The Pilot Network Podcast

By Adam UhanSociety & Culture Business Places & Travel Careers

The Pilot Network Podcast episodes

March 26 Aviation Career Pathways: Real Pilot Advice on Hiring, Networking, and Staying Ready
What does it really take to build a strong aviation career when the path ahead feels uncertain? In this episode, Adam opens with a heartfelt tribute to the pilots lost in the recent Jazz Aviation Flight 8646 incident, then shares a powerful collection of career advice from leaders across the industry. From American Airlines hiring tips and the value of submitting your application early, to Ivan Rodriguez’s bold jump from nursing to fractional flying, this episode shows that there is more than one way forward. You will also hear why defense contracting can be a smart option, how career strategy often matters more than raw qualifications, and why your job should never become your whole identity. It is a thoughtful, practical guide for pilots at every stage.
(0:19) Tribute to the pilots and the risks of aviation
(1:27) Quick Strike Checklist and application prep
(4:06) American Airlines hiring advice with Dena Payne-Smith
(6:06) Ivan Rodriguez’s nontraditional path into flying
(7:57) Defense contractor opportunities with Slim Morgan
(9:29) Why career strategy matters with James O’Neill
(11:38) Charlie Venema on career identity and resilience
(14:12) Final lessons on taking control of your career path
16 min
March 18 Choosing the System Over the Job
What if the biggest career mistake a pilot can make is choosing a job without understanding the system behind it? In this thoughtful solo episode, Adam opens with a heartfelt tribute to six fallen KC-135 crew members and reflects on the loss felt across the aviation community. From there, he shifts into a practical career lesson: stop asking only, “What job should I take?” and start asking, “What system am I entering?” He breaks that idea into three simple checks: flow, control, and durability. Adam explains why upgrade time, schedule flexibility, commuting, contracts, and training stability matter more than a flashy paycheck. This episode is a grounded, honest guide for pilots who want to make smarter career moves and avoid getting stuck in the wrong path.
Article about the crash: https://taskandpurpose.com/news/pentagon-identifies-airmen-iraq-kc-135/
If you have extra, here are the GoFundMe links:
Major Alex Klinner - https://www.gofundme.com/f/major-alex-klinner
Ariana Savino - https://www.gofundme.com/f/capt-ariana-savinos-honor-and-legacy
Ashley Pruitt - https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-ashley-pruitts-family-kmxke
Capt. Seth Koval - https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-capt-seth-kovals-legacy-and-family
Capt. Curtis Angst - https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-capt-curtis-angst-supporting-mary-and-his-legacy
(0:17) Tribute to the fallen KC-135 crew members
(2:33) Why pilots should think beyond the job title
(5:31) Flow: upgrade time, movement, and seniority
(12:18) Control: schedule flexibility, reserve life, and commuting
(17:21) Durability: downturns, contracts, and training stability
(21:45) The 1 to 5 scoring framework for smarter career decisions
26 min
March 11 From First Solo to Career Success: A Pilot’s Solo Career Path
What if the biggest mistakes in a pilot’s career could become your greatest shortcuts to success? In this episode of the Pilot Network Podcast, host Adam Uhan shares the honest story of his long and winding path into aviation. From barely graduating high school to joining Air Force ROTC, Adam explains how poor grades, missed chances, and delayed decisions shaped his journey. He talks about the mentors who helped him turn things around, the lessons learned in pilot training, and the opportunities he almost missed by waiting too long. Through real experiences, he reminds aspiring pilots that mistakes do not end your career. They can become powerful learning moments that lead to better choices and unexpected adventures in aviation.
(0:18) Adam introduces his unusual career path
(1:47) Graduating high school with no clear direction
(3:17) Visiting the Air Force recruiter and early setbacks
(5:28) Discovering Air Force ROTC at Marquette University
(7:45) Turning grades around with help from a mentor
(11:47) Important decisions before pilot training
(13:20) Struggles and breakthroughs during pilot training
(16:42) A major career mistake with military certification
(21:32) Rushing to get an ATP license later in his career
(24:41) Lessons from contract flying and cargo operations
(27:18) Getting hired at a major airline and reflecting on the journey
(28:16) Why mistakes can open doors to new opportunities in aviation
31 min
March 04 Career Pathways Aren’t Linear: How to Keep Moving When Aviation Gets Weird with Dave Jesurun
Feeling stuck in your aviation career and wondering what your next move should be? In this episode, host Adam Uhan sits down with Dave Jesurun to talk about real career pathways for pilots who feel behind. Dave shares his journey from Air Force Special Operations Command to building High Country Air Service in Albuquerque. They discuss practical steps pilots can take today to regain momentum, from building versatile experience to networking with the right people. The key message is simple: hours matter, but employers also value adaptability, initiative, and a strong story that shows commitment to aviation.
