English
Ready 4 Pushback
by Nik Fialka
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…
Episodes
Ep 397 From Paper Airplanes to Fighter Jets: An 11-Year Old's Extraordinary Passion for Aviation
2 Nov 2026 · 30 min
In this inspiring episode of Ready for Pushback, host Nick Fialka interviews 11-year-old Rishaan Dwivedi, a remarkably talented young aviation enthusiast whose passion for airplanes has grown into an impressive collection of intricate aircraft models and a miniature replica of Atlanta's…
Ep 396 Rise - The Culmination of Incremental Gains
29 Oct 2026 · 18 min
Career success comes from consistent, incremental improvement - not comparison, perfection or one big breakthrough. This episode reflects on conversations at the 2026 Latino Professionals in Aerospace Expo and explains that "Rising" means getting 1% better every day, being honest about your…
Ep 395 Enlisted Marine to Airline Pilot: Building Flight Time While Serving
26 Oct 2026 · 31 min
You don't have to wait until you leave the military to start your airline pilot journey. Marine Gino Morato shares how he balances active duty, family, and flight training while working toward an airline career. Learn how to navigate flight schools, manage training costs, and build flight time…
Ep 394 Coffin Corner Leaves No Margin For Error
22 Oct 2026 · 10 min
What happens when the opportunity you've been waiting for arrives, but you're not ready for it? This episode draws a powerful connection between aviation's coffin corner and the career mistakes that leave pilots with no margin for error. Learn why preparation creates options, confidence, and the…
Ep 393 The Redbird Story: Building the Future of Flight Training
19 Oct 2026 · 46 min
What does it take to change the way pilots learn to fly? In this episode, Nik Fialka sits down with Charlie Gregoire, founder of Redbird Flight, to explore how a simulator built in a Texas barn grew into a company helping shape the future of aviation training. Charlie shares the risks, mentors,…
Ep 392 Are You Jaded
15 Oct 2026 · 12 min
What happens when the dream of flying starts to feel like just another job? This episode is a reminder for pilots to break the cycle of negativity before cynicism takes over. Discover how to protect your passion, find the moments that make aviation incredible, and stay grateful for the privilege…
Ep 391 Stop Pitching, Start Connecting
12 Oct 2026 · 32 min
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 relationships can open more doors than simply selling yourself. From airline conferences…
Ep 390 Train Your Mind with Stress Inoculation
8 Oct 2026 · 12 min
You don't get to choose the day everything goes wrong in the cockpit. Are you ready for it? In this episode, Nik breaks down how pilots can train their minds to stay effective when stress, workload, and multiple threats start stacking up. From simulator failures and check rides to real-world…
Ep 387 Fly Better, Fly Safer: The Power of Aerobatic Training
28 Sept 2026 · 57 min
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 comfort zone builds a stronger pilot. We dive into mentorship, understanding…
Ep 386 The Fun is Getting There
24 Sept 2026 · 13 min
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 of becoming a professional pilot. If you're feeling stuck, discouraged, or…
Ep 388 Be Ready to Pivot
23 Sept 2026 · 14 min
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 professional network. Learn why preparing for a Plan B isn't betting against your…
Ep 389 The Power of the Pilot Network
23 Sept 2026 · 22 min
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 aviation. From military camaraderie and transitioning to the airlines to meeting…
Ep 385 United Airlines Pilot Hiring: What Recruiters REALLY Look For in 2026
21 Sept 2026 · 24 min
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 what recruiters are seeing, what makes a pilot stand out, and how to maximize…
Ep 384 When You're a Pilot, You've Gotta Have a Plan
17 Sept 2026 · 24 min
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" actually look like? And what do you do when the approach isn't going according…
Ep 383 Pilots Are Getting Hired! How to Win at RTAG 2026
14 Sept 2026 · 1 h 01
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 military experience into career opportunities across the industry. Joshua shares…
Ep 382 Desire: A Pilot's Career Hack
10 Sept 2026 · 15 min
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 path to the major airlines, success takes more than talent. Whether you're a…
Ep 381 The Logbook Mistakes Pilots Need to Know About
7 Sept 2026 · 41 min
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 digital logbooks, ADS-B and FAA data can simplify flight logging while helping…
Ep 380 Speaking Into People. Be the Positive Change.
3 Sept 2026 · 14 min
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 building people up, not tearing them down. Discover how small, intentional…
Ep 379 LPA 2026: Amazing Career Opportunities in Aviation and Aerospace
31 Aug 2026 · 42 min
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 discuss airline recruiting, scholarships, mentorship, and the growing need for…
Ep 378 OBAP '26 The Path to American Airlines from Somone Who Knows!
27 Aug 2026 · 32 min
Alan Johnson, Vice President of Flight Operations at American Airlines, joins us for an inspiring conversation on aviation, leadership, and career growth. Alan shares his perspective on pilot hiring, interview preparation, mentorship, and what it really takes to build a career at a major airline.…