Ready 4 Pushback

Recorded live at the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) convention, this episode features two powerful conversations that shine a light on the global and deeply personal sides of aviation. First, Nik speaks with Captain Saurabh Chauksey, a 737 check airman for Air India. Saurabh shares his unique path from flight training in the U.S. to flying for one of India’s fastest-growing carriers. He offers insight into India’s rap...

In this solo show, Nik shares a personal story from the flight line that highlights how small actions—like picking up a misplaced safety cone—can reflect who you are as a pilot. That simple moment led to a reflection on discipline, habits, and what it really means to build trust and professionalism in aviation. Drawing on the wisdom of Aristotle, Nik breaks down why success as a pilot comes from what you do every day—not just when ...

Welcome back! In this episode, Nik talks with Jim Schilling, a passionate aviator, law enforcement professional, and host of the Flying Midwest and Fly the Transition podcasts. Jim shares how he built a meaningful aviation career outside the airlines by combining his flying goals with a full-time job and a love for storytelling. Jim talks about getting started in aviation after serving in the Air Force, why he’s pursuing his CFI de...

In this solo episode, Nik talks about the trap that many aspiring and current pilots fall into: waiting. Waiting for the perfect time, the right opportunity, or for someone else to take the lead. Inspired by a reading of Oh, The Places You’ll Go! to his kids, Nik reflects on how easy it is to get stuck in “The Waiting Place” — and why it’s time to move.

Nik shares a personal story of loss that reminds us just how short life can be ...

Welcome back! In this special episode, guest host and fellow Spitfire Elite coach, Jason Batchelor, "JB", records live interviews from the Professional Asian Pilot's Association Convention floor in Las Vegas, NV. You'll hear honest, unscripted conversations with aspiring aviators—some just days into their airline journey, others preparing for a major transition after decades of military service. From rapid interview timelines to na...

Flying a fully loaded 757 with shifting weather and unexpected system faults isn’t the kind of day any pilot hopes for—but sometimes, it’s the one you get. In this solo episode, Nik shares a real-life flight that became a case study in slowing down, resetting, and leaning on your team. He walks us through a recent scenario that started with a simple maintenance issue during taxi-out but escalated into a near runway incursion. It’s ...

In this episode, Nik welcomes Kenny Hyman back to the podcast. The last time we heard from Kenny, he had just interviewed with American Airlines. Now, three years later, he’s flying the Airbus and full of perspective on how life has changed since leaving the military and the regionals behind. Nik and Kenny dig into everything from training and culture to contracts and cockpit challenges. Kenny shares what it was like transitioning ...

In this solo episode, Nik shares a story about what it takes to succeed in today's competitive airline hiring environment. Sparked by a text from a friend and fellow Citadel alum who just landed an airline interview after years of hard work, Nik reflects on the mindset, preparation, and sacrifice required to stand out and seize the opportunity of a lifetime. Whether you're just beginning your aviation journey or you're deep in the ...

You won't want to miss this tale of heroism and calm under pressure! In this episode, Nik sits back and lets Colonel (Retired) Scott “Vapor” Walsh share his experience as a young Marine Harrier pilot who was shot down behind enemy lines, his recovery process, and his return to flying. He also discusses his transition from military aviation to a career as a commercial airline captain and instructor. This episode provides insight int...

In this solo episode, Nik dives into one of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of building a career in aviation - impact. Whether you’re a student pilot, CFI, or trying to move up to the majors, the question is the same: What separates you from everyone else? Nik shares a story about a young pilot named Will who took action, stepped into leadership, and created real value in his community. His decision to start a new...

Nik is back! In this episode, he sits down with Cherry Kan—an international student and first-generation pilot whose aviation journey is anything but ordinary. With grit, community support, and relentless resourcefulness, Cherry has paved her own way into the flight deck. Like many aspiring pilots, Cherry faced the financial challenges of flight training and earning her ratings. She overcame those hurdles by diving deep into aviati...