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
Ep217: Earning your ATP and Type Rating: The Preparation, the Challenges and Keys to Success
Ep216 - Following Wes’s Journey: From Setbacks to Success on the Path to Becoming an Airline Pilot
Ep215 Tragedy and Reflection: Honoring the PSA Crew and Cherishing Those Around Us
The aviation industry was shaken by the recent PSA Airlines accident involving a military helicopter, leaving many with concerns and deep sadness for the families affected. In this episode, N…
Episode 214 - Breaking Through the Clouds: How to Stand Out as a Pilot
Summary:
What does it take to not just become a pilot, but to truly excel and make a difference in the aviation world? In this episode Nik explores the key strategies for breaking out and standing o…
Episode 213 - Behind the Scenes of Flight Operations: Harry Yi’s Path from National Guard Pilot to Dispatcher
How do you balance a love for flying with a desire for more family time? In this episode, Harry Yi, a Medivac helicopter pilot in the National Guard, shares his journey to becoming an airline dispatc…
Episode 211 - YES: It makes the world work.
Join Nik as he goes deep into the power of words. On your road to success you’ll have plenty of No’s. Everytime you turn around it seems like no one will say yes. You’ll find people telling you that …
You can't miss it! 2025 Pilot Hiring Update recorded 1-15-25. Nik takes questions live online.
2025 is going to be full of ups and downs. Today Nik Fialka answers live questions from pilots who joined on our live webinar originally recorded on January 15, 2025. Special guest, Adam Uhan from th…
Episode 210: The Pilot Network Helps Pilots Thrive. Elevating Aviation Careers Through the Power of Networking.
SUMMARY
How can a simple idea transform the aviation industry? In this episode, Adam Uhan, founder of The Pilot Network (TPN), www.thepilotnetwork.com, shares how his journey to find answers about ai…
Ep 209: Ace Your Airline Interview: Build Confidence Through Reps and Preparation
Nik talks with Jared Weiss from Hire Up, a subsidiary of Wheels Up. You'll learn how the Hire Up process works to place qualified pilots in exciting aviation opportunities. (Episode 208)
In Episode 208, Nik talks with Jared Weiss from Hire Up, a subsidiary of Wheels Up. You'll learn how the Hire Up process works to place qualified pilots in exciting aviation opportunities.
CONNECT WI…
Leadership. It Starts with Preflight Planning. (Episode 207)
Every day when we fly, we're presented with opportunities. No matter who you are flying with, you have the power to set the tone from the start. Today Nik shares his experience with passengers from …
Ep206: Master Cultural Differences in the Cockpit to Build Stronger Flight Teams
Embark on an inspiring journey with pilot Michael Loswijk as he shares his unique path through global aviation, from flying across continents to starting an airline in Suriname. Along the way, Michae…
Ep205: Luck Favors the Prepared: Embrace the Power of Readiness in Aviation
Do you want to know why some pilots seem "lucky" while others struggle to advance? This episode uncovers how preparation and readiness open doors, even when you least expect it. From building vital s…
Ep204: What It Takes to Succeed in Combat Search and Rescue
Ever wonder what it takes to fly into danger to save lives? In this episode, Nik Fialka sits down with Reese, an Air Force Combat Search and Rescue pilot, to reveal the high-stakes world of aerial re…
Ep203: Step-by-Step to Your Dream Job: How to Prepare for Your Aviation Future
Do you want to hear the inspiring story of a young pilot with big dreams exploring what it truly takes to reach your aviation goals? From overcoming challenges to building resilience, we offer action…
Ep202: Skywriting Success and Student Pilot Perspectives with Marshall Sherman
Aviation student Marshall Sherman isn’t just logging flight hours—he’s turning heads with sky-high creativity and redefining how to stand out in a crowded industry. In this episode, he shares the sur…
Ep201: Aviation Success Secrets: Why Grit and Persistence Outshine Talent
In this episode, we’ll dive into the true mindset needed to achieve your aviation dreams, drawing parallels between the persistence of daily training and the journey to becoming a top pilot. Are you …
Ep200: Life After Navy Aviation: Chris and Whitney Robare’s Guide to Civilian Pilot Careers
Navy pilot Chris Robare and his aviation professional wife, Whitney, share their insights on navigating the complex transition from military to civilian aviation. From budget planning on a single inc…
Ep199: Fly Smarter, Not Harder: Prepare to Handle the Unexpected
When the unexpected hits mid-flight, preparation becomes everything. In this episode, we’ll dive into why understanding your aircraft and mastering emergency procedures is essential for staying calm …
Ep198: Land Your Dream Airline: Noah Smith’s Blueprint to the Big Leagues
As the pilot shortage landscape continues to shift, Noah Smith offers insights into the strategies he and his fellow flight instructors are employing to remain competitive. From exploring opportuniti…