Ep. 291 Fly Higher with Dream Builders
Ready 4 Pushback
Nik Fialka
4.8 • 716 Ratings
🗓️ 23 October 2025
⏱️ 9 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
In this extended deep-dive, Nik sits down with former Blue Angel and Marine Corps F/A-18 pilot Brandon Cordill for a fascinating look into the world of one of aviation’s most elite teams. From combat deployments over Afghanistan to the grueling Blue Angels selection process and life on the road, Brandon brings you into the cockpit — and behind the curtain — of precision flying at its highest level. Hear what it takes to get selected, the challenges of the 40-pound stick, and the reality of balancing family with 310 days a year on the road. This episode isn’t just about flying — it’s about excellence, humility, and the relentless pursuit of mastery.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Life Before the Blues Becoming a Blue Angel
The Pressure and Precision Life as a Blue Angel Beyond the Blues
Whether you're a student pilot or a senior captain, Brandon's story is a masterclass in discipline, humility, and purpose.
Behind every perfect diamond formation is a relentless pursuit of improvement -- and a deep respect for the people who make it happen.
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.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hey, pilot, welcome to Ready for Pushback, another solo show. Let's talk about building your dream. |
| 0:09.4 | It all started as a spark. Maybe it was the sound of jets racing across the sky. |
| 0:17.2 | Or the feeling of your heart racing as you watch Crop Duster flying low and slow. |
| 0:23.1 | Even then, you knew you were meant to fly. |
| 0:27.1 | For pilots, it's more than just a job. |
| 0:29.8 | It's a calling. |
| 0:31.6 | The early mornings, the long hours, the relentless training, |
| 0:36.0 | you didn't do it for the money. |
| 0:39.9 | You did it for that moment. That moment when the wheels lift off and the earth falls away beneath you. But flying is just the |
| 0:45.6 | beginning. The journey to your dream job takes more than just skill in the sky. It takes strategy |
| 0:51.2 | on the ground and a lifetime of learning. Most pilots don't understand what career opportunities are available in the world of aviation. |
| 1:00.0 | Learn how to go from good to great, from flight school to regional to major, and from hopeful to hired. |
| 1:08.0 | Whether you're sharpening your skills, building your resume, |
| 1:11.8 | or preparing for that big interview. |
| 1:14.1 | This is where pilots come to level up. |
| 1:16.7 | Let's get ready for pushback. |
| 1:18.8 | Here's your host and my dad, Nick Fialca. |
| 1:22.6 | The other day I was flying and I had a jumpseater and this guy was the most sad sack negative Nancy |
| 1:29.9 | you ever met and it drove me crazy for about two hours flew this guy to his house and golly |
| 1:36.1 | Moses I was so glad to have that that flight over and then later on in the day I'm doing my |
| 1:42.6 | thing listen in a podcast and I start listening to the |
| 1:46.1 | Ready Room podcast with Hunter Scott, really cool podcast. Check it out if you haven't. But he said a |
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