Ready 4 Pushback

• Ep 249 It's Hard to See the Road...When You're On It

  In this solo episode, host Nik Fialka reflects on the perseverance, purpose, and the long journey to becoming a professional pilot. Drawing inspiration from the grueling 21-day stage races of professional cycling like the Tour de France, Nik dives deep into what it means to keep going, even when the finish line feels out of reach. Whether you're buried in flight school, grinding it out at the regionals, or facing setbacks that make your goals seem distant, this is the reminder you didn’t know you needed. Success in aviation, like in cycling, is about showing up daily, staying consistent, and investing in yourself—especially when it's hard. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why the pilot journey is a marathon, not a sprint—and why that’s okay How to navigate the feeling of being “stuck” in your aviation progress The importance of trusting your process and pacing your progress How to manage fatigue and mental burnout during long aviation seasons Why real relationships—not just transactional ones—can shape your career The value of rest, refueling, and staying mentally and physically healthy How daily incremental effort pays off in the long haul  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 “R4P2025” 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 [email protected], 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. 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. Big Rock - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/   #Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment

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• Ep 248 Flight Plan Interrupted: A Midlife Journey from Runway to Recovery

  GO FUND ME: https://gofund.me/bf973f3f In this emotional and motivating episode, host Nik Fialka welcomes Trent Dyrsmid—known to many from "Fly With Trent"—to share his remarkable journey from entrepreneur to regional airline pilot. At 53, Trent boldly changed careers, completed an accelerated flight training program, and built a dedicated online following by documenting his aviation transformation. But just as he was on the brink of completing airline training, Trent was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that abruptly grounded his flying. In this candid conversation, Trent reflects on building his aviation career later in life, the mindset needed to tackle accelerated training, and the unexpected health battle that forced him to step away from the flight deck. Trent’s optimism, resilience, and love for aviation shine throughout this powerful story. Whether you're chasing your pilot dreams or facing life’s turbulence, this episode will both inspire and move you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to transition from entrepreneur to airline pilot in under two years Why age isn’t a barrier to starting an aviation career The power of accelerated flight training and how to make it work for you The pros and cons of flight schools vs. independent CFIs How mindset and mental health play critical roles in navigating major life challenges The vital support of family and the aviation community during personal hardship How you can support Trent’s road to recovery  GO FUND ME: https://gofund.me/bf973f3f 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 “R4P2025” 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 [email protected], 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. 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.  #Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #cancer #cancerawareness #cancertreatment #cancersurvivor #cancersupport #flywithtrent

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• Ep 247 Suck Your Thumb or Get After It!

  Host Nik Fialka shares a motivational solo episode, challenging pilots to take control of their aviation careers by becoming action-takers rather than sitting back and feeling discouraged. Drawing inspiration from a conversation with Tron Williams, Nik emphasizes the power of consistent effort, courage, and embracing discomfort to achieve success in aviation. Whether you're striving for your first flying job or aiming for a captain’s seat, this episode is a wake-up call to take ownership of your goals and start making incremental gains. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why being a “doer” is important in aviation How taking action, even in small ways, leads to major progress The dangers of comfort and excuses in career growth Why courage is built through action, not waiting How successful pilots embrace discomfort to achieve greatness Why making excuses can stall your progress How to build confidence through failure, learning, and repetition  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 “R4P2025” 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 [email protected], 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. 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. Big Rock - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment

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• Ep. 246 Fit to Fly: A Pilot’s Guide to Fitness and Nutrition

  Host Nik Fialka sits down with Lashea Bacon, founder of Mile High Health Club, to explore the often-overlooked topic of pilot wellness. As both an airline pilot and certified personal trainer, Lashea shares her mission to bridge the gap between aviation and sustainable health by helping pilots build better habits—both on the road and at home. From fitness and nutrition to cognition and mental clarity, Lashea breaks down how even small health changes can lead to major improvements in pilot performance, safety, and longevity. Whether you’re a student pilot trying to stay sharp or a seasoned pro looking to regain energy and focus, this episode is packed with actionable advice, personal insights, and pilot-specific strategies to help you take command of your health.  https://milehighhealthclub.life/ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why fitness, nutrition, and habit-building matter for pilots at every stage of their careers How early fitness habits pay dividends throughout a pilot's career Strategies for staying consistent with workouts and meals while commuting or on the road The physiological benefits of exercise on memory, decision-making, and learning How alcohol impairs muscle repair, oxygen absorption, and cognitive function Why “healthier” drink options aren’t as harmless as they seem How understanding protein, carbs, and fats can empower smarter dietary choices 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 “R4P2025” 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 [email protected], 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. 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. Big Rock - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment

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• Ep 245 Life is Great...Chaos: Thriving in an Unpredictable World

  In this solo episode, host Nik Fialka dives into the unavoidable chaos of life and aviation, exploring how embracing unpredictability can lead to personal and professional growth. From messy kitchens to turbulent skies, Nik shares how facing challenges head-on not only builds resilience but also sharpens your focus, helping you become a better pilot and person. Tune in for a motivating pep talk that will inspire you to thrive in the midst of life’s inevitable storms. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why chaos is a natural part of life and a sign of being truly alive How adversity and unpredictability drive growth, both personally and professionally  Why facing challenges is crucial for becoming a better pilot How to stay focused and make clear decisions in chaotic situations Why embracing chaos helps you adapt and overcome obstacles in aviation and beyond 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 “R4P2025” 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 [email protected], 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. 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. Big Rock - Take the Lead by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ #Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment

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