138 episodes

If you're looking to enter the commercial aviation industry, we've got the right podcast for you!

With pilot and interview coach Nik Fialka as your host, we will deliver exceptional and insightful content to help you understand the landscape of professional aviation. We will help you organize your thoughts, score interview points, and ace the aviation recruitment process. You will get a deep dive into all the facets of the aviation industry by hearing directly from leaders and recruiters. You’ll learn how to stay composed and articulate yourself with impact as we uncover airline-specific pilot selection demands, analyze the aviation industry's culture, and give you great interview advice.

Listen to the Ready 4 Pushback podcast to transform yourself and gain valuable perspective about your dream job!

Ready 4 Pushback Nik Fialka

    • Leisure

If you're looking to enter the commercial aviation industry, we've got the right podcast for you!

With pilot and interview coach Nik Fialka as your host, we will deliver exceptional and insightful content to help you understand the landscape of professional aviation. We will help you organize your thoughts, score interview points, and ace the aviation recruitment process. You will get a deep dive into all the facets of the aviation industry by hearing directly from leaders and recruiters. You’ll learn how to stay composed and articulate yourself with impact as we uncover airline-specific pilot selection demands, analyze the aviation industry's culture, and give you great interview advice.

Listen to the Ready 4 Pushback podcast to transform yourself and gain valuable perspective about your dream job!

    Ep137: Furloughs: Keep Calm and Pilot on!

    Ep137: Furloughs: Keep Calm and Pilot on!

    Are you concerned about the current state of the aviation industry? Tune in as we discuss how these challenges can be opportunities for your personal and professional growth. Whether you're going to flight school or contemplating your next career move, this episode offers encouragement and practical advice to help you navigate these turbulent times.
     
    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE
    Strategies to enhance your aviation career during industry slowdowns
    How to remain competitive and marketable in the aviation job market
    Managing career transitions and the importance of continuous learning and certification
    Coping mechanisms and strategies for pilots facing furloughs or job uncertainty
    Maintaining mental health and resilience during career challenges
     
    RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED
    Ready 4 Pushback: Ep05: Inertia | Don't Just Sit There!!
    LinkedIn
     
    CONNECT WITH US 
    Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!
     
    If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!
     

    • 16 min
    Ep136: Don't Take NO for an Answer: A UAV's Pilot Journey to a Major Airline

    Ep136: Don't Take NO for an Answer: A UAV's Pilot Journey to a Major Airline

    Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of transitioning from drone aviation to piloting manned aircraft with Jimmy. Discover how to leverage your unique experiences and network effectively to carve out your path in aviation. This isn’t just an episode, it's a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and strategic planning for any aviator facing a crossroads in their career. So tune in!
     
    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE
    Strategies to overcome career transition challenges within aviation
    The importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating career changes
    How to harness the power of networking and mentorship for career advancement in aviation
    Practical insights into leveraging training programs and resources to achieve your piloting goals
     
    RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED
    DOD SkillBridge
    Professional Asian Pilots Association
    Rusty Pilots In-Person Seminars - AOPA
     
    CONNECT WITH US
    Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!
     
    If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!
     
    SPONSOR
    Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.
    If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call 704-717-9300 ext 120 to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.
    Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

    • 38 min
    Ep135: DON'T TOUCH MY AIRCRAFT. Friction at 40,000 Feet

    Ep135: DON'T TOUCH MY AIRCRAFT. Friction at 40,000 Feet

    How should you react when unexpected turbulence hits? In this episode, we share a gripping story about a fellow pilot's quick reaction to sudden airspeed changes caused by turbulence, along with the captain's surprising response. Listen to the end to learn about the importance of teamwork and crew resource management in aviation.
     
    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE
    The dynamics of pilot flying and pilot monitoring roles in handling unexpected flight conditions
    Importance of effective crew resource management and teamwork in aviation safety
    Appropriate actions to take when encountering sudden turbulence
    Why professional standards and conflict management are vital within airline operations
     
    CONNECT WITH US 
    Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!
     
