Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you...Sir Nik Fialka.

In this episode, hosts discuss recent industry changes, logbook best practices, and strategies for aspiring pilots navigating the airline application process. Featuring insights from Nik Fialka, a seasoned pilot and host of Ready for Pushback, the conversation offers practical advice on time logging, application timing, and contingency planning.00:00 The Importance of Accurate Logbooks01:00 The Role of Rumors in Aviation07:07 Clarifying Logbook Practices14:12 Contingency Planning in Aviation Careers28:17 The Importance of Proper Documentation29:01 Navigating Logbooks: A Personal Journey30:57 The Legalities of Flight Time Logging33:48 Understanding Logbook Requirements36:51 The Value of Digital Logbooks38:29 Best Practices for Flight Time Documentation40:40 Attention to Detail in Aviation42:34 Cross-Country Flight Time Logging44:27 Logging Night Flight Time53:13 Understanding Turbine Time in Aviation55:46 Logging PIC Time Effectively01:00:10 When to Apply for Airline Positions

Happy New Year! Our first episode of the year is Landon catching up with Dan. Dan was on another podcast episode 8 months ago where him and Sam went from zero to A320 type complete in only 7 months! This episode goes over where Dan is now, why he made the decisions he made, and how you can strategize to ensure your career is one that fits best for you.

Guests: Cameron Kenning & Eddie Erdmann, Flex Air

In this episode, Landon speaks with Cameron and Eddie from Flex Air, a veteran-focused aviation training organization offering SkillBridge opportunities, A&P pipelines, and flight training programs. Both guests share their transition stories, the structure of Flex Air’s mentorship model, and realistic insights on the aviation industry for maintainers and pilots alike.  

Whether you’re a crew chief thinking about becoming an A&P, a service member preparing for SkillBridge, or a veteran exploring pilot training, this episode delivers clarity, encouragement, and real-world guidance.

A veteran-centric approach focused on flexibility, mentorship, and real opportunity—not just flight hours.  

CFIs, base managers, and veteran mentors work together to support students through aviation training and transition.  

Flex Air has placed orders for all-electric trainers and discusses what this means for pilots and mechanics.  

Flex Air’s recent wins, including:

• AOPA Best Flight School (Pacific Region)

• Textron Top Flight School, receiving a brand-new 2025 Cessna 172

  These honors reflect training quality and student satisfaction.  

How crew chiefs and other aviation MOSs convert military experience toward an FAA A&P certificate:

• 8610 authorization

• Experience gap training (recips, magnetos, sheet metal, fabric, etc.)

• Hands-on apprenticeship under Cameron

• 10-day prep course for written/oral/practical exams

  Funding options discussed (COOL, VR&E, etc.).  

Flexible schedules around medical appointments, family needs, and out-processing.

Even partial SkillBridge participation can accelerate your transition significantly.  

Breakdown of:

• Rotor Transition Program (fast multi-engine track)

• Zero-time to commercial pilot pathway

• Fleet overview (Cessna 172s, G1000-equipped aircraft, Beech Travel Air)

• 141 vs. 61 options and how Flex Air helps track your time requirements.  

Flex Air proactively books checkrides ~6 weeks out, helping students avoid the nationwide DPE bottleneck.  

Discussion includes:

• The projected AMP shortage through 2028

• Increased cert numbers for separating military maintainers

• Pilot hiring cycles and long-term opportunity

• Why now is still the right time to train if aviation is your goal.  

Notable alumni—like Tim Kirschbaugh and Jason Duvernay—who trained at Flex Air and now fly for legacy carriers.  

• “Veterans are extremely coachable and take critique better than almost anyone.”

• “Flex Air’s measure of success isn’t hours flown—it’s opportunities created.”

• “SkillBridge isn’t about completing everything; it’s about gaining a massive head start.”

• “There is no A&P slowdown. The industry needs maintainers more than ever.”

• “Pilot hiring is cyclical—train now and be ready for the next surge.”

For SkillBridge, A&P pathways, flight training, or general transition guidance, Flex Air offers tailored support for veterans at every stage.

🎙️ Breakturn Podcast – Inside Delta Professional Services (DPS) & ATP-CTP Training

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Breakturn team visits Delta HQ in Atlanta to sit down with Rochelle Kanianthra (General Manager, Atlanta Operations) and Jim Leonard (ATP-CTP Instructor, former Marine Corps and Delta pilot). Together, they dive deep into Delta Professional Services (DPS), the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP), and what makes DPS’s program unique for transitioning military and civilian pilots.From insider perspectives on airline training, to GI Bill benefits, simulator experiences, and new scholarship opportunities, this episode is packed with value for anyone looking to advance their aviation career.

👥 Guests

Jim Leonard – Retired Marine aviator, 23-year Delta captain, now leading ATP-CTP academics and simulator instruction at DPS.

Rochelle Kanianthra – General Manager, Atlanta Operations at DPS, overseeing ATP-CTP and Delta client support.

