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.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 25
- Latest publication
- Sep 23, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 7, 2026
Latest episodes
Ep 389 The Power of the Pilot Network (opens the original)
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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 fellow pilots at industry conferences, Haley shares why building genuine connections can shape your career long after the flight is over. They explore why the pilots around you aren't just fellow appli
Ep 388 Be Ready to Pivot (opens the original)
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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 airline, it's protecting your career and the people who depend on you. Listen to this episode and make sure you're prepared to make your next move before you're forced to. CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to
Ep 385 United Airlines Pilot Hiring: What Recruiters REALLY Look For in 2026 (opens the original)
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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 your opportunities. From applications and meet-and-greets to networking, interviews, and simply being yourself, this conversation is packed with insight for pilots chasing an airline career. Whether you're
Ep 384 When You're a Pilot, You've Gotta Have a Plan (opens the original)
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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 to plan? We break down the mindset and decision making that can keep you ahead of the airplane, give you more margin, and help you recognize when it's time to stop trying to make an approach work. This e
Ep 383 Pilots Are Getting Hired! How to Win at RTAG 2026 (opens the original)
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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 practical strategies for hiring, networking, mentorship, preparation, and making the most of every conversation at RTAG. From walking the convention floor to staying ready for unexpected opportunities, this
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