Ready 4 Pushback

Episode 271 Hot Day, Hard Decisions


Listen Later

In this solo episode, Nik talks about a tough day at work when a broken APU and hot brake warning forced him to make the hard call to refuse an aircraft right before takeoff. He shares what happened behind the scenes—from managing the rising cabin temperature to coordinating with maintenance and keeping passengers informed.

Nik explains why it's so important to speak up, trust your judgment, and make safety the top priority—even when it’s uncomfortable or causes delays. If you're training or already flying, this episode is a reminder that being a pilot means making tough calls and leading with confidence and care.

What You'll Learn:

How to recognize when an aircraft issue crosses the line from inconvenience to safety concern

Why communication and empathy matter—especially when passengers are frustrated

The process and pressure behind refusing an aircraft in an airline operation

How tough decisions build your confidence and credibility as a pilot

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.

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Ready 4 PushbackBy Nik Fialka

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