Ready 4 Pushback

By: Nik Fialka
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  • Summary

  • 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!
    2022
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Career Success Economics
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Episodes
  • Ep204: What It Takes to Succeed in Combat Search and Rescue

    Ep204: What It Takes to Succeed in Combat Search and Rescue
    Dec 23 2024
    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 rescues—where precision, preparation, and bravery turn chaos into calm. Hear heart-stopping stories of daring missions, high-altitude hoists, and the relentless training behind them. Get an inside look at the sacrifices and teamwork that define one of aviation’s most heroic roles. Ready to explore the bravery behind the green feet? Tune in and be inspired by these extraordinary tales! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE Why mastering high-altitude, high-risk maneuvers is crucial for every rescue pilot How combat search and rescue missions redefine the meaning of "no-fail" operations What it takes to coordinate aerial refueling and rescue missions in the world’s harshest environments The untold stories of teamwork and ingenuity behind civilian and combat rescue missions How situational awareness and clear communication transform chaos into successful rescues The meaning behind the green feet: A symbol of unity and commitment in rescue missions RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED Harborview Medical Center in Seattle | UW Medicine Air Force ROTC Behind Enemy Lines (2001) The Guardian (2006) Fill a Bucket by Carol McCloud and Katherine Martin | Hardcover and Paperback Russell Wilson Inside Combat Rescue - National Geographic Channel ABOUT REESE FUTRELL Reese Futrell is a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Combat Search and Rescue pilot with over 1,900 flight hours, including 130+ in combat. As an Aircraft Commander and instructor, he excels in high-stakes missions like aerial refueling, low-level flight, mountainous rescues, and Alternate Insertion/Extraction techniques. A graduate of Central Washington University, Reese is also a Civil Air Patrol pilot and STEM speaker dedicated to inspiring the next generation of aviators. As a husband and father of two, he’s passionate about advancing his aviation career while sharing his love of flight with others. CONNECT WITH REESE LinkedIn: Reese Futrell 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 be a 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 ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ 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.
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    55 mins
  • Ep203: Step-by-Step to Your Dream Job: How to Prepare for Your Aviation Future

    Ep203: Step-by-Step to Your Dream Job: How to Prepare for Your Aviation Future
    Dec 19 2024

    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 actionable advice for aspiring pilots on staying the course, even when the journey gets tough. This episode is a call to focus on each step, invest in the right skills, and keep pushing forward. Listen in now to discover how!


    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

    • How to embrace the journey and turn everyday challenges into career-defining moments

    • The essential role of networking in creating career opportunities in aviation

    • Practical steps to develop leadership skills that set you apart from other pilots

    • Why keeping a detailed and accurate flight log is crucial for long-term success

    • Tips to overcome setbacks and keep your mindset focused on your ultimate goals

    • How to visualize your "one-day" moment and keep working toward it every step of the way



    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 ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ 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.
    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • Ep202: Skywriting Success and Student Pilot Perspectives with Marshall Sherman

    Ep202: Skywriting Success and Student Pilot Perspectives with Marshall Sherman
    Dec 16 2024

    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 surprising steps that took him from student pilot to viral sensation and the bold moves that keep him on course toward his dream airline career. Ready to take your aviation journey to new heights? Listen in and be inspired to think bigger and bolder.


    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE

    • Why critical thinking is essential for aspiring pilots and how it shapes flight training

    • Insights into the Envoy Cadet Program and the pathway from cadet to airline pilot

    • How relational networking makes you stand out in aviation

    • Tips for navigating technical interviews and preparing for life as a commercial pilot

    • Marshall’s approach to balancing family responsibilities with his aviation dreams


    RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED

    • Cadet Program – Envoy Air

    • RTAG

    • Google Earth

    • ForeFlight

    • Live ATC

    ABOUT MARSHALL SHERMAN

    Marshall is a driven student pilot and flight instructor based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, currently completing his last credit at Liberty University. As a cadet in the Envoy Air Cadet Program, he’s gaining valuable hours toward his aviation career, flying an experimental aircraft he acquired to help build his experience more efficiently. Known in aviation circles for his ingenuity, Marshall went viral after creating a skywritten ADS-B track of the Envoy logo.

    A former software engineer, Marshall’s journey to becoming a commercial pilot reflects his deep commitment to aviation and his dedication to creating a balanced family life with his wife and three children.


    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 ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ 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.
    Show more Show less
    50 mins

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Profile Image for Marjorie

Awesome podcast

Awesome Podcast to give you insights into the airline industry. A one stop shop vice scrolling through pages of blogs to find the info you need. Thanks Nik for putting this all together for everyone!

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Profile Image for Robert C King

Very informative and entertaining

As a perspective student about to enter the world of aviation, I am really enjoying Nick’s insight and candor about the world of aviation. He pulls in guests from a wide range of backgrounds and areas of expertise. He is very down to earth and relatable. Please continue providing this service to current and upcoming pilots.

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Profile Image for gabriel barlow

Great Advice

I am a student at a university doing my flight training. I like to listen to this podcast on my way to school and back because it is such good information. Thanks for a great podcast.

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