Dave Jesurun founded High Country Air Service in 2016, following a distinguished 24-year military career, spent primarily in Special Operations. He began his military career at the United States Air Force Academy in 1992, graduated in 1996 and was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force. After completing pilot training in the T-34C and T-44A (King Air C90) in 1998, Dave spent the next 4 years flying the C-130H. With experience in North/Central/South America, Europe, and the Middle East, Dave then transferred to Air Force Special Operations Command where he flew the AC-130H for nearly 7 years. A veteran of deployments to South America and Afghanistan, Dave was selected to attend the United States Air Force Weapons School, the Air Force's version of Top Gun. Upon graduation, he was then selected to return as a Weapons Instructor, teaching the best flight instructors and leaders in the Air Force to be more effective, more efficient, and more lethal.
Connect with Dave:
Web: https://highcountryairservice.com/home
Email: [email protected]
Join the Private TPN Community today: https://community.thepilotnetwork.org/
TPN - www.thepilotnetwork.com
(0:18) Career pathways, industry challenges, and guest introduction
(1:22) Versatility, storytelling, and credibility in aviation
(1:50) Dave Hesserun's background and military to civilian transition
(5:28) Operations at High Country Air Service
(7:10) Addressing concerns of low time and civilian pilots
(10:16) Options and advice for noncurrent and returning pilots
(15:34) Networking and experience in aviation career progression
(19:23) Mentorship and what employers seek in pilots
(25:12) Common career advancement mistakes and importance of CFI certification
(30:04) Identifying stepping stone vs. dead end jobs in aviation
(33:43) Role of hours and logbook maintenance in career progression
(37:26) Strategies for pilots feeling stuck and misconceptions
(41:22) Immediate actions to enhance pilot career prospects
46 min
February 25 Skill Stacking for Aviators: Build Capability, Not a Résumé
What if your “best day” skills could also show up on your worst day in the air? In this episode, Adam Uhan explains why skill stacking isn’t about racking up hours or collecting new ratings. It’s about building real capability that holds steady when weather turns, automation gets confusing, or the schedule goes sideways. He breaks skill stacking into four layers: solid stick-and-rudder control, smart systems and automation management, strong decision-making under pressure, and leadership that lifts the whole crew. The goal is simple: choose the next skill that raises your performance ceiling and your safety floor, so you stay calm, sharp, and trusted in any cockpit.
Links:
Join the Private TPN Community today: https://community.thepilotnetwork.org/
TPN - www.thepilotnetwork.com
Useful Skill links:
https://skybrary.aero/articles/threat-and-error-management-tem?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.faa.gov/regulationspolicies/handbooksmanuals/risk-management-handbook-faa-h-8083-2a
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/aviation_instructors_handbook/03_aih_chapter_1.pdf
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentid/1027328
https://nbaa.org/aircraft-operations/safety/in-flight-safety/loss-of-control-inflight/resources/
https://www.easa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/dfu/HE8.pdf
https://www.casa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-06/safety-behaviours-human-factor-for-pilots-8-threat-error-management.pdf
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/training/fits/training/runway_tem.pdf
(0:18) Skill stacking vs. collecting credentials
(2:22) The four-layer capability model
(3:41) Layer 1: Control and energy management
(15:19) Layer 2: Systems and automation management
(25:35) Layer 3: Mission execution and decision-making
(33:43) Layer 4: Leadership and standardization
(40:25) Three rules for building smart skill stacks
(49:58) Common traps that hurt pilot growth
(55:30) Final takeaways and community call to action
57 min
February 18 What’s Happening in Our World and How Skill Upgrades Can Fast-Track Your Aviation Career
In this episode, Adam hits pause on the monthly theme to give a behind-the-scenes recap of what’s been happening inside The Pilot Network and how smart skill upgrades can move your aviation career forward. From the powerful support shown to an older aspiring pilot to honest talk about timing, family pressures, and career pivots, this episode keeps it real. Adam shares his five-task productivity method, why verifying your study sources matters, and how to build structure like a true professional. He also covers Guard and Reserve hiring basics, common interview mistakes, networking strategies, and a quick update on ForeFlight. If you want clarity on your next move and a stronger edge in today’s aviation world, this recap will help you stay sharp and ready.