🗣️ Key Topics & Timestamps

Time Topic

3:40 What is DPS? Overview of Delta Professional Services

6:10 Course breakdown: 4 days of ground school + 3 days simulator

13:00 Unique benefits of DPS’s program vs other schools

17:40 Letters of recommendation for Delta applicants

23:00 Military transitions, hiring outlook, and the value of ATP-CTP

24:30 GI Bill acceptance & VA liaison support

33:30 Scholarship announcements – two ATP-CTP scholarships at RTAG

39:20 How to apply, class scheduling, and connecting with DPS

💡 Major Takeaways

• ATP-CTP is mandatory for anyone pursuing their ATP certificate; DPS offers a robust version enriched by real-world airline experience.

• DPS stands out with Delta campus access, daily leadership briefings, simulator depth, and direct exposure to airline culture.

• Military-friendly: DPS accepts GI Bill benefits and provides tailored support through a VA liaison.

• Scholarship opportunities: DPS partnered with Breakturn Foundation to provide two fully funded ATP-CTP scholarships for veterans.

• Career insight: Attending at DPS offers not only training, but also a chance to preview airline life and culture.

📌 Resources & Links

• DPS Aviation Services Website – Course calendar, application, and program details

• Breakturn Foundation – Scholarships, veteran support, and resources

• Join Breakturn Academy – Free resource hub for veterans in aviation

📢 Call to Action

If you’re a veteran, military pilot, or civilian aviator looking to transition into the airlines, now is the time to get your ATP-CTP knocked out. Explore DPS’s program, apply for scholarships, and take advantage of the support network offered through Breakturn.

Follow Breakturn on LinkedIn and YouTube, and share this episode with a fellow aviator who’s preparing for the next step in their career!

In this episode, retired Army aviator Shawn Longwell shares his journey from Blackhawk crew chief to Apache pilot, then to leading Little Birds in the elite 160th SOAR before transitioning into civilian aviation. He talks about moving into Helicopter EMS, the challenges of single-pilot IFR flying, and how timing and persistence led him through JetBlue’s Rotor Transition Program to the airlines, where he now flies the A320/321. Shawn reflects on the lessons of adapting to new roles, balancing family in career decisions, and the importance of networking, timing, and humility in aviation transitions.

Rising Demand: The Crucial Role of A&P Mechanics in Aviation

In this episode, we explore the increasing need for A&P mechanics in the aviation industry. Join us as we discuss the factors driving this demand, the opportunities available for skilled mechanics, and how the industry is evolving to meet these challenges.

Key Topics:

- The current state of the aviation industry and its reliance on A&P mechanics

- Insights from industry experts on the future of aviation maintenance

- How aspiring mechanics can enter and thrive in this growing field

- The impact of technology and innovation on aviation maintenance

Guest Speaker: Dustin Foote, a former Blackhawk maintainer, shares his journey from military service to a successful civilian career in aviation maintenance.

Subscribe to our podcast for more insights into the aviation industry and the opportunities it presents.

www.Breakturn.com

Zero-to-Type in 7 Months: An Unconventional Flight Training JourneySam and Dan embarked on an ambitious flight training path, starting with zero ratings or hours in airplanes and obtaining all their ratings, including an A320 type rating, in just 7 months. They achieved this remarkable feat while still serving active duty and with minimal personal cost.Discover the strategies and key concepts that made their accelerated journey possible:-- The Power of a Buddy and Networking: Sam and Dan emphasize doing this journey with a partner and the critical role of networking, both for navigating training challenges and connecting with people in the airline industry. -- Planning and Backplanning: Their journey began with a plan, backplanned from the requirements to be eligible for an ATP certificate. They decided against waiting until the end of their military service to start training, opting to mitigate risk early by investing in themselves and seeing if they even enjoyed flying airplanes.-- Mitigating Risk Early: Essential first steps include getting a Class One medical and taking a discovery flight to see if flying is something you like.-- Leveraging SkillBridge: A key motivation for their timeline was the opportunity to fly jets through a SkillBridge program, getting a foot in the door with a 135 carrier before fully separating from service.-- The Importance of Showing Up Prepared: Attending conferences like RTAG with credentials like a CTP written complete was a strategic advantage, making them more competitive and encouraging airlines to talk to them. They accelerated their timeline specifically to be ready for RTAG.-- Navigating Commercial Rating Paths: Learn about their differing decisions regarding the single-engine commercial rating – one skipped it for speed and efficiency, applying hours towards multi-engine and PIC time, while the other pursued it to use GI Bill benefits and log PIC hours. -- Creative Time Building: Hear how they synchronized flights using safety pilots to legally log PIC and cross-country time simultaneously, effectively cutting costs in half and making hours go further. They even used the planes as "ferry birds" for time building.-- ATP Paths: Explore the two main ways to get your ATP: in a light twin or in conjunction with a type rating. Getting a type rating can provide simulator hours that count towards the 50 multi-engine hour requirement, potentially saving money compared to building those hours in a light twin.-- Preparing for the Type Rating: Significant preparation is required before starting a type rating course, including completing the CPAT computer-based training and memorizing emergency procedures and limitations. Resources like One-step prep were instrumental for understanding systems and procedures.-- Normalizing Failure: Dan bravely shares his experience of failing his first type rating check ride maneuver, highlighting the pressure and nerves even experienced aviators face. The conversation underscores that making mistakes is normal on the journey to becoming an expert and can even provide powerful stories about overcoming adversity.-- Seek Counsel and Adapt: The pilot market environment changes, emphasizing the need to seek current counsel from experts like Breakturn counselors and be ready to adapt your plan.-- The Value of a Type Rating: While some say types don't matter, having one serves as a discriminator, showing prospective employers that you are trainable and have "done the thing" in a jet simulator.-- Action Beats Deliberation: The overarching theme is that starting movement and taking action, even small steps, is essential to achieving your goals.Sam and Dan's story is an inspiring example of leveraging resources, strategic planning, and taking decisive action to achieve a seemingly impossible goal.They also discuss the importance of learning civilian interview skills.

