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My Mistake

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Manage episode 504346881 series 3439827
Content provided by Nik Fialka. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Nik Fialka or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this solo episode, Nik records live from OBAP 2025 and opens up about one of the biggest mistakes of his aviation career: letting entitlement and frustration hold him back. After transitioning from Navy helicopters to the airlines, Nik admits he carried the wrong attitude—expecting opportunities to come quickly instead of putting in the work. That mindset not only stalled his career growth but also bled into his home life and relationships.

It wasn’t until a blunt conversation with a senior airline leader that he realized the truth: nothing in aviation is owed to you. Every step must be earned. In this episode, Nik reflects on how that wake-up call reshaped his perspective and why humility, effort, and character matter more than hours or résumés. Whether you’re new to the industry or chasing your dream job at a major, this story is a reminder to check your attitude, keep grinding, and focus on becoming the pilot and professional others want to hire—and fly with.

What You'll Learn:

The biggest mistake Nik made early in his airline career—and the lesson it taught him

Why entitlement can stall your progress, even if you have the hours and experience

How shifting your perspective can open doors and make you a better teammate

The importance of humility, effort, and character in building your career

Why no matter your background—military, regional, 135, or overseas—nothing is guaranteed in aviation

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.

#Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #flightschool #aviationschool #pilotcareer #pilotlife #pilot

  continue reading

286 episodes

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My Mistake

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Manage episode 504346881 series 3439827
Content provided by Nik Fialka. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Nik Fialka or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

In this solo episode, Nik records live from OBAP 2025 and opens up about one of the biggest mistakes of his aviation career: letting entitlement and frustration hold him back. After transitioning from Navy helicopters to the airlines, Nik admits he carried the wrong attitude—expecting opportunities to come quickly instead of putting in the work. That mindset not only stalled his career growth but also bled into his home life and relationships.

It wasn’t until a blunt conversation with a senior airline leader that he realized the truth: nothing in aviation is owed to you. Every step must be earned. In this episode, Nik reflects on how that wake-up call reshaped his perspective and why humility, effort, and character matter more than hours or résumés. Whether you’re new to the industry or chasing your dream job at a major, this story is a reminder to check your attitude, keep grinding, and focus on becoming the pilot and professional others want to hire—and fly with.

What You'll Learn:

The biggest mistake Nik made early in his airline career—and the lesson it taught him

Why entitlement can stall your progress, even if you have the hours and experience

How shifting your perspective can open doors and make you a better teammate

The importance of humility, effort, and character in building your career

Why no matter your background—military, regional, 135, or overseas—nothing is guaranteed in aviation

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.

#Aviation #AviationCareers #aviationcrew #AviationJobs #AviationLeadership #AviationEducation #AviationOpportunities #AviationPodcast #AirlinePilot #AirlineJobs #AirlineInterviewPrep #flying #flyingtips #PilotDevelopment #PilotFinance #pilotcareer #pilottips #pilotcareertips #PilotExperience #pilotcaptain #PilotTraining #PilotSuccess #pilotpodcast #PilotPreparation #Pilotrecruitment #flightschool #aviationschool #pilotcareer #pilotlife #pilot

  continue reading

286 episodes

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