Ready 4 Pushback is an amazing podcast! Nik delivers useful and up-to-date information on navigating an aviation career. His interviews with industry leaders are insightful and his solo episodes are inspirational with practical messages. All the while, he creates a welcoming and approachable environment while being relatable. Nik and his team go to great lengths to help pilots and their families make the best decisions they can. Some of the episodes are so good that I listen to them multiple times. If you’re a current or aspiring pilot who enjoys podcasts, you must listen to Ready 4 Pushback!

Always look forward to listening to Sir Nik and his guests. As a career military pilot jumping into the 121 world, I take away something from every episode. BZ!

Nik does a fantastic job! His shows are relevant and he comes off as genuinely wanting to help others out. Listen and learn!

This podcast provides timely and relevant information for pilots at all levels. The guests provide insight into places I would not normally get. Keep up the great work!

Nick does a great job with this show. I really enjoy it. My favorite to date is understanding the inner workings of AQP. I advise any aspiring pilot to subscribe to this show.

Show is incredibly informative and inspirational. Nik is so positive and encouraging. So many great episodes, especially love the Verso L'Alto episode and message!

I recently found your podcast over on Spotify. Absolutely FANTASTIC podcast. I’ve been going back and listening to all of them… eventually. First off the amount of information is mind blowing. Your Guests are amazing. You have so much experience and do a great job at communicating. I also love that your daughter does the intro. There are a bunch of podcasts that have good content BUT sound like they are recording in a moving car, tin can or in an airplane at 35k feet. Makes them hard to listen too. Your podcast comes through crystal clear. I started flying back in the 90’s when I was in my 20’s. In August of 2001 I sent my application into Airline training academy in Orlando Florida. 1 month later 9/11 happened. I paid the $100,000 to Airline Training Academy (ATA) and in December of that year I moved to Orlando to start my training. The years before 9/11 ATA as it was called, was a ‘feeder’ school for a bunch of regionals and 90% or more were hired immediately upon graduation. Well in 2002 I showed up for my commercial multi prep flight, my CMEL test was scheduled for the day after, and on the door was a letter stating that ATA had gone out of business. Bankrupt!!! They took all the money we had paid and left us with little to no recourse. 23 years later, in my mid 40’s now, I’m looking into getting back into the air. Anyway keep up the great work. I’ll be listening!! Thank you!!

Have learned so much from listening to this. I am only working in my PPL at the moment but man is this show enlightening

There is always a wide range of interviews and very relevant advice! Keep up the good work!

Nik is excellent and he is on top of the industry trends. If he doesn’t know something he’ll point you to where to get the information. This has been a great resource to me in navigating the hiring process.

I have been listening to this podcast since the beginning and must say it is amazing. No matter where you’re at in your pilot career you will learn something.

This show is an amazing resource for anyone in the aviation business, but especially those seeking employment or newly employed in the airlines. Keep it up Nik!

I began the pursuit of a career in aviation 2 years ago. I knew nothing. Now, I’m a CFI in the hour building phase. I end every day having learned 25 new things. I also end everyday finding 50 things I didn’t know that I SHOULD know. It’s been interesting. Considering it’s such a “club” I’ve had to really network for information about how to conduct myself and how to be a good pilot. Although I only found this podcast a few days ago, I’ve listened to quite a few episodes. It’s been super helpful!! Thank you.

I must say, I have listened to a lot of podcast in my day, but this one by far has exceeded my expectations. Nik provides great detail and insights into several aspects of commercial line flying and aviation as a whole. I’m always enthusiastic every time a new podcast is published. He’s a great source of motivation and data!

Awesome show! Nik shows things that can sometimes seem lacking in the airline job prep field; compassion and understanding. I love how he provides positive motivation for those on the fence about the possibility of this career.

This podcast is not only informational but inspirational as well! Nik’s interviews and solo episodes provide insight and advice to people just starting out in the aviation field as well as to those who already have years of aviation experience looking to level up. Thanks Nik!

Sir Nik always has great insight and wisdom in aviation and in life. I highly recommend listing to him and all of his guests.

Nik! I look forward to your shows every week and I appreciate your humble and down-to-earth values. There’s no doubt that you and your team are the best in the business, helping pilots from all backgrounds arrive at their destination airline. Thank you so much for taking the time to produce quality content. I hope to shake your hand at a convention in the near future. Take care! - Tony

It’s taken me far too long to figure out how to write a review on here but alas, I figured it out. This show bursts with positivity and makes you want to go out and conquer the world. Nik has a knack for being able to connect with you, Pilot, making each episode feel like he and his guests are having a direct conversation with you. I’ve enjoyed every episode and can’t recommend it enough! Listen up and spread the word! Thank you, Nik, for all the great energy, and information that you are providing to this community!!

Great show for anyone pursuing (or currently enjoying) 121 or 135 flying!

I have been listening to this podcast for about a year now and so glad I have found it. The timeliness of the subjects is almost eerie as to how relevant it is. I have gleaned more information on aviation careers, the state of the industry, and how to be just be a genuine person from Sir Nik Fialka than I have anywhere else. I wish I could give this podcast 10 stars.

