Ready 4 Pushback
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!
- Update frequency
- every 3 days
- Average duration
- 27 minutes
- Episodes
- 279
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Ep 238 Time-Building, Failure, and Focus: One Pilot's Real Journey
In this candid and motivating episode, Nik Fialka sits down with Tyler Wyman, a bartender and aspiring pilot who is carving his own path through flight training and time-building, without the backing…
Ep 237 Just Keep Swimming: Navigating Uncertainty Without Losing Sight of the Dream
In this episode of Ready for Pushback, host Nik Fialka reflects on a recent conversation with a close friend who’s battling the fear and uncertainty of possible failure. Nik draws parallels to his ow…
EP 235: The Life-Changing Aviation Camp That’s Transforming the Industry!
In this episode, we sit down with flight instructor and dedicated volunteer Sarah Bauermeister to discuss her journey in aviation and her passionate involvement with PreFlight Camp. Sarah shares insi…
Ep 234. Practice Makes Permanent: The Secret to Flying, Training, and Interviewing
Welcome back to Ready for Pushback! Today, Nick Fialka dives into a game-changing insight from Spitfire coach Jason Batchelor: "Practice Makes Permanent." Whether you're in flight training, preparing…
EP 233: Pilots, Don’t Ignore This! The Medical Battle That Almost Ended a Career
Former Army Black Hawk pilot and airline captain Ross McClure shares his deeply personal story of struggling with a back injury that nearly ended his flying career. After an incident involving a lasi…
EP 232. Pilot Career Survival Guide: Smart Strategies for Your Pilot Career
Ep 231: Stop Making These Resume Mistakes: Hiring Hacks from an Industry Recruiter
Struggling to get hired as a pilot? In this episode, Ralyn Wheeler shares her journey from estate management to aviation and her role as a Part 135 pilot recruiter. She dives into what recruiters act…
Ep 230: Stop Flying on Autopilot! Take Control of Your Aviation Future
Ep 229: Mastering the Skies: Phillip Cooke’s passion for aviation and Flight Simulators
Phillip Cooke, a pilot for Air Transport International (ATI), shares his journey from flight simulation enthusiast to professional aviator. Growing up with a passion for aviation, inspired by his fat…
Want to be a more successful and inspire others? Start leading like this!
In this episode, we explore the power of humility in leadership—how standing with others rather than above them transforms teams, fosters growth, and creates lasting success. True leadership isn’t ab…
Justin Ritter, United Airlines Chief of Hiring, explains how to get hired in 2025!
In this episode, we sit down with Justin Ritter, United Airlines' Chief of Hiring, to uncover exactly what it takes to land a pilot job at United in 2025. Justin shares insider hiring trends, competi…
EP 227: Behind the Scenes of Metro Aviation’s Air Ambulance Operations with Director John Vance
Ep226: Run Your Own Race: Why Comparing Yourself Holds You Back
Aviation hiring can feel overwhelming, especially in a competitive market. But comparing yourself to others won’t help—you need to focus on your own progress and path. In this episode, Nik breaks dow…
Ep 225: Chasing the Dream: How Tom Pinit Built His Career One Flight at a Time
Tom Pinit’s path to becoming a pilot was anything but conventional. As the son of Thai immigrants, he grew up believing he couldn’t be a pilot due to vision requirements. After working in corporate c…
Ep224: Your Aviation Future Depends on It: How to Prepare and Ask Questions That Matter
Ep222. Military to Civilian Aviation: Building Your Career with the Right Strategy
Leaving the military and stepping into the aviation industry can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you can make the transition smoother and more successful. In this episode, we break down…
Ep221: From Pakistan’s Skies to U.S. Airways: Talal’s unstoppable determination in Aviation
Ep220: The Best Route to Becoming a Pilot: Training Paths, ATP Requirements, and Career Considerations
Ep219 : ATP-CTP and Type Ratings: How Flight Training International Prepares You for Success