(1:39) Creating a positive, supportive pilot community
(2:53) Starting an aviation career later in life
(6:20) Treating flight training like a second career
(9:33) The five most important tasks method
(11:04) Verifying study materials and using source documents
(15:15) Becoming a competent, well-respected professional pilot
(16:15) ForeFlight updates and cross-platform tech skills
(19:06) Guard and Reserve hiring basics
(24:16) Interview mistakes that can cost you the job
(25:28) Why networking and in-person connection still matter
29 min
February 11 Smart Pilots, Dumb Mistakes: What 100 Safety Reports Taught One Airline Captain About Flying Safer with Jeffrey Madison
What if the smartest pilots are the ones willing to admit their dumbest mistakes? In this eye-opening episode of The Pilot Network Podcast, airline pilot and author Jeffrey James Madison shares how overconfidence, complacency, and fatigue often sneak into even the sharpest flight decks. From being inspired by Tuskegee Airmen at 35, to nearly running out of fuel for a friend’s dream plane, Jeffrey explains why learning from others’ mistakes can be just as powerful as your own experience. His book Yikes! captures 100 real pilot stories that could save lives—and funds the Victor Kilo Fund to help the next generation take flight.
Jeffrey’s humor, humility, and honesty make this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about flying safer and smarter.
What if the smartest pilots are the ones willing to admit their dumbest mistakes? In this eye-opening episode of The Pilot Network Podcast, airline pilot and author Jeffrey James Madison shares how overconfidence, complacency, and fatigue often sneak into even the sharpest flight decks. From being inspired by Tuskegee Airmen at 35, to nearly running out of fuel for a friend’s dream plane, Jeffrey explains why learning from others’ mistakes can be just as powerful as your own experience. His book Yikes! captures 100 real pilot stories that could save lives—and funds the Victor Kilo Fund to help the next generation take flight.
Madison’s humor, humility, and honesty make this episode a must-listen for anyone serious about flying safer and smarter.
About Jeffrey
Jeffrey is an airline pilot, aviation human factors safety SME, mentor pilot, and award-winning media professional with a reputation for making every team stronger. With over 25 years of experience in aviation—as an airline pilot, flight instructor, safety subject matter expert, and author—he combines technical skill with deep storytelling instincts.
Beyond the cockpit, Jeffrey is an award-winning creative director, producer, and writer. He’s also a veteran science journalist, prolific climate change reporter, and recognized thought leader in the climate space. As a trained Climate Reality Leader, he brings clarity and urgency to one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Whether hosting a podcast, moderating panels, anchoring coverage, or mentoring future professionals, Jeffrey is known for his empathy, collaborative spirit, and ability to explain complex ideas in a way that resonates. Simply put: he plays well with others—and helps others play even better.
Explore more about Jeffrey and his work at: https://www.jeffreymadison.com/
Connect with Jeffrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-madison-writer/
(1:06) – Jeffrey’s late start in aviation and meeting the Tuskegee Airmen
(2:08) – Writing Yikes! and launching the Victor Kilo Fund
(3:32) – What pilots misunderstand about human factors
(6:00) – What makes a “smart” pilot—and why they still mess up
(7:55) – Most common cause? Overconfidence
(15:53) – Normalization of deviance explained
(20:21) – Fatigue’s hidden impact (dehydration, dry air, food quality)
(30:00) – Real story: a master CFI almost runs out of fuel
(37:43) – Using NASA reports and humor to teach others
(41:00) – Why Victor Kilo Fund exists—and who it helps
(46:04) – The one habit Jeffrey recommends for every pilot: laugh at yourself
50 min
February 04 Why “Good Enough” Isn’t Good Enough Anymore: The Truth About Pilot Interview Prep with Bill Sims
What’s the one thing pilots consistently overlook that could make or break their dream job interview? In this episode, Adam talks with Bill Sims from Spitfire Elite about why communication is the core skill that impacts everything, from interviews to cockpit culture and even home life. They break down how real confidence comes from preparation, not performance, and how authenticity is far more powerful than a perfectly polished script. You’ll learn why relationships matter more than resumes, how to approach interviews like a pro athlete, and why some pilots unknowingly sabotage their chances by focusing on the wrong prep.