This Pod is a Tool you should add to your toolbox. I see it as a way to keep my fresh and up to date with the industry, while learning new skills from a seasoned aviator and airline pilot. Which i think is key as a young pilot with aspirations of having a long aviation career. Aside from that the podcast is entertaining and great for a 30-40 min driving commute.

Just finished Episode 138. I'm also finishing another career, 25 years in the fire service, after starting in professional aviation and switching careers for family considerations. As I near my retirement date and my mid 50's I'd really like to return to flying for a living. This episode gave me a ton of good info, and the inspiration that a change in careers back to aviation is indeed a possibility.

Love the show!

Nik has got his finger on the pulse and a cool head on his shoulders. His guests are always relevant and informative. He never wastes time, and gives the professional pilot community the information we need in turbulent times.

Ready4Pushback is a fantastic listen for those new to aviation and the aviation veterans. Nik’s combination of insightful and relevant interviews pair greatly with his solo shows about a range of pertinent topics. His connections across the industry, including non-profits and interview/application prep, are priceless and make this a key addition to your podcast playlist.

I’ve been listening for about 8 months and really have enjoyed the content and information. All aspiring airline pilots need to check it out!

Sir Nik’s podcast is an awesome way to spend 15-20 minutes. Whether you are a widebody captain at a legacy or just curious about the professional pilot career, this is a great choice.

Highly recommend this podcast for anyone looking to become a professional pilot. Great info for anyone starting out as well looking for timely advice and current trends as you interview start and find your forever destination of choice.

Nik serves as SME for aviation in multiple modalities. He has a captivating personality that translates well into Ready 4 Pushback. Highly recommend!

This pod cast is helpful in learning more about the Airline industry and interview topics/process.

I’ve listened to almost every episode of this podcast and let me tell you, there’s a ton of great information in every single one of them. I’m a retired military helicopter pilot but this show is great for all folks interested in making a jump to become a professional pilot. Give it a listen and share it with your friends. They will be so impressed that you found such an awesome podcast.

Wow. A week and nearly 80 episodes in and I can’t get enough Ready 4 Pushback. Nik and his team have created an environment for discussing not only the ins-and-outs of professional aviation, but also the impact of service, the power of mentorship, and paying it forward to those following in your footsteps. While this is undoubtedly the pinnacle podcast available for those pursuing the pilot dream, it takes a wholistic approach to the aeronautical industry so that no path and no stone remains unturned. He literally has something for everyone. Thanks Nik and the Spitfire team for creating such an incredible resource and dynamic discussion-space!

Hi Nik Been following your podcast for a while now and really enjoy it. My company recently went out of business (ACMI) and now we are facing the daunting process of applying to other companies. Not sure if it has been mentioned before on some previous podcast but can you offer some insight on the Regionals and the cargo/feeder operations side of the industry? Thanks!

Ia lot of useful information on this podcast. I am ready to start my Spitfire Elite journey. Thanks a lot.

This podcast is gold mine for information, especially for lowly military rotor-heads trying to figure out how to play civilian jet guy. Thanks for the work and effort Nik!

Hi Nik , My name is Stuart and just wanted to say I really enjoy your show, especially while sitting airport standby in Miami. I think you bring a lot of value to people in the industry and your guests are terrific, and give people lots of ideas and pointers. Trying to leverage my experience to get to the legacy of my choice currently. I recently came back to Flying as a E1 75 captain, after doing 13 years of Atc. It would be great to chat sometime.

The go to podcast for pilots looking to make the transition to the airline/corporate side. Also has a lot of good information for anyone considering a job transition or preparing for interviews.

I’m so impressed by the amount of useful content on this podcast. I can’t wait to start my Spitfire Elite journey. Thanks R4P! -MM

Outstanding show for the aspiring pilot. Thanks for everything you do for the community, Nik.

Very informative and entertaining.

Amazing show! Really breaks down all of the questions one may have, especially those making the transition from the Military. Helps keep us all on track. Thanks for the encouraging and informative content!

Excellent podcast for learning the industry landscape. Great source of information and motivation regarding preparation for airline applications and interviews.

Nik and his guests are a huge gift to us in the aviation world. Not just a good aviation podcast but a great “life” podcast as well.

Ready-4-Pushback and Nik “Nutt” Fialka, is a go-to and must-listen for pilots wanting a career in the big leagues. Nik’s expert guidance on hiring processes, etiquette, best practices, and professional expectations within the industry equips listeners with invaluable tools to navigate their careers and excel in the competitive aviation field. BL: Don’t skip this podcast if you want to be a professional pilot!

Rodden your mental horizon with Nik and his guests. A must listen podcast for those involved in the airline industry.

Love this podcast!

Not that good, just seems like a “self help” podcast. Ignores the hurtles at United such as massive furlough every other year due to their poor financial position. Most recently this month with voluntary furloughs (call it what they are).

The best podcast for Aviation career insights and guidance! Very informative, interesting guests and great content! Keep up the great work! We truly appreciate what are you laying down!!!

Nik does an amazing job providing updates and information on the current airline market. However, the true value of the show is his character and approach. His positivity is infectious and improves both knowledge and attitudes. Keep brining the episodes Nik, we will keep listening - and getting 1% better each day.