integrated Operations Centre (IOC) the nerve centre of airline operations. What actually happens when a pilot makes a call mid-flight? How does the IOC respond during emergencies or security incidents? And what tools and processes help keep flights running safely and smoothly across the globe? From daily operations to real-world incidents including emergency calls, international airspace challenges, and crisis communications. Ben and Chris walk us through how decisions are made under pressure and why the IOC is critical for pilots and the broader airline network. You’ll hear first-hand: What the IOC actually is and why it mattersThe inner workings of IOC departments and reporting structuresReal incidents handled by the team from Baku to the MaldivesHow the IOC reacts to PAN calls and emergenciesWhat pilots should know about the support available behind the scenesThis one’s a must-listen for anyone curious about what happens beyond the flight deck. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro   00:47 - What is the IOC? 03:05 - IOC Operations Overview 05:14 - Chris's Aviation Career 05:43 - IOC Team Structure 08:16 - Communication and Information Flow 08:58 - Crisis Management and Escalation 13:52 - Middle East Airspace Situation  18:50 - Team Concept and Similarities to Flight Operations 21:47 - Medical Emergencies and Unusual Situations 22:39 - Baku Diversions 25:05 - Evidence-Based Training (EBT) Comparison 26:10 - Normal vs Abnormal Days 28:19 - On-Time Performance (OTP) 32:15 - QF520 Engine Failure Incident 37:44 - Pilot Perspective on IOC Operations 39:15 - Decision-Making Processes 41:01 - Communication Improvements 43:57 - Memorable Incidents 44:45 - How Pilots Can Help IOC 45:37 - Closing Remarks Fly safe and stick with it.

    47 min
  4. Captain Kev Sullivan (Ret'd)

    4 AUG

    Captain Kev Sullivan (Ret'd)

    Send us a text Welcome back to Stick With It! In this powerful and exclusive episode, we’re joined by Capt Kevin Sullivan (Ret’d), whose aviation story is nothing short of extraordinary. Kevin began his career as a U.S. Navy pilot, flying the iconic F-14 Tomcat and training as part of the elite Top Gun program. After his military career, he made the transition to commercial aviation, joining Qantas and flying widebody aircraft across the globe. But it was one fateful day in 2008 that would forever define Kevin's career and test every ounce of his skill and resilience. As the captain of QF72, a flight that experienced a sudden and violent in-flight upset caused by a malfunctioning flight control system, Kevin’s quick thinking and calm leadership under extreme pressure helped save countless lives. In this candid conversation, Kevin shares the highs and lows of his aviation journey from the structured intensity of Top Gun to the deep personal impact of QF72. He speaks openly about the mental toll, the moments of doubt, the support systems that mattered, and the lessons he believes all pilots should carry with them. This is a rare insight into the life and mindset of a pilot who’s seen and experienced it all, from the thrill of fighter jets to the unforgiving reality of real-world emergencies. Whether you're in training, on the line, or in command, Kevin’s story will resonate deeply. It’s not just a story about flying it’s a story about leadership, responsibility, and the human side of aviation. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 00:42 - Top Gun & Flying the F-14 17:08 - Life in Australia & Flying for Qantas 21:49 - QF72 31:52 - Aftermath of QF72 43:44 - Automation  46:28 - Reduced Crew Operations  51:43 - Life after flying  55:05 - Closing words Fly safe and stick with it.

    57 min
  5. Captain Andrew Stewart (Ret'd)

    21 JUL

    Captain Andrew Stewart (Ret'd)

    Send us a text Welcome back to Stick With It! In this episode, we're joined by Capt Andrew Stewart (Ret’d), a former Qantas 747 Captain who is now a psychotherapist working with the Pilot Assistance Network (PAN). After retiring from flying, Andrew retrained as a therapist at Oxford, specialising in supporting pilots with the unique mental challenges of aviation. We explore the psychological blocks pilots often face in training, how to manage stress, deal with imposter syndrome, and practical strategies to build resilience throughout your career. While many of these themes may be familiar, we hope this conversation reinforces what you know or helps you learn something new, as you prepare for your next SIM, upgrade, or command training. Fly safe and stick with it.