What’s the one thing pilots consistently overlook that could make or break their dream job interview? In this episode, Adam talks with Bill Sims from Spitfire Elite about why communication is the core skill that impacts everything, from interviews to cockpit culture and even home life. They break down how real confidence comes from preparation, not performance, and how authenticity is far more powerful than a perfectly polished script. You’ll learn why relationships matter more than resumes, how to approach interviews like a pro athlete, and why some pilots unknowingly sabotage their chances by focusing on the wrong prep.
Guest information:
Bill Sims’ love for interviewing began when he graduated from Florida State University landing 7 job offers including top consulting firms such as PWC, Arthur Andersen, and KPMG. He used his experience to teach the art of the interview to underclassmen at FSU and coached several students through the interview process.
After 2 years with PWC, Bill served in the Marines Corps for 12 years flying the F/A-18 Hornet. After receiving CJOs from 3 major airlines in 2014, he began teaching his techniques and sharing them with fellow pilots on the base. Bill has several years of experience teaching interviewing at live seminars, virtual webinars and 1 on 1 environments. He has individually helped thousands of job seekers land their dream jobs. In addition, he has trained dozens of others to teach the art of interviewing.\
Explore more about Bill and his team’s work at: https://spitfireelite.com/
Connect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamsims4/
This group intends to expand our pilot network and help us all in future endeavors; to “pay it forward’ as it were. With the aviation career field comes the unknown, and a good network is often the difference in sitting on the sidelines or getting into the game. Some of us have the job we want; many of us don’t yet. The Pilot Network gives us the chance to reconnect to old aviation colleagues, seek out new avenues within this great career, or just give a helping hand to those coming up in this vocation. We have grown to over 30,000 members and add more every day! We need to branch out: Facebook is only the beginning of the TPN platform. Stay tuned for big things! Whether you are a seasoned veteran with 10,000 hours or a newbie starting out, the right network can help you find your last job. Thank you and tailwinds!
Join the Private TPN Community today: https://community.thepilotnetwork.org/
(0:16) What interviewers really want
(1:52) Communication as the master skill
(4:03) Raising your personal and professional standards
(6:36) Getting uncomfortable to grow
(8:13) Real confidence vs calmness
(11:50) Interviewing like a pro athlete
(15:45) Biggest interview prep myths
(19:32) What makes a pilot “hireable”?
(22:44) Why you should never script your answers
(29:04) PBS as a communication tool
(36:45) Defining professionalism
(44:15) The most valuable skill to start building now
(48:13) Relationships that outlast résumés
(50:15) Final thoughts and staying plugged in
55 min
January 28 Let’s Close the Change Loop: How to Know If Your Life or Career Shift Is Actually Working
In this episode, Adam reflects on the January theme of change and shares why most people don't fail at change; they fail at evaluating it. He breaks down how personal and career shifts often feel uncomfortable not because they’re wrong, but because they reveal hidden gaps in our skills, systems, or habits. Using his own experiences of being the “new guy” multiple times throughout his career, Adam explains how waiting long enough to evaluate a change can lead to growth, clarity, and better decisions. He introduces a simple framework with three key questions to help determine whether a change is just painful or truly off course. Plus, Adam gives a preview of February’s theme, committing with intention, and how upgrading your skills fits into that next chapter. If you’re second-guessing your last big decision, this episode will help you reset, track progress, and stay the course.
In this episode, Adam reflects on the January theme of change and shares why most people don't fail at change; they fail at evaluating it. He breaks down how personal and career shifts often feel uncomfortable not because they’re wrong, but because they reveal hidden gaps in our skills, systems, or habits. Using his own experiences of being the “new guy” multiple times throughout his career, Adam explains how waiting long enough to evaluate a change can lead to growth, clarity, and better decisions. He introduces a simple framework with three key questions to help determine whether a change is just painful or truly off course. Plus, Adam gives a preview of February’s theme, committing with intention, and how upgrading your skills fits into that next chapter. If you’re second-guessing your last big decision, this episode will help you reset, track progress, and stay the course.
This group intends to expand our pilot network and help us all in future endeavors; to “pay it forward’ as it were. With the aviation career field comes the unknown, and a good network is often the difference in sitting on the sidelines or getting into the game. Some of us have the job we want; many of us don’t yet. The Pilot Network gives us the chance to reconnect to old aviation colleagues, seek out new avenues within this great career, or just give a helping hand to those coming up in this vocation. We have grown to over 30,000 members and add more every day! We need to branch out: Facebook is only the beginning of the TPN platform. Stay tuned for big things! Whether you are a seasoned veteran with 10,000 hours or a newbie starting out, the right network can help you find your last job. Thank you and tailwinds!
