Ready 4 Pushback

Think your next aviation opportunity comes from a perfect elevator pitch? Think again. Adam Uhan, co-founder of The Pilot Network, joins us to break down why authentic conversations, mentorship, and genuine...

Rob Dumovic joins us to explore how aerobatic training can make pilots more confident, capable, and safer. From competition aerobatics to upset prevention and recovery, Rob explains why learning to operate outside your...

The fun isn't just reaching the left seat, the major airline, or the next big milestone. It's the journey getting there. Flying is hard. Training, check rides, self-doubt, long hours, and constant learning are all part...

Your airline career can change overnight. Are you prepared if it does? In this episode, Nik breaks down the practical steps pilots can take now, from keeping logbooks and applications current to maintaining their...

Your next aviation opportunity might come from the pilot sitting next to you. Nik sits down with Haley Ageton, Air Force C-130 pilot, United pilot, and Spitfire Elite coach, to talk about the power of relationships in...

Nik Fialka sits down with Justin Ritter, Director of Pilot Hiring at United Airlines, for an inside look at what it really takes to get hired in 2026. United is hiring, but the competition is real. Justin breaks down...

In this episode of Ready 4 Pushback, we dive into one of the most important habits a pilot can develop: having a plan before you ever get to the runway. When do you slow down? When do you configure? What does "stable"...

Joshua Lee, President of RTAG, joins Nik Fialka for an inside look at the veteran aviation community and the RTAG National Convention. They break down how pilots, maintainers, and aviation professionals can turn...

What does it really take to become an airline pilot? Nik Fialka explores the desire, discipline, and persistence behind a career in aviation. From flight school and checkrides to airline interviews, setbacks, and the...

Your pilot logbook is more than a record of flight time. Nik Fialka sits down with Airos founder David Spektor to discuss common logbook mistakes, airline applications, and why accurate flight records matter. Learn how...

Your words have the power to build confidence or create fear, especially when you're leading, teaching, or mentoring another pilot. In this solo episode, Nik shares why great leaders speak life into others and focus on...

In this episode, Claudia Zapata Cardone, President of Latino Professionals in Aerospace (LPA), joins us to preview the 2026 LPA Aerospace Industry Expo and the opportunities it creates for aviation professionals. We...

What separates a pilot who can run a checklist from one who can actually manage the airplane when things go sideways? Nik sits down with airline captain and instructor Graeme Perry to unpack the nine core competencies...

The checkride isn't just about knowing your stuff, it's about how you perform when things start coming at you. After last week's nerves and preparation in Episode 374, Nik is back with the full debrief: simulator...

When Plan A falls apart, that's when the real journey begins. Harry Yi shares his journey through rejection, unexpected opportunities, and the decisions that shaped a career he truly values. From military aviation to...