    If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!

    • 15 min
    Ep 134: Frontier Airlines: An Airline You CAN Work For with Nicholas Tursi

    Ep 134: Frontier Airlines: An Airline You CAN Work For with Nicholas Tursi

    Hop in on an exciting discussion about transitioning to major airlines with seasoned pilot Nicholas Tursi! Let him be your expert guide as he offers insider tips on acing unexpected interviews, navigating salary negotiations, and leveraging scholarships to skyrocket your aviation career. Tune in to this episode and book your ride for an exciting journey to success today.
     
    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE
    Intrinsic value of starting a conversation with airline recruiters
    Expected salaries for newly hired pilots in the US
    A flight school scholarship program to help military veterans avoid debt
    Services Frontier Airlines provides for their passengers and pilots
    Advantages of working at a local base for pilots who commute to work
     
    RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED
    American Airlines
    RTAG
    PSA Airlines
    VR&E Flight School & Voc Rec Pilot Training
    YouTube Link: iamnicthevet
    SkyBridge Aviation
    Allegiant
    United Airlines
     
    ABOUT NICHOLAS TURSI
    Nicholas is a commercial airline pilot and SkyBridge counselor dedicated to veterans' success. As an airline transport pilot, Nicholas has experience succeeding in challenging and variable flight environments. He's a seasoned flight instructor with a 100% student passing rate. Nicholas is a former U.S. Army team leader with a strong record of leading & mentoring soldiers under his command
     
    CONNECT WITH NICHOLAS
    Website: Frontier Airlines | BreakTurn | Piedmont Airlines
    LinkedIn: Nicholas Tursi
     
    CONNECT WITH US
    Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!
     
    If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!
     
    SPONSOR
    Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.
    If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call 704-717-9300 ext 120 to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.
    Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

     
     
     
     
     
     

    • 30 min
    Ep133: You Aren't Owed Anything!

    Ep133: You Aren't Owed Anything!

    In this episode, we dive into the differences between privilege and entitlement, exploring how these concepts play out within the aviation industry and beyond. Join us as we dissect the unearned benefits associated with privilege, the expectation inherent in entitlement, and the transformative power of gratitude in professional and personal growth in your aviation career!
     
    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE
    The meaning of privilege and entitlement and their implications in aviation and life
    How gratitude transcends privilege and entitlement, influencing well-being, relationships, and professional success
    Practical advice for pilots on embracing gratitude and humility in their careers
     
    CONNECT WITH US 
    Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!
     
    If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!
     

    • 16 min
    Ep132: The Unfiltered Stories of Aviation Pioneers in the NGPA

    Ep132: The Unfiltered Stories of Aviation Pioneers in the NGPA

    In this episode, we explore the varied journeys of four individuals as they navigate the expansive skies of aviation. Listen to the remarkable stories of passion, persistence, and the pursuit of dreams from Omar, Merdad, Julian, and Jessica, shared during our time at the NGPA’s Palm Springs Winter Warm-Up. Join us as we delve into the challenges they've conquered, the ambitions propelling them forward, and the universal love for flying that unites all aviators.
     
    WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE
    How to transition from military aviation to commercial airlines
    The value of networking and mentorship within the aviation community
    Strategies for entering aviation training and the benefits of obtaining a private pilot’s license
    Insights into the competitive landscape of aviation careers
    Significance of representation and inclusivity in aviation
     
    RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED
    NGPA
    American Airlines
    AA Cadet Academy
    SkyWest Airlines
    Aviation Science | Orange Coast College
    Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals
    RTAG
    United Airlines
    Professional Flight - College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University
     
    CONNECT WITH US
    Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!
     
    If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!
     
    SPONSOR
    Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US.
    If you’re a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call 704-717-9300 ext 120 to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®.
    Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.

    • 38 min

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