Ready 4 Pushback

Ep 258: Behind Enemy Lines: A Desert Storm Combat Story You Won't Believe!


Listen Later

You won't want to miss this tale of heroism and calm under pressure! In this episode, Nik sits back and lets Colonel (Retired) Scott “Vapor” Walsh share his experience as a young Marine Harrier pilot who was shot down behind enemy lines, his recovery process, and his return to flying. He also discusses his transition from military aviation to a career as a commercial airline captain and instructor. This episode provides insight into the challenges faced during combat, injury, and recovery, as well as the decisions involved in moving from military to civilian flying. Vapor reflects on leadership, resilience, and the importance of finding balance between career demands and personal life.

What You'll Learn:

The political environment that led to the U.S. involvement in Desert Storm

What it's like to eject from a badly damaged aircraft and survive behind enemy lines

How mindset and determination play a role in determining the outcome of a difficult situation

Practical considerations when transitioning from military to commercial aviation 

The importance of choosing a career path that fits personal priorities Insights into life after military service and continuing to contribute to the aviation community 

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 #flightschool #aviationschool #scholarship #aviationscholarship #desertstorm #marinelife #marine #marines #fighterpilot

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Ready 4 PushbackBy Nik Fialka

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

745 ratings


More shows like Ready 4 Pushback

View all
The Finer Points - Aviation Podcast by Jason Miller

The Finer Points - Aviation Podcast

375 Listeners

Airplane Geeks Podcast by Airplane Geeks

Airplane Geeks Podcast

391 Listeners

AOPA Never Again by AOPA

AOPA Never Again

225 Listeners

Airline Pilot Guy - Aviation Podcast by Capt Jeff

Airline Pilot Guy - Aviation Podcast

643 Listeners

Aviation Careers Podcast by Carl Valeri

Aviation Careers Podcast

241 Listeners

Hangar Talk - An Aviation Podcast by AOPA

Hangar Talk - An Aviation Podcast

107 Listeners

Pilot to Pilot by Justin Siems

Pilot to Pilot

923 Listeners

Aviation News Talk – Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News by Max Trescott | Aviation News Talk Network

Aviation News Talk – Pilot Stories, Safety Tips & General Aviation News

765 Listeners

"There I was..." An Aviation Podcast by AOPA Air Safety Institute

"There I was..." An Aviation Podcast

292 Listeners

Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk by Air Traffic Talk

Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk

909 Listeners

21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast by 21Five Podcast

21.FIVE - Professional Pilots Podcast

324 Listeners

Ask the A&Ps by AOPA

Ask the A&Ps

247 Listeners

I Learned About Flying From That by Flying Magazine

I Learned About Flying From That

182 Listeners

Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's by Sporty's Pilot Shop

Pilot's Discretion from Sporty's

152 Listeners

Pilot’s Portfolio by Timothy P. Pope, CFP®

Pilot’s Portfolio

21 Listeners