Join the Private TPN Community today: https://community.thepilotnetwork.org/
(1:14) Why most changes don’t fail—people just don’t evaluate them
(2:24) Pain vs. comfort: what it really means during change
(3:11) The three buckets: leading indicators, lagging indicators, and trajectory
(6:19) How timeframes impact our evaluation of success
(10:23) The danger of evaluating too early
(14:52) Adam’s story: Four major transitions and the challenges of being the “new guy”
(17:04) The system and habit gaps revealed through change
(19:00) Three key questions to ask before quitting or doubling down
(20:16) Preview of February’s theme: skill upgrades and intentional commitment
(21:03) Personal update: journaling success, guitar struggles, and productivity tips
(22:08) Closing thoughts: evaluation is the bridge to real progress
24 min
January 21 What No One Tells Pilots About Changing Careers with Nik Fialka
In this episode, Adam sits down with Nik Fialka, retired Navy helicopter pilot, major airline captain, host of Ready For Pushback, and co-founder of Spitfire Elite Interview Consulting. Nik shares his unconventional career path, hard-earned lessons from career pivots, and what pilots often get wrong about decision making, identity, and timing.
This conversation goes deep into analysis paralysis, the hidden costs of staying stuck, the responsibility that comes with having a platform in aviation, and why authenticity and engagement matter more than influence. Nik also delivers a strong and emotional take on aviation media ethics, accident commentary, and why pilots must think long term when making career and life decisions.
Whether you are transitioning from the military, considering a career pivot, preparing for airline hiring, or questioning your next move, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and hard truth from someone who has lived it.
In this episode, Adam sits down with Nik Fialka, retired Navy helicopter pilot, major airline captain, host of Ready For Pushback, and co-founder of Spitfire Elite Interview Consulting. Nik shares his unconventional career path, hard-earned lessons from career pivots, and what pilots often get wrong about decision making, identity, and timing.
This conversation goes deep into analysis paralysis, the hidden costs of staying stuck, the responsibility that comes with having a platform in aviation, and why authenticity and engagement matter more than influence. Nik also delivers a strong and emotional take on aviation media ethics, accident commentary, and why pilots must think long term when making career and life decisions.
Whether you are transitioning from the military, considering a career pivot, preparing for airline hiring, or questioning your next move, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and hard truth from someone who has lived it.
This group intends to expand our pilot network and help us all in future endeavors; to “pay it forward’ as it were. With the aviation career field comes the unknown, and a good network is often the difference in sitting on the sidelines or getting into the game. Some of us have the job we want; many of us don’t yet. The Pilot Network gives us the chance to reconnect to old aviation colleagues, seek out new avenues within this great career, or just give a helping hand to those coming up in this vocation. We have grown to over 30,00
(0:00) Introduction and Who is Nik Fialka?
(1:54) The Ready for Pushback podcast and its mission
(3:31) Building engagement and community in aviation, including women's involvement
(6:06) Addressing the gap in aviation knowledge through interviews
(8:30) Surprises and connections in the aviation podcasting community
(10:37) Value of military friendships in aviation transitions
(13:32) Discussing the need for air traffic control modernization
(17:15) Resilience and personal career challenges in the aviation industry
(20:37) The role of mentorship in aviation careers
(22:12) Overcoming analysis paralysis and unplanned career pivots
(29:45) Impact of career transitions on family life and balance
(33:32) Steps to overcoming career paralysis and identity changes
(39:00) Finding satisfaction in passenger engagement and airline roles
(41:45) Navigating podcast influence on personal conduct and authenticity
(47:05) The responsibility of aviation influencers and career advice
(50:29) Releasing accident videos and uninformed opinions on aviation incidents
(54:48) Learning from aviation mishaps for improved safety
(57:18) Advice for pilots on career transitions and challenges
(58:37) Encouraging risk-taking in aviation careers and promoting "Ready for Pushback"
(1:00:39) Importance of professional resumes, LinkedIn, and networking
(1:01:34) Closing remarks and The Pilot Network contact information
1 hr 3 min

About The Pilot Network Podcast

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A great network can mean the difference between a dream career and a job. For over 30,000 members, The Pilot Network reconnects colleagues, offers vital knowledge, and supports new professionals. Join…