    44 min
  6. Captain Ryan Smith

    10 JUL

    Captain Ryan Smith

    Send us a text Welcome back to Stick With It. Today, we’re joined by Captain Ryan Smith, a QantasLink Dash 8 Q400 Check and Training Captain with a rich background that started in general aviation through the UNSW program. In this episode, Ryan walks us through his journey from flight training and GA operations into an airline operation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to transition into QantasLink. We dive into the challenges and steep learning curve of operating the Dash 8 Q400, a complex, high-performance turboprop and the mindset required to succeed in training and line operations. Ryan shares practical tips, reflections from his early days, and advice to new pilots.  Whether you’re just beginning your aviation journey or building hours in GA, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and honest insights. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:44 – How Ryan's Flying Career Began 05:02 – Starting in QantasLink 06:45 – Moving from Q300 to Q400 09:08 – Starting at QantasLink as a New Recruit 14:49 – Flying Roles, F/O and Capt Flying 16:30 – Ground School Training 19:12 – First Days as a QantasLink Pilot 23:05 – Rostering & First Flights 33:17 – Memory Items & Recalls 34:50 – Training and Checking Secrets 38:00 – Diverse Operations 41:00 – Dealing with Setbacks 44:32 – Where AIPA Can Help 46:30 – Advice for Pilots 48:53 – 3 Key Things to Remember 52:32 - Outro Fly safe and stick with it.

    53 min
  7. Captain Wayne Kearns (Ret'd)

    30 JUN

    Captain Wayne Kearns (Ret'd)

    Send us a text  In this episode of Stick With It, we’re honoured to be joined by former AIPA President, Captain Wayne Kearns (Ret'd). Captain Kearns reflects on the early days of AIPA, sharing firsthand stories from a defining era in aviation. From navigating industrial challenges to flying alongside World War II pilots, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the past through the eyes of someone who lived it. With decades of experience both in the flightdeck and in leadership roles, Captain Kearns shares key moments from his career, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his advice for the next generation of pilots.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:45 - Origins of AIPA 12:48 - Flying with WWII Veterans  14:07 - Time as AIPA President  18:29 - 1989 Pilots Dispute  24:30 - Working for Qantas post AIPA 31:54 - Managing Pilots  33:39 - Stories from Managing Pilots 39:43 - Flight Engineers  43:33 - Seniority List  44:32 - Mergers with Airlines 50:03 - Advice for Pilots 51:42 - Life in Retirement Fly safe and stick with it.

    55 min
  8. Captain Andrew Marshall

    17 JUN

    Captain Andrew Marshall

    Send us a text We’re kicking the new season off with my good mate, AIPA President Captain Andrew Marshall. We talk through his career so far, unpack where things stand with Reduced Crew Operations (RCO), dive into the latest on enterprise bargaining, and look ahead to what the future may hold for our profession.  Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction and welcome to season two   00:29 – Guest introduction: Captain Andrew Marshall   02:38 – Andrew's early career and Qantas start   06:30 – Self-funded cadetship and pilot training   08:09 – Role and challenges as AIPA President   10:15 – Academic journey and Executive MBA   13:13 – Short haul EA implementation update   15:47 – Industrial relations and pay rise issues   17:50 – Negotiations and collaboration between groups   27:14 – Reduced crew operations concerns   31:35 – Importance of union representation   34:00 – Reasons for staying involved in AIPA   36:10 – Reflections on career and advice to younger self   37:59 – Enjoyment of flying and presidential role   40:05 – Closing remarks and farewell Fly safe and stick with it.

    41 min
See All (26)

About

Presented by the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), Stick With It is a podcast for pilots who want to learn, reflect, and grow in their profession. Each episode features conversations with experienced guests from current to former pilots and aviation experts, sharing stories, practical skills, and timeless advice for navigating a career in aviation. Fly safe and stick with it.

Information

  • Creator
    AIPA
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 AIPA ‘Stick With It’
  • Show Website
    AIPA ‘Stick With It’

You Might Also Like