Ep. 292 Flying 18 Inches Apart: Inside the Blue Angels with Brandon Cordill
Ready 4 Pushback
Nik Fialka
4.8 • 716 Ratings
🗓️ 27 October 2025
⏱️ 70 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
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hey, pilot, welcome back to Ready for Pushback. I'm Nick Fialca. Today's conversation is |
| 0:07.7 | everything Blue Angels. I am talking to Mr. Brandon Cordill, who was a former team member, |
| 0:14.6 | and it is a nice, long episode, and we talk what it was like trying out for the team what it was like being |
| 0:23.0 | on the team what selection was like and then what it was like after being on the team it's a nice |
| 0:28.7 | long episode i thought it was so interesting he was very gracious to spend his time with me and |
| 0:34.9 | i just i want to give you guys a heads up when I had a tree fall in my house |
| 0:40.2 | and there was, the dudes were cutting the tree off of the house. It's like right over the podcast |
| 0:45.1 | studio. So during the episode, you might hear some background noise of a chainsaw and the, |
| 0:50.2 | and the chipper and all that stuff. So apologies, but I just wanted to make sure I got this |
| 0:54.6 | recorded because it's such a great episode. So there you go. Sit back, relax. Let's get ready |
| 1:01.1 | for pushback. It all started as a spark. Maybe it was the sound of jets racing across the sky. |
| 1:10.3 | Or the feeling of your heart racing as you |
| 1:12.6 | watch Crop Duster flying low and slow. Even then, you knew you were meant to fly. For pilots, |
| 1:21.6 | it's more than just a job. It's a calling. The early mornings, the long hours, the relentless training, you didn't do it |
| 1:30.1 | for the money. You did it for that moment. That moment when the wheels lift off and the earth |
| 1:35.4 | falls away beneath you. But flying is just the beginning. The journey to your dream job takes |
| 1:41.5 | more than just skill in the sky. It takes strategy on the ground |
| 1:45.2 | and a lifetime of learning. Most pilots don't understand what career opportunities are available |
| 1:52.1 | in the world of aviation. Learn how to go from good to great, from flight school to regional |
| 1:58.1 | to major, and from hopeful to to hired whether you're sharpening your |
| 2:03.3 | skills building your resume or preparing for that big interview this is where pilots come to level up |
| 2:09.7 | let's get ready for pushback here's your host and my dad nick fialca all. Brandon Cordill, what's up, my man? |
... |
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