Are you concerned about the current state of the aviation industry? Tune in as we discuss how these challenges can be opportunities for your personal and professional growth. Whether you're going to flight school or contemplating your next career move, this episode offers encouragement and practical advice to help you navigate these turbulent times.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE   Strategies to enhance your aviation career during industry slowdowns   How to remain competitive and marketable in the aviation job market   Managing career transitions and the importance of continuous learning and certification   Coping mechanisms and strategies for pilots facing furloughs or job uncertainty   Maintaining mental health and resilience during career challenges     RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED   Ready 4 Pushback: Ep05: Inertia | Don't Just Sit There!!   LinkedIn     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!  

Ep137: Furloughs: Keep Calm and Pilot on!

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.

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This episode delves into the critical yet often overlooked aspect of a pilot's career—medical certification. From navigating the FAA's stringent medical requirements to exploring backup career plans within the aviation sector, Nik provides a roadmap for pilots facing medical uncertainties. So tune in for practical tips to safeguard their careers against unforeseen medical challenges!   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE   Understanding the FAA medical certification process and its impact on your flying career   Steps to take immediately if facing a potential loss of medical certification   How to manage and navigate the recovery and appeal process with the FAA   Career alternatives within aviation if flying is no longer possible   Ways to mentally and financially prepare for the possibility of losing your medical certificate     RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED   Get a Medical Certificate | Federal Aviation Administration   LinkedIn     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!

Ep141: Lose This - You Won't Fly. The #1 Most Important thing for a Pilot

In a sky where dreams have no borders, Fredy Garcia Alvarez chats with us to share the soaring aspirations of immigrants in aviation. Uncover your flight path to success, from scholarships to essential pilot abilities and overcoming delays in this enriching journey above the clouds. Every moment is a step towards achieving your highest ambitions in the skies, so tune in!   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE   Challenges immigrants face pursuing an aviation career   Scholarships to apply for to afford flight school costs   A practical skill aspiring pilots must have   How to overcome delays in achieving your aviation dreams   Reasons to check in with your lawyer when signing contracts     RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED   AeroGuard Flight Training Center   Southwest Airlines   American Airlines   Sanders Aviation   Mesa Airlines   Latino Pilots Association     ABOUT FREDY GARCIA ALVAREZ Fredy is a Republic Airlines captain and is considered the youngest airline captain in the United States.   CONNECT WITH FREDY   Website: Republic Airways    LinkedIn: Fredy Garcia Alvarez     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 704-717-9300 ext 120 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.

Ep140: A pilots journey to the youngest airline captain: scholarships, challenges, and finding success!

With a candid look at listener feedback and the operational hurdles facing airlines, we explore the resilience required in today’s aviation professionals. Dial in as we emphasize the importance of adapting to industry fluctuations, offer advice on handling periods of less flight activity, and encourage pilots to remain engaged and proactive in managing their careers.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE   Effective ways to address and benefit from listener feedback   Insights into United Airlines' strategic decisions regarding pilot employment and furloughs   Ways to stay proactive and career-focused during industry slowdowns   Importance of building and maintaining connections within the aviation industry   Strategies for personal and professional development amidst industry uncertainties     RESOURCE/LINK MENTIONED    2454. The Railway Labor Act (RLA)     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!  

Ep139: Tune In, This Show is Yours

Navigating a career transition is a universal challenge, yet specific frameworks can assist in overcoming obstacles. In this episode, James Maune, who successfully transitioned from being a lawyer to an aviator, leads us through the complexities of juggling work, family, and school. Discover effective strategies that’ll propel you toward a successful professional aviation career.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE   Actionable tips to balance work, family, and pilot training   Reasons to train in major airlines as a pilot   How to leverage your network to prepare for an aviation interview    Expert advice on how to become a professional pilot     RESOURCE/LINK MENTIONED   RTAG     ABOUT JAMES MAUNE James is an airline transport pilot and a lawyer. He was selected as SuperLawyer's rising star in San Diego in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. His practice focuses on drafting and prosecuting patent applications in the US and abroad. His practice includes complex patent infringement litigation cases in federal district courts, post-grant review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), trademark prosecution, and ex parte review proceedings. He then transitioned to a career as a professional aviator: airline transport pilot (ME), 1st class medical, and FCC Radio Operator's License.   CONNECT WITH JAMES   Website: American Airlines | Kilpatrick Townsend   LinkedIn: James Maune     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 704-717-9300 ext 120 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.

Ep137: Furloughs: Keep Calm and Pilot on!

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