From Hueys to the Flight Deck: Daniel O’Neil’s 32-Month Journey from USMC to ATP

This week on BreakTurn, Landon sits down with Daniel O’Neil, a Marine Corps veteran who pulled off something truly exceptional: earning his Unrestricted ATP and A320 type rating in just 32 months—all while on active duty.

Daniel’s story isn’t just about logging hours. It’s about intentional decision-making, raw discipline, time mastery, and a deep-rooted “why” that kept him driving forward, even when it meant studying at 1 a.m. after a full day in uniform. From recruiting duty in Texas to flying Hueys in Camp Pendleton, Daniel shares how family, resilience, and a chance billboard shaped his transition from Marine to professional aviator.

Whether you’re E2A, E2C, a current service member, or just looking for real talk on what it takes to radically change your path—this one is for you.

🎧 In This Episode:

• 00:00 – Intro and the viral RTAG post that caught our attention

• 01:30 – Daniel’s USMC background and how recruiting duty shaped his passion for helping others

• 05:00 – A pivotal CrossFit garage convo with his wife that flipped the switch

• 10:00 – Why flying again became the answer and how a literal billboard started it all

• 20:00 – Study habits, CFI prep, and how to squeeze 8 hours out of your “free” time

• 30:00 – Fighting burnout: the cost of ambition and the importance of family buy-in

• 38:00 – Deployment reflections, flying in Okinawa, and the power of finding your “why”

• 47:00 – Strategic time building, schedule design, and maximizing the GI Bill

• 55:00 – Why Daniel chose to pursue a type rating in the Airbus A320

• 1:15:00 – Staying grounded through pressure and what’s next for Daniel

• 1:28:00 – Daniel’s final advice: win the day, don’t end on a zero, and break your goals into battle rhythms

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Action beats deliberation—schedule it, and make it real

• Know your “why” and let it drive every decision

• Communication with your family isn’t optional—it’s critical

• If you want it bad enough, you will make time

• Use your network, lean into your community, and never end your day on a zero

📱 Connect with Daniel:

• LinkedIn: ⁠Daniel O’Neil ⁠

• RTAG Community: Active member—DMs open!

• ⁠Facebook Page⁠🎓 Resources Mentioned:

• ⁠Ready For Pushback Podcast ⁠(Shoutout to Nick!)

• BreakTurn’s Online Courseware for Vets → ⁠The BreakTurn Academy⁠

• Understanding Part 61 vs. Part 141

• Delta Training Center for ATP-CTP

• ATP Jets | Dallas, TX

• Avenger Flight Group

• AeroGuard Flight School (San Diego)

• Okinawa Aero Club

🎉 Thanks for Listening!

We appreciate you tuning in to another episode of BreakTurn. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—and share this episode with anyone navigating the military-to-aviation pipeline.

✈️ Until next time—stay sharp, stay grounded, and keep turning toward your next break.

Episode Summary: In this episode, Landon from BreakTurn interviews Nick McMillan from Delta Tech Ops to discuss the A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) certification and career opportunities for transitioning service members. Nick explains that A&P mechanics are certified to work on anything that flies, including airplanes, helicopters, and spacecraft. He highlights that military maintenance personnel possess valuable problem-solving skills that are highly sought after in the civilian aviation industry.

The episode covers:

• The differences between military and commercial aviation maintenance.
• The various career paths available with an A&P certification, including opportunities in cruise ships, trains, roller coasters, and even Tesla.
• The high demand and potential for six-figure jobs in the field.
• Benefits of A&P jobs, including health benefits, 401k plans, and travel benefits.
• How to obtain an A&P certification through schools, mentorship programs, or military experience.
• The steps involved in the certification process, including written, oral, and practical exams.

Nick emphasizes that the A&P certification provides a versatile skill set applicable to numerous industries, ensuring job security and opportunities for career advancement. He encourages military members to explore A&P careers and take advantage of available resources to obtain their certifications. The episode aims to educate and inspire viewers to consider A&P careers, highlighting the value and potential of this skilled trade.

Are You Willing to Be Uncomfortable to Achieve Your Dream Aviation Career? | BreakTurn Podcast